The past 22 days have changed me. I’m not yet sure the extent of this change and I’m not yet sure just how it’s changed me, but it has changed some key parts of my life. I sincerely hope that when I wake up in my bed in Charlottesville next Thursday that some of these changes stick around for a while. Here are five ways that I’ve changed since I left home on September 7th:
* I have a greater faith/spirituality. God and I went thru a pretty nasty separation when mom was sick and and even nastier divorce after she died. I’ve prayed/mediated/reflected/whatever you want to call it more in the past 3 weeks than I have in the previous couple of years combined. It’s been incredibly comforting, especially during the moments of loneliness that I’ve felt. I believe that mom is proud of my entire journey, but I KNOW she’s REALLY happy about this point… And Michael, you were right.
* I’m eating better. There was a point in time when I was the ‘Mayor’ of the Taco Bell AND McDonald’s (at least according to Four Square) on 29 near Rio before I left. Those days are gone. I’m not saying that I have the BEST dietary habits now, but I’m not eating fast food on a daily basis and have tried all kinds of new, healthy foods that I’m now OK with eating! Not to mention the effect that all the stories that I’ve heard have had on my desire to NOT eat horribly anymore!
* I’m spending more time outdoors. It’s peaceful, meditative, and relaxing.
* I’m talking to strangers more. Yes, I know that’s not ALWAYS the safest/smartest move, but I’ve seen a ‘new’ side of people on this trip that I hope to continue to see upon my return to Charlottesville.
* I’m going to continue to make positive connections out of negative ones. While my birthday will come and go, the ’29 Days’ idea and everything that this past month has been about will continue and I’ll keep writing about it!
I’m excited to get home and then, a week or two after I get home, ask my friends if they’ve noticed anything different. If the answer is yes, I hope it’s reflected thru some of the points above. If no, then I’m going to be disappointed in myself. Thanks again for everyone’s help and support – I can’t believe how much I’ve learned in the past 3 weeks and I’ve still got a week to go and lots of new connections to make!
Your mom would be proud.
Enjoy your new adventures at home when you return.
Nice internal work. Sounds like God has been using his amazing “mental floss” on you. There is a book that you might enjoy one day written by CS Lewis, The Problem of Pain. It is excellent, but definitely not a quick read.
Sounds like a plan to me, Chad! See you soon!
Drew,
Your mom was so strong and so brave. Obviously there’s a large part of her in you.
I rememeber the last time I saw her, it was at my wedding (May 2000). Even though she was so ill , she still made the 200 mile drive (each way) with your Dad. I sat and talked with her. She never complained about the hand she’d been dealt. She talked about he joy in her life…you, your Dad & your sisters and told me to always focus on the sources of joy in my life.
She would be so proud of what you’re doing. Enjoy the rest of your adventure, it sounds like it will last the rest of your life.