Discovering The Quiet

There is so much noise in the world. So many distractions and colored chaos. We crave it and at the same time loathe it. Filling up our schedules, we throw out words like "too busy," "no time," and "can't." We feel a need to have plans and calendars marked with writing on each day. When we finally choose to be alone with ourselves, I think we tend to forget how to just "be", in the quiet. 

Our thoughts jump in unannounced and bully their way into our silence. It's not long before we begin to feel uncomfortable. Bored. Restless. It feels as if our generation (specifically) doesn't know how to entertain themselves without the help of modern technologies. With so much stimulus surrounding us it's hard to accept our down time as productive. We believe we are being lazy if we spend a whole day doing nothing.

A couple of weekends ago, a group of us headed to Joshua Tree for some camping and the peacefulness of nature. On our way home, we stopped in at a diner for breakfast. As we sat, one of my friends noticed she was feeling overwhelmed by all the noise, gadgets and chatter of the people. The feeling was mutual, we all felt a little more tense. Sometimes it takes us getting away from all the noise to realize how important the quiet can be for our souls.

In ten days I'm headed off to Europe. It'll be just me, a backpack, some books and my journal. I'll be alone, I'll be unknown. Being an only child, I've learned to not only deal with doing things on my own, but have come to also enjoy my alone time.

I look forward to this trip for many reasons but mostly, some renewal. I've been in San Diego for two years now and have had some amazing moments and some spirit breaking moments. It's time to step away and reflect on what has been accomplished and what my goals will be for the next year here. 

I'm longing for the quiet. I've been imagining this image of the "me" inside of me. She has on boxing gloves. With fists shooting out in front, she fights the world, fights daily struggles, fights money issues, fights insecurities. 

I'm ready for the escape. My own Eat, Pray, Love...the EP. Here's to discovering the quiet.