Compass

The first time you ever took flight you caught the infectious travel bug and have yet to look back. This bug did not merely mean you were filled with wanderlust, longing to travel to new places; it meant you’d go near and far to make anything into an adventure. Since then you have gawked over travel blogs, soaked up inspiring movies, and collected a unique set of supplies for whatever comes your way.

I’m writing you today to say I hope that the same Riley who is leaving never comes back. Not because your imperfections are venomous or you are disliked, but if you come back the same person then you didn’t do it right. A friend once encouraged you with some wise words from Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, who said, “The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn’t even think to ask.” I believe that a big reason for this is the actual person changes throughout their journey, gaining new knowledge, perspective, and insight they didn’t have before which allows them to cross questions they never asked prior to their journey.

While you’re away I want you to focus on a few key concepts that will forever change your experiences: be a blessing, be present, be mindful, develop a new relationship with your savior and anyone you come in contact with, and in doing so you will also be equipped to master l’arte d’arrangiarsi (the art of making something out of nothing).

Before you talked about running away, leaving all this mishaps of life behind for a couple months. But I think instead you are running to many, many beautiful things. Run to all! Soak it up!

At the end of the day, your words sum it up the best, “You don’t have to do it all, just enjoy all that you do.”

With love,

Predeparture, sitting-in-the-airport-watching-planes-land,

Riley Makenna