It’s the people
Before I left to travel long-term for the second time, someone special to me wrote a letter mentioning, “I do believe that it is the people along the way that can sometimes make the journey.”
This statement rang true throughout my travels. After months on the road, I concluded that my world exists in a million places and within two or three dozen people.
The first time I traveled, I knew no one. I didn’t even know where I was going or what I was about to do. Every moment was unique, and each person was new. I reflected on 2019, thinking how wild of a feeling it is to feel like you know someone from a little bit of everywhere and how grateful I felt to love and be loved. It was the first time I started to understand that my entity wasn’t all my own but a combination of those who hold bold, energetic space in my life.
When I took the road for the second time in 2021, I again was met with the overwhelming feeling of acceptance. Every city I visited in every state, there was a connection. It was almost hard to find alone time, to the point I craved it at times. Instead of feeling like my destinations revolved around hiking trails and camp spots, my time felt like it revolved around timing interactions right, making sure I was where I needed to be when my friends could hold space. This year of travel, the focus was on the people in every corner, not the places.
There’s beauty and reflection in the time we spend alone. Growth and serenity are learning to share those moments with others. Looking back on my favorite moments this year, they all include people deeply special to me.
I think of Austin, and I think of the permanent impact friends and loved ones had on me, I think of Wyoming and Montana and think of my mom, how badly she’s wanted to visit and how privileged I am to have experienced those places with her. I think of the road, and I think of the most euphoric night at Red Rocks surrounded by so much love within friends, and I think of how Utah became my favorite based on how magnetic Michael is, and how I could move to Bozeman due to Lauren being so warm. I think of Colorado, how I feel content being wherever Lexi is, and how adventurous and resilient I feel when I spend time in Steamboat with Allison. I’m grateful after all the time that has passed, I still feel at home with Sami, and I feel undoubtedly whole after any talk I have with Julia. Samantha makes LA feel easy, and my partner helps make difficult situations light.
There are a dozen other people who made the year and the road what it was. I’m indebted in love.
