234 Days Ago....I Left Texas

"What have you learned about yourself?"

This is by far the most popular question asked of me. I've written about this countless times in my journals and pondered it while looking out of bus windows as I travel from place to place.

I know I am on this journey to learn something, to accomplish something, to create something! Of this I am certain! Time will tell if this certainty becomes a reality!

So what have I learned about myself? 3 things are at the top of my list...

1. I am essentially the same person I was back home. My foundation is the same. I still enjoy my alone time, I find myself happy at times, concerned at others. I still enjoy having a routine, whether it be a certain breakfast, exercise or writing, I enjoy accomplishing certain things daily. Yes, I still keep a daily to-do list! Somethings never change!

2. My confidence is high! I got off a plane in a country where I knew no one, I did not know the language nor was I familiar with the customs...and not only did I survive but I thrived. Therefore, I feel as though I can accomplish anything!

3. By deciding to live my dream, by deciding to change my path, by deciding to not wait for my dream to come to me...I have inspired others to do the same. I take the most satisfaction in this. I have proven to myself that the hardest part of accomplishing a dream the first step.

Let's take the analogy of getting in the pool. When I put in one foot at a time and try and go down the stairs, it takes forever. I get in as deep as my thighs and the coldness of the water convinces me to get out or to sit on the side with just my lower legs dangling in the water. However, when I dive-in completely, the water may be a little cold for a second or two, but by the time I come up from under, the water feels refreshing!

So does going after your dreams! It's refreshing! There is nothing like it! It's addictive...I've created several list of other dreams I have...and look forward to scratching them off just like I scratched off "Live in Rio de Janerio," "Go to Patagonia," "Become a Licensed Skydiver!"

So, what have I learned about myself? I've learned that sitting with my legs just dangling in the pool isn't going after my dreams at all. I've learned easing in one foot at a time is definitely not the route to my dreams either. I've learned that my life is what I decide to make of it. I can be the guy who takes off his shirt, walks over to the edge of the pool and jumps straight in without hesitation, or I can stumble around to the stairs and take it slow. The choice is mine.

Today in my journal I read a quote that really hit home for me:

"I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, [but] in what direction we are moving. To reach the port of [our dreams,] we must sail, sometimes with the wind, and sometimes against it, but we must sail, and not drift nor lie at anchor." Oliver W. Holmes, Jr.

I've decided I'm sailing and it's the best feeling in the world!