The Ugly Duckling

Remember the story of The Ugly Duckling? That's kind of how I feel right now - except for the "ugly" part (well maybe a little ugly since I had the flu for two weeks AND I'm trying to grow my bangs out and they look hideous right now... eek!). But what I'm referring to is the feeling of not fitting in anywhere. You see, I've chosen a life path that does not coincide with THE AMERICAN DREAM, therefore most Americans (including my family and friends) don't get me.

My goal in life is to travel around the world teaching yoga. This isn't a new thing... my previous goals included traveling around the world teaching ecology and traveling around the world guiding wilderness trips. Do you see the common theme? I want to travel - more than anything. Which is why it really hurts when those close to me excuse me of trying to run away from my problems or say that no one will ever love me if I'm gallivanting across the world all the time. I've met plenty of couples traveling together! And, in terms of "running away", the only thing I'd say I'm running away from is a life of Boredom. Unless I'm on the move, I'm generally pretty unhappy. Even when I attempted to nest for four years with a steady career and my own apartment, I still jumped on a plane at least once a month to jet-set to some other state!

Some people are homebodies. I.AM.NOT. Some people like safety, security, and stability. I am not one of those people. The people I admire the most are the ones that can pick up on a moment's notice and fly to the far reaches of the earth with just a backpack for an undetermined amount of time.

The lesson I'm learning is to stop listening to other people and listen to my own heart. The naysayers will continue to try and get me down, but as long as I keep following what my heart knows is true, everything will work out and I will find love and happiness in my own little vagrant way.