Because I travel…

As I grow older my once perfect eyesight has faded into a worrisome loss of acuity. What I hope is that loss is replaced with a clearer vision of who I am. A perceptiveness. I often close my eyes to visualize something better. Clearer. We all do. I close my eyes to remember the eye opening experiences travel has afforded me.

Because I travel I have a clearer vision of where I came from, but still have no idea of where I’m going. I have no intention of arriving, not that I have the complete say in that. I still want to see new landscapes, with new eyes.

Because I travel I get homesick for places I’ve never been, yet yearn for the past. I see how small I am in a much bigger world. I know who I was and walk toward who I will become. I embrace the unexpected, except at tax time. My surroundings no matter how foreign feel comfortable. I stand in the past of others and look to the future of myself.

Because I travel I love the open road, the hidden path. I challenge my preconceptions. I challenge myself. I can, I will, I am. Because I travel.

Because I travel I’m learning to slow down, to relax. Learning there’s more to life than more. I’ve witnessed tragity, I’ve shared joy. I’ve open windows, doors, and my mind.

Because I travel I have memories, I have stories. I write more, I create more, I see more because I travel. I want more but need less. I travel lighter, blend in, standout, question more, accept more.

Because I travel I can pretend that I have no schedule, no engagements, no commitments, no obligations, only the road ahead.

Because I travel I eat their food, embrace their customs, witness their religion. My eyes are open, my mind is open, and I now realize how blindly ignorant I am. Because I travel.

It’s time to see the world again even with a 20/60 perspective.