One month gone already in 2013 and hardly any countries visited in 2012. What has my life come to? A life simply revolved around work? What happened to my excitement and passion for living? What happened to the smile on my face by visiting different cultures and places? What happened to the woman who had inspirations, time to write, time to keep in touch? The woman, who loved to explore, travel, go on an adventure?
This letter is not only to my friends and family in America or the UK, but I think a letter to myself. How has my life been this past year? Well, lets see.... it depends what you value most in life. A great career, great paying job, expensive apartment, lots of THINGS. Well, my life in California, to some, would seem amazing. Sunny San Diego, living here, sure has its perks. Its beautiful, sunny and warm (but not too warm!) all year long.
What do I do with my time? Well, work of course. My life is spent only for the weekends, as I only get the weekends off work. Sometimes, I am too exhausted to do anything on the weekends due to my much longer than I am used to working hours, compared to the UK. When I am feeling energized, I go for a bike ride, go kayaking, walk along the bay. Trust me, I do feel lucky that I can soak up the sun.... but I think I mean, if I am lucky. I only get the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine one time a week.
Well, how am I REALLY doing? Like I said, it depends what you value in life. For me, its family, friends, my health and travel. Where have I been since I have moved to California? Nowhere.
How often do I get to see my friends and family? About one weekend every other month. Equating to about 12 out of the 365 days a year.
How many days do I get off work to attempt to go see the beautiful sights of America, South/Central America, and Canada have to offer? FIVE Days last year which I used up because I got sick and I wanted to see my family over the holidays. Yes, I had to use up my vacation time to be able to spend time with my family.
My Health is also important to me. I had to go to hospital a month ago and am now looking at a $4000 bill WITH Health Insurance. Luckily, I am healthy and able to work my butt off to pay this off. However, it still frustrates me to no end that my doctor made me go to the hospital, yet I am fronted with the bill.
Please, again, don't get me wrong, I LOVE San Diego. Its beautiful and California is beautiful... I just wish I got the time to enjoy it more. I wish I got the time to travel and continue writing about my travels. I thought that moving back to America would mean more time with my family. It's not.
I have many goals for 2013, I want to be able to see my family more, I want to be able to travel more. What do I value most? Friends, family, travel, the right to my health, the right to see my family during the holidays. So how am I? Like I said, it depends what you value in life, right? I am successful in every aspect of the "American Dream"... however, am I truly Happy? I don't know, you tell me.....
I think Hans Christian Anderson got it quite right, in the simplest of ways, "To Travel, is to LIVE".
