“A pilgrim is a wanderer with purpose.” — Peace Pilgrim
Another of my all-time favorite quotes is: “Not all who wander are lost.” I’m a big fan of going away to college. Or taking a year off to backpack through Europe. Or at least saving up your pennies for a trip to another part of the country with an adventurous pal.
None of it has to be expensive, and let’s face it: the riches come back to you a hundred-fold in the reward of experiencing new cultures, languages, food, customs and all that might be available to you “out there.” Even traveling across a few state lines can mean the difference between “Let’s pahk the cah and get a beah in this bah” and “Well, bless her heart.”
I grieve when a friend moves away. It affects the quality of life for those of us left behind. On the other hand, I celebrate, for them and their new adventures…and for me. Now I have someone I can visit in another locale! How about you? Any couch-surfing in your future?