Opportunities

I got to eat pickles last night. :)

Leaving Belize was really emotional. I felt stupid, but I couldn't help but crying a little -- this has been a very critical time period in my life. I've discovered things about the world and about myself that are difficult to describe here. I'm sad, relieved, impatient, and guilty to be almost home. So many of those children of San Pedro are living in feces and garbage. In fact, that is literally the foundation of the school we helped to extend. But it doesn't make me feel bad for them. I mean, I do feel bad, but most of them are so happy -- happier then most American children. The hopes and dreams of the children of Belize made me feel bad for people in my own country. I said I would bring back their secret, but I believe that the secret is obvious. Their culture of living simply brings them happiness. Just think... no fast food.

Part of me wants to go back and see inside their little houses. But I don't think that I ever will go back to Belize. I think that's why I'm sad. Maybe this is a touchy subject, but I thought a lot about the reservations in South Dakota and the shit that goes down there. Which, as a home grown South Dakotan, I honestly don't really think about that much. Creativity Begets Creativity. Action Begets Action? Is it even possible to make change there? Going on trips like this always make me impatient for change. I remember making a list that was three or four pages long of changes I wanted to make and things I wanted to do in my journal of the Midwest Ambassadors of Music trip through Europe. I'm already planning on cutting my hair as soon as I get the chance. The changes I want to make are always a little bit silly (like learning how to draw, reading certain books, etc.) and I usually think of too many things then are possible to do. However, it's hopes and dreams like those that keep our world turning. TIP #15: When inspired to make change, limit yourself to three accomplishable goals, and make them SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely). Otherwise, your To Do list will probably get in the way.

My Goals: 1. Start Budgeting 2. Read Harry Potter Again 3. FIGURE OUT SUMMER

As for my third goal, I will need help with in my next post.

TIP #16: No matter what kind of mood you're in, when opportunity arises for adventure, take it. The whole time we were at the resort, I was exhausted for some reason. However, opportunity arose. The owner of the resort, Doug, took us crocodile hunting that night and sent us on a bus ride to the monkey reserve in the morning. It was amazing! Pure nature. Belize is like a meting pot of nature. Sometimes I felt like I was in Africa, sometimes like I was in Louisiana, sometimes like I was in South America, sometimes like I was on the TV show, LOST. Except everywhere served burritos. Really good, cheap, burritos. On these (AMAZING) adventures, people kept asking me what was wrong. I think the tension of traveling exhaustion was just building up so that my face looked dead. I forgot to smile a sufficient amount. We are not only responsible for our own energy, but also for the energy of those around us.

I'm ecstatic to be home soon. I'm not ecstatic, however, for the extremely busy schedule I'm about to walk in to. Wish me luck!