"A traveler does not know where he is going, but a tourist does not know where he has been." -Global Gypsy
So I continue this journey into adulthood, trying to sort out my life. I have so much ambition and still seek the idealism taught in university. Though I realize that there is an enormous grey zone beyond this that makes up reality, I belive that harnessing this power of ambition is what drives society in any direction. I want to create a tidal wave that shakes the planet, where we no longer fear recession and the inability to buy unnecessary things, but rather seek satisfaction in the work we are passionate about.
We endure constant change in life and within ourselves, from that we are able to seek the treasures of this short life, and take those golden moments where others also find their passion. In any given moment each and every one of us can bring passion into our lives, and to the lives of others.
Perhaps Sheryl Crow said it best, "It's not having what you want, its wanting what you've got."
The more materialism you have, often the more difficult happiness becomes. I first learned this on my travels to Ecuador. Some of these people were the poorest I've ever met, and the happiest. From the time I've spent with a people from all walks of life, I find that those more down to earth are better in tune with themselves.
Commercials and advertising confuse us, selling not a product, but the idea that you can buy happiness when you purchase it. Beautiful people, cars, and clothing make us look better, happier right? This illusion is toxic to the American society, and makes us loose sight of what it really means to be happy.
I've found a transitional niche in life, I only work about 20 hours a week (If I'm Lucky). The rest of it I ended up volunteering to the surf club, climbing wall, environmental causes... and to friends. So I've managed to make my hobbies entirely inexpensive by investing time INTO them, not AT THEM. Perhaps its a fluke, but its the most rewarding job I'll never be paid for.
I find myself fighting to find balance in my own life, its so easy to follow main stream society. I suppose it comes down to values, find what you value most and build your life around it.
I want to give, to give everything and have nothing. People are everything, and I could never give enough to help someone find happiness in their own life, for good. We each have to take the steps towards our everyday happiness. It can be found anywhere, it's everywhere around us. Life is a roller-coaster, its time you enjoyed it!
These photos are from a bouldering trip with the Massey Alpine Club out at Lynn Hill. Many of the climbers have never climbed outdoors, never a better time to start!
