Be Free, Be Thankful

It's weird to think that only a few days ago I found myself away from the world, or that's how it felt at least. There wasn't a moment where I found myself subjected to the burdens of everyday life. In the time I was away it was that, I was away. There were no worries about the state of my credit card or clothes in stores that I wanted to buy. I was entitled to paying attention to my inner thoughts and desires. There were no judgments invading my space or negative comments overwhelming my news feed. It was impossible, I pulled the plug from technology and felt free, so incredibly free.

That week was more to me than I can even fathom by attempting to put them into words, but I'll try.

The motorway carefully guided me into my transition to a tranquil lifestyle as buildings became warehouses and warehouses became sheds. Soon enough nature encompassed me in every direction. In my mind I had envisioned the Rocky Mountains, I mean how different can any given clash of tectonic plates in an area be? Well let me tell you something, they are different but they are the same, all in one. I'll try and elaborate on this idea for just a quick second.

As a human being we are all, generally speaking, provided with the same base. Our bones, skin, teeth and nails, we all (again generally speaking) have them. What sets us apart from the rest of the world is the way utilize our bodies and minds. The external influences by our families and friends and the way we participate in society socially, politically, and economically. That's how we are different and what sets us aside from one nationality to the next. It's not a bad thing, not at all, it's what creates diversity and makes our world a lovely place to be in. What makes it bad is when people use those individual characteristics to view themselves as superior to the rest of the world. Some people may find happiness in materialism, while others value experiences they have attained for themselves through adventure. Everyone has something to be grateful for, something to be appreciated and not one thing is more special than the other.

The Pyrenees, to me,  were the same as the Rockies but different. Sure they have rocks, trees and rivers, but the way they grow and the way nature lives out there is so different than what I expected. I still have the image of thriving green fields tucked neatly into the crevices of the rocks, and the surreal placement of trees in my mind. It was something that reminded me of home, but also showed me how different the world can be.

 I took the time to observe my surroundings, and as the road winded around bends, I was immersed into tiny villages, some of the most extraordinary and exquisite structures I have ever seen. There were churches from the 12th century that have seen so much life and culture. I watched as the few people in town maintained their ancestors way of living. I was entranced by the fact that little villages like these still exist. I couldn't find the words to describe it, so I didn't, I allowed my eyes to soak it all up instead.

I got out of the car and walked down the old cobble stoned street and envisioned how it once looked. When it was only a baby to the world and how the Romans would never have expected an American ginger to walk on that same road centuries later. I am enthralled by history and how people once lived, it's strange to think that others will one day be thinking the same of me.

Still in Catalonia, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to meet some of the natives of the area; such humble and prideful people they are. One gentleman in particular, Chavi, is an inspirational individual. He explained to me, all in Spanish of course, about his life in the small village. He works hard for his family and is gifted with an imagination to create and refurbish old buildings into something livable again. He appreciates the nature around him and the simplicity of life; he captures all of this in his work. The natural light in the newer cabins he construct, to the carefully sculpted stones that make up the walls of the village, add to the essence of an all natural lifestyle. The architecture is one with the mountain, allowing humanity and nature to coexist equally, one respecting the other.

I spent a great deal of my adventure exploring the vast terrain by hiking steep hills and sliding across iced paths. It was nice to remove myself from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the elements of nature. The natural smells cleansed my lungs and replenished my soul.

I spent my Christmas in the presence of good company, instead of celebrating with gifts, we celebrated with great conversation, fine tasting wine, and an Irish television series. Although I missed my family and our traditions, I could not have pictured a more perfect way to celebrate Christmas here in Spain.

It was a bitter sweet ending packing my few belongings into the car to head back into the city.
I felt humbled and renewed. I left with the image of the stars still fresh in my mind. Every star shone so brightly up there, can you imagine? The universe gleaming a little message to me, reminding me to take it easy, not to be so hard on myself, and to live to the fullest extent every single day of my life. I love life, I love adventure, and most of all, I love everything and everyone I'm graced to come into contact with.

Please, all I ask of you is to love every part of you, where you are now, and the places you will be. My time in the Pyrenees reminded me of this and that there is more for us to explore. So take my hand and trust my words, let's travel this world together, there are more mountains climb.