I must

I just have to write. Everyday. Tell my story with my whole heart. Courageously. With the belief that following my bliss, my joyful impulses, is the only thing to do. Connection. Gratitude. Trust. Surrender. These things have delivered me to myself, helped me to become myself. Daily. Momentarily. They have been my constant companions; my greatest challenges and my most gracious teachers. The road has been arduous, but incredibly full. I embarked on this journey because I wanted to feel life in its fullest capacity. Fear, discomfort, uncertainty, pure unadulterated bliss, curiosity, growth. To test the limits of my abilities and my beliefs. What happened was a slow redefinition of my values. How do I define wealth now? Success? Happiness? Sustenance? How do my values differ from 2 years ago? I left comfort and security for discomfort and lack thereof. But I am happier than I’ve ever been. I am living my life fully, unapologetically. I am present, and mindful, and have gained the ability to go with the flow like I never could have expected.

I’ve found a home in a place that couldn’t be farther or more different from the only home I’ve ever known in the Lowcountry. In the South, in the United States. I’ve found home in a country that is 99.9% Muslim, and despite taking a world religions course in college, I knew nothing about Islam. But I’ve found home amongst the 5 daily calls to prayer echoing in a round throughout the hot and constant hustle and bustle of Marrakech. I’ve found home in a village that feels like a step back in time. Where there are maybe a couple cars seen or heard per day, maybe not. Where life revolves around mealtimes, for both humans and animals. Teas taken down by the river during a break from washing clothes, or in the fields after harvesting food for the animals or pruning the trees in the orchards. Where we absolutely positively watch the sunset every night, and ask the trees and plants and herbs for permission to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Where we all eat of the same dish 4 times a day, more often than not with our hands and we all mother all the babies, both human and animal alike.

There is an understanding in the silence there. We all know how to appreciate it. How to be entertained and in awe by the way the wind blows, the way the river flows, the way the sun and moon and stars shine. It has healed me where I had no idea I was broken. And I’d like to share it with you. My journey. The story of my life that I’m writing everyday. Thanks for following along, supporting my gypsy ways, entertaining my lofty thoughts, and cheering me on. You’re the best.