Magical Moments
Welcome back to Wandering Wednesdays.
This week, I want to talk a little more about the magical moments I mentioned in my last post - and the way social media showcases travel highlights, creating a very real image and perception of the grass always being greener for those of us fortunate enough to travel.
Now, to be fair, some of my favorite travel memories are even better than my Instagram makes them seem.
I'm talking about postcard-worthy sights that cameras could never do justice, belly laughs and nights spent dancing and scootering all over iconic cities with strangers from all over the world who quickly become dear friends, and romances more magical (far more magical) than any rom-com I've ever seen.
There's no denying that I'm very lucky to have these precious memories. I'm very grateful to be so rich in the way that I feel matters most - in the category of countless, priceless experiences… all of which travel has given me.
But to think that it's all sunshine, rainbows, butterflies, and magic is so misguided, and simply untrue.
The reality of it is twofold - the grass is greener where you water it… and I diligently water my travel pastures, even when it's not magical.
And also, most importantly, you know what makes for the greenest grass and encourages the most growth? Manure.
The sh*t may not be visible from your vantage point, but it is there… and it's undeniably the best fertilizer, no matter how stinky it may be.
This truth was really eloquently and insightfully put into words by Mark Manson. I don't remember where he put it into words so perfectly, whether it be his blog or one of his books (which if you haven't read, I recommend you change that)…
He really described life’s sh*t situation perfectly when he explained that no matter what you choose to do with your life, there are going to be shitty parts of it.
The shit is undeniable and inevitable… but our power lies in our ability to choose our favorite flavor of shit.
So decide, what do you want so bad that it's worth enduring the shit for?
Because you're going to deal with some shit no matter what, it might as well be the flavor of shit that you chose.
So the best advice Mark Manson and I can give you - choose your flavor of shit wisely, and then enjoy your shit sandwich as best as you can.
That's all any of us can do.
And no matter how fabulous my travels might look online, that's what I'm doing too - choosing to enjoy my own unique flavor of shit sandwich.
xoxo - kell
