They say “to travel is to live,” even if your destinations are somewhat close to home. It enriches the soul to learn from other people, unfamiliar surroundings, and the history that each place provides. Now, living life as a post-grad, I think it’s exceptionally important to explore the world, no matter how close or far you are looking to go. I have found it does wonders for my creative mind and my overall being. Because I am now both a teacher and an artist I crave the creativity the world offers, as well as learning from it and teaching others about it. I’m feeling now, like I need to see what these places have to offer me as far as my career goes. All too often I see people get stuck in places they don’t want to live, doing a job they don’t love. I don’t want to end up that person, and I don’t think anyone should. After graduating, I’ve found that small day trips, and looking into different types of people and art have really fueled that motivation to move forward towards what I want.
It is ridiculously easy to get stuck in a rut. To completely crash after the hectic last few months of your life, right before you graduate. I say, take that time to unwind and relax, but then plan…plan to explore and to see what is out there. You can travel just an hour away from home and see how completely different it is. Your one small town is not an accurate model of how the entire world operates, and it is important to know that. One small restaurant with mismatched decor, or a bookstore that plays an album you enjoy on repeat, can spark something inside you you may have not noticed. I found these smalls sparks on a recent trip to Bethlehem, Pa. It has a small historic and quietly eclectic feel when you walk through it’s streets. As well as being a center for creative and expressive thinking. Around every corner are art galleries and small outdoor cafes. Walking the streets of this little but exceptional town I found a piece of myself I was somehow missing before; the piece that tells me I can do anything I want, at this time in my life. If I want to paint then I will paint, and if perhaps I want to move from my small chunk of the world to a place I feel more like myself, then I am going to do it.
My advice to all of you who are reading this post is this…don’t sit and let your life happen without you. Yes, things are scary and figuring out yourself and your life is probably the most daunting task you have ever heard; I agree. But now really is the time to step out of your comfort zone, to put yourself out there, and to explore. Quietly and curiously go forth to a place you have never been. Just wait and see what it has to offer you.
Here are just a few of the places and things that inspired me on my spur the moment trip.
