Postmarked 10.23.06

07.31.06

Well, sometimes I do things without knowing why I do them... as in it just feels like something I should do. I felt like I needed to write this letter because this seems to be one of those major life experiences. I know that I will get home and fall back into what life was like before ZA, and while I don't think that's a bad thing I also know that I do need to hang on to many of these moments. I'm not sure what I will tell myself 3 or 6 months from now but...

*remember the feeling that traveling gave you, the way you felt numb when you left home and the way you feel numb now. That this is self-protecting and perhaps not necessarily a bad thing.

*it's not hard to make friends. People have amazing stories and you've made some great friendships here.

*don't be too stressed with life, things seem to (for the most part) work out.

*"get to know yourself better" -Jimi

*the way he made you feel.

*catching eyes and not looking away, existing in hesitation.

*take every opportunity that is a chance for a new experience, strive to be excellent at it.

*sometimes it's worth it to spend the money.

*give people a chance before judging them.

I've found that it can be so easy to create these intense feelings but then it's also so easy to let them go. Sometimes I wish things were more permanent than that...

Remember to show the people at home that you appreciate them. I think sometimes I'm not good at that. Remember sitting in the front seat of the overland vehicle talking to JohnO and thinking about his life story and how I should really just go for the things I love/want to do. It's probably one of the best decisions in life.

Don't be afraid to just go out there and do it. Don't forget South Africa, it was one of the best decisions of your life.


[I don't know what made me open this letter tonight but I finally opened it.]