to live life once.
Living is the sweetest thing ever.
It’s one of the greatest gifts that God has ever blessed us with. To be able to go out and do things. Learn an instrument, watch a hilarious movie with friends, attempt rock climbing, eat unique food, get a massage, drive a car, crochet a blanket, build a bonfire, ride a bike, go to a wedding, hug an old friend, and anything else that requires you.
We build insane memories from living. And there are some memories that you don’t want to ever relive again. Not because they are necessarily terrible but because they define who you are. Think of the movie ‘Inside Out.’ Riley has these core memories that illustrate why she is the way she is. These memories are meaningful and aren’t meant to live twice. I want to share with you a few of mine that I never want to live again.
GOING TO A CASTLE RUIN IN LEZHË, ALBANIA
It wasn’t until day 41 on my World Race when I realized that I’m in another country. I was rarely seen outside of Central Oregon. But the moment I saw this castle ruin, I grasped the fact that I was in another country. I attained freedom from this moment. (and no, those aren’t my feet in that picture)
MY FIRST KISS WITH MY WIFE (PROPHETIC!)
I got this memory from my house mentor. He told me how he couldn’t imagine having his first kiss with his girlfriend again. Because it was so perfect. So new. So vulnerable. I will always hold onto my first kiss with my (future) wife.
BEING HEAD HUNTED FOR THE FIRST TIME
A headhunter is someone who is hired by firms to find individuals with talents that meet job requirements. I was headhunted simply because someone enjoyed my writing. I was new with writing so this was incredibly encouraging. Especially because I barely knew what I was doing. When you’re sought out because you’re talented, that makes you feel good. To be head hunted at 22 is the peak of encouragement.
CREATING AN END OF YEAR WORLD RACE VIDEO
The World Race was one of the greatest journeys that I will ever go on. I met incredible individuals, tested uncommon meals, and journeyed to the places where no one has gone. During that time I filmed whenever I could. And when the time came for me to put it all together, it was magical. Bringing all of my equipment all across the world was worth creating this video. You can view it HERE!
MY FIRST FULL DAY IN INDIA
I signed up for my specific World Race route mainly because of China and Eastern Europe. I didn’t really know about the other countries on my route. But I was blown out of the water when I came to India. Getting a coconut on the side of the street on your way to the grocery store, crossing 10 lines of traffic by weaving and bobbing and don’t even get me started on the mosaic of color intertwined with every little thing. Falling in love with India is unforgettable.
BEING 21
This was the most insane year of my life. Almost everyday of it was spent outside of America. I was the second youngest person on my squad. I was raised up as a leader of everyone who was older than me. I failed almost daily. But my triumphs were incredibly higher than all of my failures together. This was the year where I learned how to grow. This year was the base for my entire future. I never want to be 21 again.
I want to encourage you to stop wishing you could go back to these memories. Even though it’s literally impossible to think this way. These memories are remarkably significant. But with every passing day you are gifted with new memories. Look forward to what your prior memories can bring you through. In the end you will have a fulfilling memory bank. One that looks forward to living and not one that holds onto what you lived through.
