The Next Chapter
2 minutes 
When one chapter ends and another hopefully begins.
I wrote about this on the bus heading home from a 2-week job on a military base in Wainwright, Alberta. It was a totally unique experience. I had received an offer to act as a villager in a military role play exercise. This meant I got to pretend to be a spanish villager while watching ground troops and tanks cover the area and humungous helicopters hover overhead. I met over 100 amazing people from all walks of life. Some were musicians, some were actors, and some were just trying something new. Some were Canadian, some were Mexican, and some were Columbian. We became family for 15 days, living in dorm-room type conditions, working together, eating together, and partying together. Some of us became good friends that will continue well into the future.
And yet, despite how cool of an experience this was, the 2 weeks ended quickly, and I found myself on a bus headed back home. Everyone was still sitting around me on their way back home but I knew that for most of us, we would never see each other again. We had just woke up from an amazing farewell party complete with a talent show and a spectacular performance of the Northern Lights (otherwise known as Aurora Borealis).
It was a mixture of sadness and happiness. It was sad to close a chapter on such a wonderful experience, yet exciting to imagine what the next chapter was going to hold.
I’ve felt this so many times as I’m sure you have as well. High school, college, university, trips around the world, hobbies, sports, and new found friends. Each chapter must end at some point.
But the best way to fight the chapter blues is to begin a new one. One filled with new adventures, new experiences, and a new story.
I’m now in Mexico City, a new chapter to finish off the 2011 year. I know next year, I will turn the page to another chapter featuring Malaysia and the rest of SE Asia. I know the location but I don’t know the story.
So although it saddens me a little to finish one chapter, it’s exciting to begin the next.
As long as you keep your curiosity alive and the adventures rolling, you won’t get stuck in one chapter and life will keep churning out amazing stories of unique experiences and new friendships.
Have you started a new chapter lately?
This is a great mindset to have, and one that will serve you well on your adventures. Reminds me of a quote I came across that goes, “If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realizing that you are the author and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page”.
Every new chapter and every day is a chance to create something amazing.
Have fun in SE Asia, be sure to share all your adventures on here.
Thanks Chad. Love the quote. Thanks for sharing. I’ll be sure to share the adventures! Where are you adventuring right now?
Couchsurfing in Texas with friends and family, then departing to travel the country via car with a good friend… again, ha.
How was/is Mexico? Planning an adventure there within the next few months here… any suggestions?
Forsure. you flying in? For pure nature type beauty, the best state is probably chiapas with Riviera Maya, etc. Mexico city is a very cool place to see as well since its the largest city on earth and 2nd highest population with 27 or so million people. Tons of history, museums, 5-6 UNESCO sites, and the pyramids. Lots of traffic though! haha…. I’ll be in Ixtapa for new years
I’ll definitely look into those, then. I was actually planning on driving into it or just taking a tour bus in from El Paso and then backpacking around for awhile. I like almost everything to be unplanned and spontaneous, because the most amazing things in life are often the ones that happen when we don’t expect them to. Have a fantastic New Years man, here’s to 2012 being full of adventure the likes of which we will barely be able to believe one year from now.
Awesome man! The north always makes me a little nervous but just make sure your driving in the day. We’ll, if you do go to Mexico City or nearby, shoot me a email and I’ll let you know some spots. I’m gonna make a little “post” soon for a guide to mexico food and what not. Thanks man, Have a great 2012 to! Should be a GREAT one!