Reflections

As I sit here and sort through my photos (in order to choose a new desktop background, naturally), I am beyond overwhelmed by the experiences I’ve had so far and the people I’ve been fortunate enough to meet. From trips to France and California in high school to studying abroad in Africa last May, I can’t even put into words how grateful I am.

So, through words and pictures, I hope to convey to you the experiences that I’ve had. No, this is not to show off, but rather to try and put into words the beauty of adventure and stepping out of your comfort zone. Hopefully it will encourage you to take an adventure of your own; whether that be to a city 12 miles away or a trip across the globe.

France has been one of my favorite places since my first visit back in 2008. In 2011, I had another chance to experience this wonderful country and to explore parts of it I had not yet seen. It continues to be one of my favorites to this day. From the culture to the architecture to the people (even if they have a bad reputation with us Americans), it is altogether a beautiful place. This was an experience I got to share with my peers at the time and I couldn’t have picked a better group.

       

 Not only did we get to experience Paris together, we also got to tour surrounding towns and chateaux. Truly an unforgettable experience full of the country’s rich history.

The true life-changing experience came in May of 2013 when I traveled to South Africa for two and a half weeks. Everything about that trip will continue to stick with me throughout the rest of my life.

We began our time in Botswana, working with Holy Cross Hospice, as well as their preschool. Botswana was an incredible experience for me. Never have I experienced more joy than I did from the people I met there. Really makes you question why we need all this stuff when we could be just as happy, if not happier, without it. Also, the kids were probably the cutest I’ve ever encountered. Just throwing that out there.

After our time there, as well as a safari, we traveled to South Africa. Cape Town, South Africa is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. During our time there we experienced so many things; from the history of the Apartheid and Mandela, to the people of Red Hill, and the beautiful landscapes of Cape Town itself. The thing that’s stuck with me the most is the church service we attended in the village of Masipumelele. Though we couldn’t understand what was being said, you could just feel the energy and the praise. No words even needed to be said, other than the songs that were sung. It was an incredible experience that I hope I never forget.

These are only two of the experience I mentioned before but if I went through all of them we’d be here all day. It was hard enough to cut these ones down to a decent size.

My challenge to you is this: go find adventure. It doesn’t need to be in France or Africa, it can be in your backyard. One of these days you’ll look back and LOVE the stories you’re able to tell.

Facing Disappointment

 

 

Disappointment is inevitable.

That’s not cynicism or pessimism or anything like that – it’s just fact.

 

At some point in everyone’s life they have some sort of expectations. Disappointment stems from when the real life situation doesn’t necessarily match the one you had played out in your head.

 

We can all say we won’t expect anything or our “expectations won’t be as high this time”, but it’s a hard thing to master.

 

In fact, disappointment seems to be one of the biggest fears I come in contact with in my life: not wanting to disappoint a boss, our parents, a significant other, a friend, or most importantly, yourself. It’s so easy to worry about this possible disappointment rather than looking at all the other factors at play.

 

Let’s just take a second to check out this definition above. All three definitions involve another person. Meaning, it’s more likely that you’re worried about disappointing someone else.

 

You can’t let another person define you or your happiness. You also can’t let someone else cause pressure to form on you to do something a certain way. It’s not fair to you.

 

So here’s what I need you to do – stop. Look around. Who are YOU afraid of disappointing? Are there expectations too high? Better yet, are yours?

 

Once you answer these questions, you’ll be one step closer to facing disappointment.

 

Happy soul searching.

 

– AB