Choose to Take the Journey

I was a late bloomer in many ways. In fact, my teachers were convinced that I was speech-delayed and learning-disabled as a child. I understood that I was different and I desperately wanted to fit in, but I didn’t know how. I was constantly bullied by my schoolmates, both boys and girls alike, and it took a heavy toll on my psyche.

Later on, certain horrendous events occurred in quick succession, cementing my identity as that of a victim. I completely surrendered my will, quiescently following the dictates of others, a leaf to be forever blown by a wind of whims. Lucky for me, my mom and my brother gave me a good shove in the right direction just in time to get me into a good college.

It was just the boost I needed to allow myself to have hope for the future. That is when I developed an infatuation for a certain girl with blue eyes. I spent my free time with her hiking, shopping, and going to museums. I surprised her with romantic overtures, gestures like a picnic, her own website, and of course flowers. I even talked of marriage, but to her I was never anything more than just a friend.

The pain of chronic rejection eventually became so unbearable that I had to withdraw myself from her life. After deleting her number, I remember sitting on my bed, watching the wall in front of me shudder. The wallpaper melted against it as the entire room rotated back and forth ever so slightly. I remember the feeling of wanting to cry, but not being able to. As I closed my eyes, I felt tears roll down both of my cheeks. I suddenly realized that I had been looking through a well of tears. The dreadful chatter of my mind gave way to a single word: CHANGE.

And so I decided to embark on a journey to improve myself. After years of self-development, when I thought my social status had peaked, I contacted Blue Eyes again (of course I had her number memorized). Round 2 was even worse, ending in a harsher, swifter rejection.

It was then that I realized that her rejection of me went much deeper than nicer clothes, bigger muscles, or a higher paying career trajectory. I had no choice but to continue my journey, always on the lookout for mentors who could help me get up to speed on how to be more “normal.”

On my path, I met unforgettable people, saw unbelievable sights, and met amazing girls who reciprocated my feelings. Not only would I be healed, but I acted as a mentor to many others who bumped into me as they traveled on their own journeys. By the time that Blue Eyes and I met up as equals and we were both in a position to date each other, I had already fallen in love. But I don’t mean with any of my girlfriends who I had met along the way (although I did love them). I had fallen in love with the journey itself.

I am a traveler who seeks to master himself, stand out from the crowd, and get the girl. But it is no longer the destination of mental discipline, social prominence, or even marriage that I seek per se. It is the adventure for the sake of the adventure.

Whether you are already on your journey, thinking about resuming your journey, or have yet to begin your journey, you are reading these words for a reason. There is something you seek as well. No matter if it be success in writing, art, business, or athleticism, realize that the end of one goal is merely the starting point for the next. Don’t make the mistake I made of getting caught up in getting from place to place or finally “arriving.” Enjoy the journey for what it is. Be grateful to walk the path because you can. The purpose of the goal is but to set the direction. Choose to take the journey and you will be rewarded in a thousand different ways you could have never imagined.