Getting Wanderlost
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Getting Wanderlost

Cracking Open the World Around You

46
Getting Wanderlost
Will Keeton

I've always had a keen sensation that I was meant to travel the world and visit as many cities as I can while I'm still emboldened by youthful vigor. I've traveled through many of the states and I've even flown seven thousand miles across the ocean to China. To me, travel is one of the most meaningful things out there and adventure is always welcome. This isn't me bragging about all the sunrises I've seen, the sights I've witnessed, or the places I've travailed. This is one guy speaking to others about why you should travel every chance you get- not only because you don't know what the future has in store for you, but because traveling opens up opportunities just as much as it broadens the horizon of your mind.

From the wee age of four I've traveled in every sense of the word. I moved from the vicinity of my hometown Louisville, Kentucky to Matthews, North Carolina (a small town just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina- keep it in your prayers as well). My parents and I left behind most of what was familiar to us and started our lives in North Carolina and haven't regretted it since. Travel opened up job and educational opportunities in this instance. I joined the Cub/Boy Scouts when I was in first grade and thanks to the program I've traveled far and wide for nearly fifteen years of my life.

Come January, I will have been to or flown over twenty-eight of the fifty United States of America, and I can only hope I get the chance to visit the others as well. The majority of my fondest memories involve traveling on summer vacations to Sanibel and Captiva Island in Florida, hiking across the New Mexico backcountry in 2011 with a crew of some of my closest friends at the time, and splitting my first summer of college between two and a half months abroad in China and traveling across several states visiting landmarks such as Gettysburg (for the first time since I was very little) and Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob.

Whoever says the only way to travel is to travel outside of the United States or wherever else you may call your home isn't broadening their perspective enough. Traveling should meaningful whether it is fifty miles to a campground with some friends or five thousand miles across an ocean to an entirely different continent and culture. I had some of the best days of my young life In cities such as Shanghai and Beijing, but I've had many more memorable moments when traveling and some have simply been going camping in the winter and waking up to surprise snowfall in the Pisgah National Forest.

Whether you're traveling to a new job, a new opportunity, a new life, a new house, or merely a new town to stay the night before resuming your four week jaunt across the continental United States, you should know one thing: you'll never be alone. If you're looking for a deeper meaning in my writing, then here it is. All of us are traveling on our own paths and however winding and turning they may become we will never be left out in the cold alone. Whether you're traveling physically or spiritually or mentally, there's always going to be a destination whether you know it or not. But once you end up in the right place at the right time, you'll know and maybe even understand it.

Come January I will be traveling to California for what looks to be a promising Interim 2016 adventure and I truly can't wait. Whether I'm in the great outdoors or amid thousands of people in a bustling city, I always enjoy seeking out adventure even among unfamiliar faces and obscure references. Journeys are of the mind and body and soul, and they should always be treated as such. Humans are friendly creatures who weren't meant to be alone and whatever paths we are on will always take us to crossroads we are meant to reach within ourselves and with other people.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

39101
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

114464
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments