Finding Your Own Voice
Two weeks ago, we went on a trip to Wichita, Kansas. It’s no secret that Kansas has a reputation for being one of the boring states in the US. While the definition of “boring” can be entirely subjective, numerous sources indicate that Kansas consistently ranks in the top 10 as one of the least exciting states. So, obviously, when we shared our weekend plans with our friends, I could sense a hint of judgement in their reactions. Some of them even bluntly asked, “Why are you going? There is nothing to do in Kansas.” My response to each of them was, “I wanted to see for myself, what’s so boring about Kansas.” Why rely on the internet and the opinions of others when we could go see it for ourselves? So, we went!
People were not wrong! There weren’t many things to our liking to do in Wichita, Kansas. However, we didn’t regret our decision in any way. When we decide to go on a trip, I enjoy the process- from mapping out our itinerary and making bookings to researching places to visit. If we are driving somewhere- oh, the fun of creating the trip playlist! I love it!
When it comes to long drives, that’s even better! Long drives hold a special place in my heart, as they are one of my favorite ways to spend quality time with my husband. During these drives, we delve into topics and stories that might not typically come up in our daily routine. We talk about people we’ve never talked about before, reminisce about our childhoods, and share many more meaningful conversations. This, to me, is a cherished part of our journey.
While it may sound cliché, I genuinely appreciate the planning process and the journey itself. The dopamine surge that I experience with a trip to look forward to, and everything that happens in between even before we reach our destination, is what I enjoy the most. While a beautiful destination is a bonus, it’s not the sole reason for our travels. Even though some (or perhaps most) may label Kansas as “boring” or uneventful, I knew deep inside that I was invested in something deeper than what everyone can see.
While people were not wrong in their opinions about our destination not being interesting enough, we enjoyed it in our own way. This made me think about how it is not just about a trip; people often provide their opinions about everything we do in our lives. I am not against it because everyone has their own perspective on life, people’s choices, and pretty much everything based on their worldview. More often than not, when you do something, people may not understand your perspective because you too have your own sets of views and beliefs. So, if something is important to you and it feels right, you should go for it. We are often so attuned to seeking external validation for our actions, we constantly hear the voices of others. However, it’s crucial to find our own voice within that cacophony.
If you understand what matters to you the most, why you make the decisions you make, and if they align with your values, then there you go! Don’t let external judgements or expectations sway you from what matters to you. Just follow your own path, enjoy the journey, and let your choices reflect what truly matters to you!