I generally describe myself as a freelance writer. I mostly do travel pieces, but as any regular readers know, I write about any random thing that captures me.

Sometimes writing isn’t the answer; sometimes a short video clip, like the one I’ve posted here, can pack more punch than a ten-thousand word essay. 

I write to understand, to make sense of the world and especially all the characters in this unfolding drama called Life. This “story-awareness” has created a level of non-attachment (on my few good days) to my own drama, enabling me to recognize that my life too, is akin to an unfolding novel.

This makes every person that crosses my path an opportunity for the character (in this case, me..) to develop, to learn and to love and if I am doing really well – see reference to ‘my good days’ above – I can view it all as simply material. So when that nasty phone call comes I can remind myself…this is good material.

I try very hard to observe my reactions and actions. Like someone in AA, I’m working on the one-day-at-a-time concept in trying to remain curious, instead of judgemental, about what is motivating me when I respond. Because respond I do and sometimes I watch myself and say WTH was that all about?

I write too, to pin my monkey mind to the wall and get to my own truth of things. I sometimes write to give voice to what I have left unsaid for too long.  I hope that by sharing my story, it might grant others to start telling their own. And I write to persuade others to open themselves to possibilities they haven’t yet considered, whether in travel or simply by hearing another perspective and beginning to imagine the way into understanding another person’s life.

Travel writing, and in fact, writing in general, has helped me to be more receptive. I am always looking for the narrative arc.  I am paying more attention to detail and interacting more with people in hopes of finding that story. When it’s time to write the travel piece and to articulate what I’ve found, I experience it again and hopefully gain some insight in that process. In short, writing is helping me to pay attention.

Because ultimately, isn’t that what we should be doing anyway? Aren’t we all just trying to learn how to be present, open and interested?