Revisit the visit

As I watch the sun set from the plane window, a burning orb in the western sky, I imagine a beauty that is both perception and reality. After a short two and a half months residing in Los Angeles County, I’ve begun my 10-hour journey home for the holiday season and well-deserved time with family. I left North Carolina in that 15-year-old Volvo just this past summer, mid-August, and my anticipation of adventure was completely fulfilled (even over-filled). From the great times in Toronto and Detroit to the self-exploration in Utah and Colorado, and further along into the hustle of New York and LA, a short four months has shown me more than I considered possible or rational. At the point where I want to relax in one place for at least two months, I remain grateful for the incredible spontaneity and excitement that life has provided. Moving west has already given me reward and continues to show more for the near future. 

That being so, returning to North Carolina is as tantalizing right now as some of my first travels away from there were. Anticipation understates the feeling. Stoked to see my best friends and the ever-growing city of Raleigh. Stoked to spend time with my mother and family, skate the familiar skateparks, drink for the sake of the visit, and tell stories of “those times” in Wilmington. Stoked to connect with people and stoked to spend quality time alone.

The woods of Chapel Hill, NC. 12/16/2015.

I’ve observed that reflection is much more productive when in familiar places. Those places that helped shape your young self, and more importantly, housed your less-developed self. Remembering your mistakes, at peace with all of it, seems to be a common feeling I experience in the house I grew up in and at the establishments I used to frequent. It’s perfect to visit for the holidays and feel that, because that is a time of year when most people take time off of work anyway. You can relax away the work hours and take genuine time to give back to yourself. Whether it be used to get tipsy with your closest friends or sit and think alone, it can always be a positive experience. And one in which you’ll eventually realize you grew more from having. 

Life is beautiful; therefore, the physical place where it started will always serve as an influential place for one's soul. There, whether positively or negatively,  a connection to energy, landmarks, or memories will carry so much more influence in your thoughts.

I hope that anyone and everyone reading this has a positive spiritual experience this month, religious or non-. I hope that each person with the ability can appreciate the environments they find themselves in. And most importantly, I hope that these experiences bring some sort of lasting positive change inspired by this end-of-calendar-year reflection. *I’m not speaking of “New Year’s Resolutions”, but if they serve the same purpose for you, Right On.*

Happy holidays, whatever that means to you. This giving season, give yourself the gift of time to ponder, realize, and improve. 

Cheers!

 - 7Ply Epic