The world...

...is your oyster.


I've been fortunate enough to have traveled quite well in the past 25 years.  My parents would always do their best to make sure we went on at least one vacation every year.  So yeah, I can safely say I've been to Disneyland over 10 times, Disneyworld at least 4 times, Hawaii at least 5 times.

I love all those places.  I'll always be a Disney fan. My favorite coffee mugs are ones I bought in Disneyland Paris, and Disneyland Tokyo.

In my opinion, there is no better way to appreciate yourself and what you have than to get out and see the world.

I backpacked through Europe with a friend in 2006.  I'll tell you, some of those places were an eye opening experience. By the time I came home from my trip, I had a whole new outlook on life.  Made me look at everything I had in my life; family, friends, a job, my health, a car, etc. and made me appreciate everything that much more.

Granted, I haven't been to any major poverty driven countries (though I would like to and plan on it one day), so I'm sure there are even more harrowing experiences out there that will once again make me put things into perspective.

You can read in books, look on the internet, or hear the stories through the media about how lucky we are and how we should all be thankful for what we have.   But until you see if through your eyes, it won't dawn on many people as to just how lucky we are.

Everyone takes things for granted and we lose our appreciation for things in life, it's how we are.  We grow and become accustomed to many things and never think that one day it could be taken away.  Could you imagine losing things such as your computer? Tv?  How about a roof over your head, or a fully stocked refrigerator?

Your life is what you make of it.  Some people have had it all since the beginning, and some have come from nothing. 

If you're able to, get out and explore the world, there is so much to learn from it.  So much beauty in unusual places.  Different cultures, different experiences, different foods.  Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, it's the times you do that leave a lasting impression.

Countries I've visited
Canada (duh)
USA
Mexico
England
Netherlands
Belgium
Germany
Austria
Switzerland
Italy
Greece
Vatican City
Monaco
Lichtenstein
France
Japan
China
Hong Kong
Taiwan

Hopefully I can continue to add to that list. :)

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine