Epiloge

John Krackaur wrote a book called Into The Wild and in 2007 it was made into a fine movie staring Emile Hirsch. It is the true story of Christopher McCandless who went looking for something that was missing, something better then the trappings of his expected life. He had an incredible journey and did find what he was looking for. Call it what you want but it took his death, alone in the Alaskan wilderness for him to realize he had found what he was seeking. Just before he died he wrote, Happiness...Only Real When Shared.
In August of 2010 I felt it was my time. I had missed many of life's milestones and found myself going through the motions of my life but dreaming in my head. It was time to see what was out there and view the world with eyes wide open. Tragic or Romantic I was prepared to go the distance.

I put together a plan and to give it texture and I said 100 countries in 3 years with a 3 part plan. It was not until I started writing my blog that I realized how I used 3 as my safety net. I used it conversations and even blogged about it. The truth was I was not going to stop until I found my place, my happiness and I did not care where it was. I knew that when I found it that is where I belonged. I was going to embrace it with everything that I was..complete and unconditional. So off I went, a head full of dreams.

Now as I bounced around I found myself in places that were always a historical footnote. Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua were war zones 25 years ago. Through Costa Rica and Panama and into Ecuador and Peru. The Patagonia in Chile and Argentina, small and fun Uruguay and the mysterious Bolivia. Ushuaia the most southern city in the world and then the crown jewel, Antarctica. Come on Ken really, Antarctica!! Such a small part of the world this trip, however the longer I was on the road more it became a bit of a chore to do so. How was wandering any different then sitting at a desk and going through routine when you are alone.

Looking for happiness is scary. You have to be totally honest with yourself. Who you are, where you have been, owning your past both good and bad. What is it that you want? How many people can answer that question?  Exposing yourself has to be the scariest thing a person can do, and its hard! However when you do, wow the things that can happen!

August 2, 2011 I received a bolt out of the blue. On November 22, 2011 my journey would forever be altered and on March 2, 2012 I understood... Happiness...Only Real When Shared.

In August of 2010 I decided it was my time, thankfully I did!