Unsatisfied, tired and plain old distraught. For weeks on end, this was my mood, so much so that tired wasn’t even a mood anymore but rather a state of being. My life had become another painful phase of what it’s like to function off of auto-pilot. Everything had become so routine, that my daily responsibilities felt more as obligations rather than joys.

Knowing that I needed a change of pace (and with little money, might I add) I decided to travel to Chicago not knowing what to expect, but needing something more. For a week, I spent time away from not only my routine but all things familiar and I was instantly brought back to a similar decision I made two years ago.

The decision to travel.

Traveling both times beyond my place of comfort to only be reminded of how fortunate I am to live the life I lead. Now, I must add that this sense of gratitude isn’t based off any specific attribute of life, but rather all in its totality. The simple truth is sometimes you have to step outside of your day to day life to realize what you have, what’s the good saying, “you never miss a good thing till it’s gone” (perhaps, it isn’t as cliché after all).

I mean, the irony in missing deadlines, minimal hours of sleep, stress regarding my next plight in life. The irony in being willing to leave the hustle and bustle of Chicago, the glorious downtown shopping and eatery for grocery shopping and wasting time deciphering what’s the better of not-so-exciting cuisine. The irony of the loving a life that is completely yours, because in a society driven by materialism we’re more often than not deceived into believing that what we have is not enough. How bizarre, because somewhere down the line we’ve (as humanity) taught ourselves that contentment is the gate-way to mediocracy.

Contrary to popular belief, complacency is not to be confused with contentment. Meaning that we must keep in mind that to be content is to be grateful. Even ecstatic! To be full of joy each day because with the dawn of a new morning you’re provided with another chance to live as yourself. To be thorough at your job –giving 100%. To shower those dear to you with affection and love, to try something new or even take pride and comfort in what is familiar.

To enjoy the totality of your being.Although every day may not appear to be exciting, keep in mind that your existence and life has been well-thought out and ordered. And this truth alone, is worth more than any fleeting sense of happiness. I know, it sounds cliché but this sense of gratitude is often a result of traveling (at least, for myself). Which is why I encourage all who may be reading, to treat yourself to a new scenery. Whether it be via a luxurious adventure across the globe, a day trip, hour drive along a countryside, or even a thirty-minute jog in a park. Whatever, however, and whenever afforded the opportunity to go out and explore please take the time to do so. Allow yourself some time to get acquainted with a new atmosphere, begin to open yourself up to whatever positive energy is around you and watch yourself come back full circle.

Proud to be leading the life that is so profoundly orchestrated with you in mind. Proud to be leading your own plight.