Realization_ Mekhi Jones

I guess it's time to get back home. I frankly tired of the road; the signs all begin to look alike, speed limits aren't much different, I drive under the same sky and moon, just with a new perspective. How did our nomadic ancestors find contentment? I guess when following your food, you don't really care much about where you clean your bowels. 

I feel like I have learned much more about my country. I may be a bit biased but when traveling abroad, especially in European countries, much smaller, you can hit a city or two and pretty much know the country. The vastness of America doesn't allow such an easy accomplishment. The wind, people, culture, and atmosphere of so many areas of America are so distinctly different, you could spend your lifetime traveling across it with more to learn by your death. 

In all my interactions across this great nation, I saw the look in peoples eyes. When I told them I was traveling around America, their eyes told me that they longed to see the open road. To escape their commitments and responsibilities, pack up and discover the America that their ancestors found, settled, and colonized. In this, I realize that I am privileged. 

It is not money that makes me privileged. It is time. My mom taught me long ago that your time is more valuable than the money in your account. Money can be borrowed, repaid, lost, and gained. Time, it goes with no fluctuation; it doesn't slow down or speed up; tick tock tick tock. However, Steinbeck once wrote there are those who trade quality of life for quantity in years of life. I prefer to live fast, die whenever. Much like an actor who refuses to leave the stage, I will not refuse to leave this world. While I'm here, I'll put on the best show as I can. 

I think I have cleared my mind. Accomplished the goal of my trip. But theres still road ahead of me, a few more places to visit, and a few more experience to have had. No matter what happens, I've witnessed my own growth.