A diary entry

A while ago, on the plane to Fiji, I wrote a diary entry that I think deserves to be made public.

4/11/12

We are currently on the plane to Fiji, reality is setting in and our excitement has begun to rise. As the plane lifted off, I made a silent prayer to leave all stress, anxiety and worry behind, so as to truly gain the best possible experience whilst away. My anticipation for the next 12 days is high, and i’m really challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone and see what impact I can make on those around me. The flight doesn’t have movie entertainment, so it has given me the perfect chance to settle into my book ‘Hope’ by Tim Costello, rest my eyes and ponder the true reasons for my journey. Truthfully speaking I’m still unsure what to expect and i wonder whether I’ve set my expectations too high. Many times I think that maybe my place in the world doesn’t involve what I think it does, but then I remember just how much of a change small things can have. Faith, and Hope. The Tim Costello book i’ve been reading has been incredibly thought provoking and most importantly very encouraging. Tim has found his way into a position where he witnesses miracles, compassion and hope constantly. His stories provide real evidence that the world is willing and able to accept change, and that beneath our tough exteriors, stubborn traditions and seemingly immovable ego’s, we are all humans who have the ability to relate and empathise with one another. We all have basic needs, and in times when we find ourselves in strife, we turn to each other in search of comfort and acceptance. 

One of the chapters in Tim’s book outlined perfectly an issue I’ve constantly grappled with. He states that wealth cannot always be the cure for the poverty “problem” and that poverty isn’t always a lack of wealth. When we scratch beneath the surface, we discover that communities with considerably less than we do are far more rich in things such as togetherness, happiness, community and compassion. Where our western world was once so adept in communicating and socialising on the public forum, it has rapidly been replaced with means of social media and general solitary lifestyles. Conversely, communities unaffected by economic growth and technological advancement appear to have still clung to their traditions and values passed down from generations. Perhaps it means that we have a lot to give materially  but we could learn a big lesson from those less fortunate people also. 

Personally, it has not only consolidated the reality of this paradox, but it’s encouraged me to pursue a life more connected, more valued and dedicated to passing down a passion for being involved. I know I want to bring my own children up in an environment where they feel appreciated and valued as individuals, but also where they can reciprocate this to their immediate community and beyond. Through true, honest, traditional means.

Most of all, i know I’ll have a lot to learn from those around me, and I look forward to seeing how this culture shift an impact my mindset and opinions. 

 

I’ve returned to this post on many occasions, re-living what I was feeling at that time. Truth be told, the trip was nothing like what I’d expected it to be, but I suppose that’s the way it goes.

In a way, I’ve set a challenge for myself by writing those things, to keep a check on how I live my life and my daily routines. In years I might return to that exact diary and who knows what I’ll think then.

However, all that being said, I encourage you to take those words, read that chapter in Tim’s book or reflect on the way that you live right now. It’s never too late to reassess what your life is doing. Take inspiration from those around you and mould it into who you want to be.

Most of all….