The world is my playground

At the time I wrote post, I was on a flight to Tokyo, Japan.
Friday, sometime in the A.M. according to Tokyo time.


I'm currently on my way to Tokyo, Japan for three full days of international exploring. While I have visited Mexico twice, Denmark and Sweden, this is my first solo excursion. As I'm sitting on the plane, which is where I'm handwriting this post, I'm simultaneously nervous and excited. Originally, my brother and I planned to travel together, but plans fell through, and here I am on a 14-hour flight to Tokyo. Upside, I'm traveling first-class on a 747. Thank you Cindy!! Although my brother is unable to accompany me, I'm still thrilled. I always believe everything happens for a reason, such as knowing that I can do this trip independently.

As I shared with people that was going by myself, I had a few positive responses, but the majority of people looked at me like I was out of my mind. "What!? By yourself!? Aren't you scared?" To answer, yes, it's natural I'm nervous, and I honestly cannot believe I am doing this on my own. For most of us, we have few, or many, grandeur ideas and objectives. But it's the final, "I'm doing it," that differentiates the thinkers from the doers. It's so easy to put off what we want to do; we will always have a reason to not do it. Well then, I ask, "What is your excuse for doing it then?" If you're going to think it, why not go with it?" My response: because I want to. Because I can. Why can't that be your excuse?

I don't just want to be a part of my city, state and country. I want to be a part of our world. The evening before I left for Japan, I met a friend of a friend. As we were discussing my trip, I told him I thought of the world as a playground. Think back to when you were a kid, and recess/lunch was your favorite part of the day. Right? We looked forward to the imagined games, merry-go-round, swings, slides...all of it! Each recess was slightly different from the previous one because we focused our attention on whatever looked appealing at that time. Not only did we love exploring all it had to offer, but it also became a setting for us to overcome challenges. For some, the tallest slide was intimidating. For others, they just couldn't get the swings down. Well, right now I'm looking at the opposite end of the monkey bars, hoping I'll cross them successfully.

But through it all, I'm blessed to have the encouragement and opportunity to do such a thing. Although I know my dad is beside himself--yes, dad, I can still tell though you try to hide it-- he knows I can accomplish this. Also, it doesn't hurt having my step mom as my cheerleader, telling me, "Do this! You're going to love it!" Thank you!

Who thought I would be traveling to Japan with just my backpack, Lonely Planet's Tokyo and a Japanese dictionary? Some who truly know me believe it, whilte others think I'm crazy. As I see it, the world becomes smaller every day. Globalization is taking effect, and it's unstoppable. The opportunities to visit and travel the world are here. What are you waiting for??? Culture barriers are breaking down. Ideas and values are transcending borders and seas at record speed. Almost every single culture is incorporating a little bit of someone else's, yet still maintaining their own, distinct way of life. By already being on this plane, I feel I've accomplished the most difficult part-- putting my hands on the first rung of the monkey bars and letting my legs dangle. It's exhilarating to not feel the support of the ground beneath my feet.