the journey in

A lot of my summer, almost all of it, was spent either at work or at home. I couldn't help but be a bit envious of the beautiful photos I saw all over social media of my friends in incredible places and adventures, camping and exploring and seeing the most beautiful things nature can offer. Of course I wished I could have been out there too. But honestly, I knew I needed to take the free time I had and try to just be right where I was. I knew I needed to dig deeper into myself in ways that I could probably only do in my own room. And at the end of the summer now, I realize that while I may not have a photo album or a tan or a bunch of crazy stories, I've journeyed farther than possibly ever before. And so I wrote this:




I've clambered up mountains
and waded through streams.
I've marveled at forests 
and sailed frightening seas. 

I've camped in the deserts
and gazed at the stars. 
I've lived through adventure
and I have come far. 

The mountains are lies 
I have long told myself. 
The streams are discomforts 
that lead me to health. 

The forests are moments 
of deep inner peace. 
The frightening seas are 
my fear of release. 

The deserts are hours
alone in my mind.
The stars are the hope
only darkness can find. 

The places I've sojourned 
no map could have told - 
this distance I've traveled
inside of my soul.