Of Not Equating Life with Bills;

We live our whole lives working towards something: a bigger house, a fatter pay check, designer clothes, latest gadgets, and things to embellish ourselves with. Though one thing remains true: at one point in our lives, we’ve worked very hard to save-up for our big adventure – the one that will change our lives.

Sadly some never come to realize that dream. In the chaos of papers, grinding down hours at work, and living in the world of comfort, the next big adventure becomes the next big material splurge. There is nothing wrong with wanting and gaining but please keep in mind that the material won’t have any bearing on your life after this. We all start from scratch after this life in terms of material things.

If reincarnation was indeed real – I would rather nourish my soul with sights and sounds and people I love rather than with clothes, gadgets, and people that only satisfy my flesh.

Most will not see it this way; to most, what I’m saying will be written off a crazy or a load of cock and bull – because we’ve been brainwashed to think that what satisfies the flesh, is what satisfies the soul. I was like this. I will admit to this…but then something happened.

I packed my bag and I went to go see the world outside of the world that I knew of.

I have always been a tourist in new places…but somehow, going on trips without these conveniences will open your eyes to things that will humble you. Do not be a tourist, but be a wanderer.

I have not been to many places as compared to the vast majority who will probably read this but the places I have been to have taught me how to appreciate the smaller things in life, that at the end of the day, it’s what matters. That life is worth more than just a piece of paper with numbers printed on it.

That life is drinking from a fresh cold spring, running your fingers through rocks, kayaking through lonely waters, sleeping on secluded beaches, talking to locals, sleeping in a Nipa hut or even on the ground, getting lost in winding roads, hiking-up a mountain, leaping off a cliff, and watching sunrises and sunsets in the middle of nowhere.

Yes, money is important and we need it to live but do yourself a favor and do not let it rule you. Our lives shouldn’t be based on what papers say we’re worth. Our lives should be based on the moments we live.

Work hard towards something for your soul. The Universe rewards that kind of bravery.

I must warn you though: the thing with adventure is that once you’re bitten by it, it stays with you forever; and the people you meet while on this adventure will laugh, cry, drink, sleep, ride, love, hate, say hello and goodbye to you – that is reality. But one thing remains, it’s the fact that wherever you are, no matter how many times you’ve been there, everything is a new adventure and your eyes and your soul will thank you for it.

So go on little dreamers, go on the adventure you’ve waited years to take.

Your soul is rooting for you.

Of Moon Mothers, Hands, and Promises.

Growing up child is just a matter of time
Forgiven all you’ve got, so won’t you dance under the sun?
Growing old feels like you’re giving up your soul –
And I’d rather give it freely to the ones that I call home

– Growing Up, Run River North

Dearest Ava,

I remember the first time your Mama told me she was pregnant with you. She was very scared and very confused. I was very speechless and very helpless. I guess when faced with a life changing event, we are all left feeling the extremes of everything.

You were a shock to the system, and this was just me, so I often wondered how your Mama must have felt. Over the course of your early life inside her, there would be a series of panicked and serious conversations, hopeless and desperate tears, and the sinking realization that lives were about to change and we weren’t children anymore.

As months flew by, and as we watched your Mama’s progress with every photo update she had sent us – I began feeling excited. Everything suddenly became a series of conversations filled with anticipation, happy tears, and the realization that your Mama will have a beautiful partner in crime just a few months away. We were all very excited to meet you Ava, you were very loved even before you opened your eyes.

I will admit that I never really understood children and there is a part of me that doesn’t think I can handle the responsibility of having one, so when your Mama told me I would be your Moon Mother – I took a deep breath, and tried to  think of the things I could teach you.

I am admittedly not the best role model in the world, but I know enough to know what to say when you want to try something or too afraid to tell your Mama about something you did. I don’t know a lot Ava, but I know I made a promise to take care of you during the good, the bad, and most definitely the worst.

I was so scared to hold you because I didn’t know how to. You seemed so small, so fragile – I felt like I was going to break you. I felt like I was too clumsy to even think about holding you…but when you held onto my finger, something told me I could. You held onto my finger as if you were telling me not to panic; at such a young age Ava, you’ve already taught me something and pushed me further into new territory.

A lot of people will teach you how to walk, run, swim, draw, paint, laugh, cry, and so much more; but I promise to be there, holding your hand through the adventures you let me be a part of.

I knew, in that moment, your Moon Mother had been born.

Thank you for melting my heart that day little darling. Cheers to your adventures ahead.

I love you.