As time marches on, we homosapians are constantly changing... evolving if you may. Just like in chemistry, we are taught that a chemical reaction can be sped up in the presence of something scientist like to call a "catalyst." I've become cognizant as my life has continued on how the presence of certain people, situations, and environments can act as a catalyst to change. I've noticed that during periods of my life, when I was not open to change.... I myself didn't change. As we age our minds change and therefore our perception of the world changes, however, I don't think that this kind of change in ourselves is enough. I began to ponder what in my life has served as a catalyst to change. I concluded that every time that I travel, a modified me emerges. Interestingly enough, I don't realize that the change has occurred within myself until I have come home and rested my head on my own quiet pillow. You see, when we live our lives driving to the same job every day, working with the same people, eating the same food, and doing the same things in our spare time we rob ourselves of new information. We become stagnant, letting fear of the unknown drive our lives instead of the innate curiosity that lies within all of us. It becomes a rarity to encounter situations or ideas that make us question our stance in life and what we believe.
Every new realm that I visit, spits out a new revision of me much like a book that is being written. France brought out my inner feminine and taught me to embrace it. Italy unveiled the art of slowing down and savoring every simple moment. Ecuador reminded me that one is rich as long as they have the love of family. Peru, that this earth is not to be taken for granted. Turkey invited me to unveil how lucky I am to have the freedom to fly, dream, and pursue as well as any man.
Croatia opened my eyes to the beauty of self sufficiency and sustainability. Alaska made me aware of the earth that we have to protect. India taught me that I had so much to learn in regards to population density and what really defines a "humanitarian."
My point is this, when we close ourselves off to new experiences we are robbing ourselves of the catalyst that we need to become the people that we were intended to be. Fear should never be given the ability to define your fate. Open yourself up to new possibilities. Jump in the car and drive with no destination in mind. Meet people and ask them to tell you about their story. Hike a mountain and don't make any noise the entire time. Fly to different places in the world and observe instead of trying to morph the environment to your specifications. Read books that make you uncomfortable and force you to evaluate your ideals. Most importantly open your mind to the idea that change is not only important, it is damn right essential in not becoming stagnant. When you have opened your mind to this idea, don't forget to keep those eyes wide open because you have a lot to learn!
