“No one could possibly be happy if they acted against their better judgment. And he who knows how to achieve happiness will do so. Therefore, he who knows what is right will do right. Because why would anyone choose to be unhappy?”
— Socrates
Journey to India: A Soulful Adventure of Self-Discovery
As I prepared for departure, I was filled with anticipation. This was more than just a trip—it was the beginning of an adventure, a life-changing voyage from Boston to the captivating land of India. I’ll explore the significance of this journey and its profound impact on my life.
The Countdown Begins
9/9/97 (8 days BI – Before India)
My days are getting shorter. Just eight more days in this world I know before I embark on a new chapter of my life. I’m hoping for extraordinary changes, to become a good and loving individual. Seeing this world will make me feel truly alive. I want to become a big ball of life, to find the middle ground in the spectrum of good and bad.
Bad things happen, and not all are the same for everyone. Each person has to find their own center, one that doesn’t have to be perfectly straight but can become aligned. I’m only one person, here to please myself and be alive. If you don’t want to be alive and happy, then that’s on you. Going to India, baby—just me! Let’s go and be!
Discovering the Soul’s Evolution
9/12/97 (5 days BI)
Five more days. I’ve got a wedding tonight. I don’t feel like attending, but it will be nice to see my date all dressed up and looking beautiful. I got an unexpected surprise from my job at Johnson Paint. Robert, who has a lot on his mind, gave me a one-week bonus, and Josh gave me extra funds to “do something I wouldn’t normally do.” Maybe I’ll go heli-boarding in the Alps someday. Why am I not feeling butterflies? I’ll go as free as a bird, my mind and body ready to absorb the world and its adventures. My dream is almost here. My soul is ready to be touched again by the beauty of the earth and its people.
Embracing the Unknown
9/17/97 (D1)
I’m on the plane, on my way. It might be the oxygen, or maybe it’s nerves. I don’t feel as many butterflies as I thought I would. Should I be scared? My life is changing by the second. I hope I see it. I hope I see the evolution of my soul. Life has taught me that everything works out, memories are made, lessons are learned, and neither can be predicted.
How can I set goals for this trip when I don’t know what’s coming? My soul will guide me, and I’ll give it the reward of growth.
Encountering Different Perspectives
9/18/97 (D2)
I don’t know what to say…this flight is almost over. The woman next to me has been an experience in herself. She fears life and living and sees everything through a haze of negativity and doubt.
“Not everything will be peaches and cream,” she said.
Noooo, you’re kidding, I thought, fighting the automatic wise-ass response that years of life at the ‘Crossroads of Massachusetts’ trained into me.
She told me things about myself based on my Zodiac sign, but she didn’t see any of it in a positive light. “You’re searching for something that doesn’t exist,” she declared, like a Sherlock Holmes wannabe.
She was blind to what I see. I’m on a path, and it’s real. I have to remember that not everyone sees life the way I do. Not everyone wants to feel what I want to feel. Good is always around the corner—I just have to look for it.
The Final Leg
Now, I’m on the final leg of my 16-hour journey. My window seat without a window led to a conversation with a couple from Mississippi, originally from India. They extended a sincere invitation to their home and gave advice about my journey. My heart raced. It’s not going to be all peaches and cream, but my mind and heart are open, ready to experience the dreams.
Embarking on a Journey of a Lifetime
Embarking on a journey from Boston to India was more than just an adventure—it marked the beginning of an extraordinary voyage in pursuit of personal growth, happiness, and new horizons. Socrates reminds us that “he who knows what is right will do right.” By stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown, we choose to follow a path that aligns with our true desires.
If you’re on the edge of a dream, take the leap. Explore the world, embrace the unexpected, and let this journey redefine your perspective on life. As my soul opened up to the wonders of the world, I found self-discovery, lasting memories, and invaluable lessons along the way.
So, prepare for departure, pack your bags, and let the adventure begin.
Are you ready to embrace your own adventure? Whether it’s a journey across the world or a step outside your comfort zone, take the leap. Let life surprise you, challenge you, and help you grow. Share your own travel dreams or past adventures in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your experiences and how they’ve impacted your life!
