Where the Sidewalk Ends (The Trip)
Donation protected
Most people that know me, know me to be stubborn and opinionated. They know that I have some perspectives on things that I simply believe all the way to my core, and no matter what you say, I will probably never change my mind. More than anything, I have an unyielding confidence in my path in life. When I decide that a city, job, or goal is the one for me, nothing can make me change my mind and nothing can convince me I cannot achieve it.
What most people don’t know is this isn’t because I think I have all the answers. As a matter of fact, this mentality comes from a faith in something much bigger than myself. I remember when I first read the Alchemist and the boy was explaining how he would see things and just know that it was an Omen. I was like “That’s it! That’s how I feel!” Maybe it’s just the INFJ (myers-brigg personality type) in me that makes me trust my intuition. But to me, I’ve always felt I’ve been walking a path that has been laid out for me and has always been bigger than me. As Paulo Coelho writes, “the hand that writes a person's life story also writes the history of the world”.
Though I’ve rarely told people in these words or not (usually I don’t because they would think I’m crazy) I’ve made most of my biggest life decisions after what felt like a sign (or an omen). Joining TFA, moving to LA, moving to New York… all decisions made because one day I saw something about that thing/place and I just knew it was the next step.
Now that I’ve given you a lot of what is probably feeling like irrelevant information, let me get to the point…. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to see the world. I’ve wanted to go everywhere and see everything and meet everybody (obviously that’s a bit of an exaggeration). I once told my best friends that I dreamed of selling all my possessions and traveling as a nomad/vagabond around the world, waking up in a new city as often as I want and going where ever felt right at the time. They flat out thought I was out of my mind. But I was 100% serious.
I don’t fully understand why this feels like what I need to do but I didn’t fully know why I should become a teacher at first either. All I know is that this feel like something I have to do and my intuition/the omens of life have never steered me wrong. I don’t know exactly what I’m supposed to learn from this but I do know in my heart it that it feels like a necessary step for becoming the man that I’m meant to be. Let me be very clear, I know this journey will be a vital part of my life’s journey.
So... on July 1, 2015, I am going to fly to Japan and backpacking (mostly alone) through South East Asia and Africa. It is my goal to immerse myself in to the cultures and communities of every place I go by doing homestays, volunteering at schools and in communities, etc. However, I honestly am letting the details of the trip happen organically. I don’t have an exact itinerary and I don’t plan to create one.
That said… Many of you know that I hate asking for help. But I’d be naïve to think I can do this alone. So, I’m asking you to support me on this trip. Help me reach my one of my dreams and hopefully inspire others to do the same.
Whether you donate financially or with well wishes, all support is appreciated and cherished. As a sign of appreciation, I will share 1 moment of my journey with everyone that supports. More info on this is in the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c99jaypPUUQ&feature=youtu.be
What most people don’t know is this isn’t because I think I have all the answers. As a matter of fact, this mentality comes from a faith in something much bigger than myself. I remember when I first read the Alchemist and the boy was explaining how he would see things and just know that it was an Omen. I was like “That’s it! That’s how I feel!” Maybe it’s just the INFJ (myers-brigg personality type) in me that makes me trust my intuition. But to me, I’ve always felt I’ve been walking a path that has been laid out for me and has always been bigger than me. As Paulo Coelho writes, “the hand that writes a person's life story also writes the history of the world”.
Though I’ve rarely told people in these words or not (usually I don’t because they would think I’m crazy) I’ve made most of my biggest life decisions after what felt like a sign (or an omen). Joining TFA, moving to LA, moving to New York… all decisions made because one day I saw something about that thing/place and I just knew it was the next step.
Now that I’ve given you a lot of what is probably feeling like irrelevant information, let me get to the point…. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to see the world. I’ve wanted to go everywhere and see everything and meet everybody (obviously that’s a bit of an exaggeration). I once told my best friends that I dreamed of selling all my possessions and traveling as a nomad/vagabond around the world, waking up in a new city as often as I want and going where ever felt right at the time. They flat out thought I was out of my mind. But I was 100% serious.
I don’t fully understand why this feels like what I need to do but I didn’t fully know why I should become a teacher at first either. All I know is that this feel like something I have to do and my intuition/the omens of life have never steered me wrong. I don’t know exactly what I’m supposed to learn from this but I do know in my heart it that it feels like a necessary step for becoming the man that I’m meant to be. Let me be very clear, I know this journey will be a vital part of my life’s journey.
So... on July 1, 2015, I am going to fly to Japan and backpacking (mostly alone) through South East Asia and Africa. It is my goal to immerse myself in to the cultures and communities of every place I go by doing homestays, volunteering at schools and in communities, etc. However, I honestly am letting the details of the trip happen organically. I don’t have an exact itinerary and I don’t plan to create one.
That said… Many of you know that I hate asking for help. But I’d be naïve to think I can do this alone. So, I’m asking you to support me on this trip. Help me reach my one of my dreams and hopefully inspire others to do the same.
Whether you donate financially or with well wishes, all support is appreciated and cherished. As a sign of appreciation, I will share 1 moment of my journey with everyone that supports. More info on this is in the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c99jaypPUUQ&feature=youtu.be
Organizer
Justin D. Myles
Organizer
Chicago, IL
