Confessions of a SEEKER

White people: Omg. So just because he was a "racist" and "beat the shit out of both of his wives" he was a bad person. He's still John Lennon. He was like, an activist. Do your research, Blackie and leave him alone.

*Two minutes later*

White people: I heard he stole some cigarillos. He deserved to die.

White people: He was selling illegal cigarettes. He deserved to die.

WHAT I LEARNED FROM MY FIRST TRIP FOR ME!!!

Coming from an almost 3 years of long distance relationship, being at the airport gave me that same excitement with a mixed feeling of loss.

I would fly every other month or so to see my ex partner. The airport, the plane and traveling itself were associated with her. The sole goal was to be with her and It felt weird not having that goal. This time around I was traveling for myself yet it happened to be one of my most memorable first!

Here are some Life lessons I’ve learned from this trip.

1. Risk as scary as it is might be the best decision you’ll ever make.

My flight was delayed and missed my connecting flight in Miami. I had to stay for one whole day. That time, I was debating if I should just stay in the airport and be a bum or book a hotel. Then this guy in a suit with his huge luggage came up to me and blatantly ask ‘would you like to share a room with me?’ I stopped and stared with a perusing glance. He looked decent and harmless. As crazy as it sounds, I said YES and thought I needed someone to share with the bills anyway. (Though I took a picture of him and sent to my cousin and my friend. LOL)

He turned out to be this intelligent, fun, humble and kind exchange student in Costa Rica and he basically became our tour guide, translator and awesome travel buddy! He showed us his cabin in the university which you would need to go through a long winding road in the wilderness. But when you get there, you will just be in awe of the view. The sky looked photoshopped (it was that perfect) and you could see the city lights from a hill. He took us white water rafting with his group and he literally gave us the local experience we would’ve not had if it were just me and my cousin.

2. Your mind and body are on survival mode when you’re out of your comfort zone.

I know how this feels already. Migrating in the US four years ago jump started my survival instincts but being in a country that does not speak the common language, don’t have police anywhere and almost everywhere consist of the woods, mountains and fields is a different story. Surprisingly, my brain adapted so quick that I can understand what they were saying and I was able to compose sentences pretty quick. Again, thanks to my new found friend. Though at some point I felt frustrated just because I wanted to fully immerse myself in the culture but a taste of it will do. Now I’m just determined to learn Spanish for my next trip!

3. The journey is your own but you are not alone.

I met awesome people along the way, even my surfing instructor was pretty cool! But as I was heading back to NY, I checked the weather and it was really windy. Viola! Low and behold my flight got delayed the second time and again I needed to stay another day in Florida. God knows I was running out of money at that time from all those out of budget expenses. So I basically bought another ticket from a different airline and as I was in line to get my refund. I met another Filipino who’s trying to figure out if her flight was delayed. We started talking about random things and felt comfortable sharing some odd stuff about each other.

Fast forward, her flight got delayed due to mechanical problems and the airline gave her a free hotel room for the night. She offered that i stay with her for free! Dinner, bar, beer pong, a yacht tour and a trip to the ER because of a bad allergic reaction - a really bad one! She stayed with me until I got released. So I definitely gained another friend. She was one of a kind - a motherly and selfless mindset at the the age of 22. Definitely a no bullshit kind of girl!

I know God was looking after me and didn’t allow me to go through all these circumstances by myself. And oh! He was definitely there given the fact that I booked my flight on a wrong date and JetBlue(now my favorite airline) rebooked it for free(supposedly $300 difference). The journey was mine but I was not alone.

4. It’s ok to be vulnerable! 
With all the people that I met, I pretty much showed pieces of my vulnerability. In return, I received an authentic response of friendship and kindness. We tend to see the negative out of this word but really there’s beauty in everyone’s vulnerability. It’s what makes you beautiful and whole. And there are people who would want to embrace that and know them, not to hurt you but to love you. Strength is also the courage to give pieces of you to others with the uncertainty of getting hurt or winning people.

I know I would’ve not said yes to sharing a room with these strangers if I were still with my ex. I would’ve stayed in the zone of safety and ignored spontaneity. But this trip liberated me in different ways and I learned that the world will be kind to you too if you just let it be. I came back with a grateful and a stronger heart. Fresh perspective and sound mind to deal with the craziness of NYC. But more than anything I’m just sincerely Grateful for the opportunity to be better.

I am so looking forward to my next trip! Next stop! South America! Pura Vida(pure life/ basically how they say YOLO)

When life gets to you the only escape is to enjoy it!