Fitting isn’t it? A year ago today I embarked on some crazy journey around the world, hoping I would be sated by months of nomadic existence. Apparently it wasn’t enough though, since I’m at 39'000 feet and headed to Singapore to seek my fortunes. It seems my life has once again spun on its ever-unpredictable axis – I hope to keep you updated this time. But for now, let me play catch up.
The Emerald City
I returned "home" to Seattle in late November, but initially found the city small and unimportant compared to the hob-nob of London, the bustle of Bangkok and the sheer size of Shanghai. Without a job or sense of adventure, I had to (not so successfully at times) change my attitude to better enjoy Seattle’s off-beat pulse. Although difficult at times, I’ll look back remembering these things:
- Walking around Greenlake: This time with a 140 pound puppy that disliked both rollerbladers and guys with Mohawks. The lake was semi-frozen too, resulting in the comedic dance of ducks sliding across the ice.
- Spending time with friends. This time involving intimate and elaborate dinners, dress-up Christmas parties and board-game nights which required crazy hats, good wine and fantastic company.
- Seeing my sisters. This time, they’ve grown stronger and more resilient. Even while tackling their own daunting challenges, they built a foundation of love and unwavering support that gives me the courage to chase my (ridiculously crazy) dreams.
- Theater. This time a slew of performances, from Arabian Nights (amazing) to The Breach (awful) I still enjoyed the elaborate concoction of costumes, the set design and the stirring of the senses.
- Inspiring change in others. This time, that by-the-books Midwest bean-counter is giving me a run for my money. He’s traveling to Botswana and Tanzania next month while planning Christmas in the Philippines. Talk about inspiring people who then inspire you!
What about my old work?
Yes, I did visit my old workplace in the dark ominous Tower of Doom. The strange clinical smell and the harsh lighting added to the sense of despair that hung like the ghosts of lives unfulfilled. Coffee with an old colleague confirmed that Amazon still ran a totalitarian dictatorship built on slave labor. They still work 90 hour work-weeks while banging their heads against their cubicle walls - which begs the question; where is Amnesty International when you need them? Amazon Anonymous anyone?
What Now?
My year of travel was life changing - so much in fact, that my DNA has been permanently altered and I cannot bear conducting unproductive busy work everyday from 9-5 again. My resolution this year is to follow my heart, and I am unafraid… I’m moving to Jakarta to build my own empire, the details of which I’ll reveal as my ideas begin to take shape. But for now, please take this poem into consideration…. I hope you all find the courage and the faith in yourselves to have the audacity- to ask “Why the hell not?”
Slow Dance
Have you ever watched kids
On a merry go-round?
Or listen to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don’t dance too fast,
Time is short,
The music won’t last.
Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask: How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done,
Do you lie in your bed
With he next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You better slow down.
Don’t dance too fast,
Time is short,
The music won’t last.
Ever told your child,
We’ll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say “Hi”?
You better slow down.
Don’t dance too fast,
Time is short,
The music won’t last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower.
Hear the music
Before the song is over.
David. L. Weatherford.
