Have you ever felt that you belong somewhere when you visit that place? Does your whole existence become a big question to you? Do you struggle to settle back in your mundane life? If yes, then join the club. This recently happened to me and I started questioning every thing in my life - my life till now, my job etc. etc. As Seth Godin said, "If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try" So I decided to take the risk.
Recently I went on a solo trip to Leh- Ladakh and was bitten by the travel bug - big time. I am now suffering from a deadly disease called WANDERLUST. I mean really, what was I doing for so long! I always loved travelling and have almost covered most of the North region of my country, but that was different. I never felt the way I am feeling now. Maybe because I went with my family and was not allowed to explore things my way. But this time, I don't know what but something happened for sure to me. Not able to put a finger on it but I am sure Kuch to hua hai...kuch ho gaya hai.
I was in need for a break from this running around and was in dire need to find myself. I was feeling so lost and caught up in this materialistic world. I wanted to run away from every thing and never come back. I know it sounds very selfish, but this time I just wanted to think about myself. I wanted to do something for me. I was tired of pleasing everyone and trying to make them happy. I am a very optimistic and positive person, so it is very tough to bring me down. But my last relationship took away the energy from my body and soul and left me gasping. So yes I was hurt and I cried till there was no energy left to even do that. I felt like a drapetomaniac; all I wanted to do was run away and never come back. And it was always in my head - that if I have to run and go some place, where no one can reach me or contact me, it had to be Leh. And that was it. I had promised myself as a New Year resolution that no matter what, I would travel. Even if I have to die hungry. And also, I wanted to explore Leh on my own (before I get married to some chomu).
So I just made up my mind, found out a travel agent and finalised my plan. Packed my rucksack and lied a little to my parents (had to). My mum would have freaked out if she knew that her daughter, who is in the age to bore children but still a child for her, is going all the way to Leh, all ALONE. Sometimes one's got to do what one's got to do. Yeah, so I left my comfort zone, with loads of ideas about travelling alone in my little head and took a leap of faith. And I am glad I did it. If you get to experience something as serene and calm and beautiful and amazing and I don't know what else (falling short of words) as Leh, then I would do this always.
I think I had forgotten who was I. In the process of making everyone happy, I had lost myself and my happiness. I had forgotten to smile meaninglessly. I had forgotten to love myself while I was trying to find love and love others. I had forgotten that I needed ME time more than anything else in the world. But now I know that girl is still there in me; I just had to bring her out from isolation. I shed all my inhibitions and did what I never thought I could do. Met so many people, made new friends, travelled alone, asked for lift from a total stranger and lived freely, without any tension.
I promise myself that for nothing else in the world I would ever let this girl get lost again. I would only get lost being a wanderer, exploring new destinations, meeting new people and living my life. I cross my heart and hope to die and I promise to be a wanderer forever. "Travel not to find yourself, but to remember who you have been all along"
Recently I went on a solo trip to Leh- Ladakh and was bitten by the travel bug - big time. I am now suffering from a deadly disease called WANDERLUST. I mean really, what was I doing for so long! I always loved travelling and have almost covered most of the North region of my country, but that was different. I never felt the way I am feeling now. Maybe because I went with my family and was not allowed to explore things my way. But this time, I don't know what but something happened for sure to me. Not able to put a finger on it but I am sure Kuch to hua hai...kuch ho gaya hai.
I was in need for a break from this running around and was in dire need to find myself. I was feeling so lost and caught up in this materialistic world. I wanted to run away from every thing and never come back. I know it sounds very selfish, but this time I just wanted to think about myself. I wanted to do something for me. I was tired of pleasing everyone and trying to make them happy. I am a very optimistic and positive person, so it is very tough to bring me down. But my last relationship took away the energy from my body and soul and left me gasping. So yes I was hurt and I cried till there was no energy left to even do that. I felt like a drapetomaniac; all I wanted to do was run away and never come back. And it was always in my head - that if I have to run and go some place, where no one can reach me or contact me, it had to be Leh. And that was it. I had promised myself as a New Year resolution that no matter what, I would travel. Even if I have to die hungry. And also, I wanted to explore Leh on my own (before I get married to some chomu).
So I just made up my mind, found out a travel agent and finalised my plan. Packed my rucksack and lied a little to my parents (had to). My mum would have freaked out if she knew that her daughter, who is in the age to bore children but still a child for her, is going all the way to Leh, all ALONE. Sometimes one's got to do what one's got to do. Yeah, so I left my comfort zone, with loads of ideas about travelling alone in my little head and took a leap of faith. And I am glad I did it. If you get to experience something as serene and calm and beautiful and amazing and I don't know what else (falling short of words) as Leh, then I would do this always.
I think I had forgotten who was I. In the process of making everyone happy, I had lost myself and my happiness. I had forgotten to smile meaninglessly. I had forgotten to love myself while I was trying to find love and love others. I had forgotten that I needed ME time more than anything else in the world. But now I know that girl is still there in me; I just had to bring her out from isolation. I shed all my inhibitions and did what I never thought I could do. Met so many people, made new friends, travelled alone, asked for lift from a total stranger and lived freely, without any tension.
I promise myself that for nothing else in the world I would ever let this girl get lost again. I would only get lost being a wanderer, exploring new destinations, meeting new people and living my life. I cross my heart and hope to die and I promise to be a wanderer forever. "Travel not to find yourself, but to remember who you have been all along"
