“Follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”- Steve Jobs.
When I originally read this quote I was in my mid 20’s, in school working on a degree I thought would bring me the self-fulfillment and financially stable life I always was told that I needed to have in order to be happy. For the longest time I agonized about swaying from a set career path and struggled immensely with switching it. As I approach my 30s, I am still confused and often conflicted if I am doing the right thing. At the beginning of 2018, I sat down and made a lengthy list divided into categories of things that I wanted to accomplish or begin laying the ground work to accomplish. On the list I placed “Re-finding Candi” and embracing my loved ones much more as one of my goals. I have come to realize that my favorite times are the ones spent with friends and family, not the things I have purchased.
Exploring has always lived in my heart. Yes, Lived! I have always had a lifelong hobby and love for exploring new places. Whether it was an exotic location or somewhere in my very own hometown. My ultimate goal is always to capture the beauty in every little thing and revel in the adventures that make my heart sing. Every summer, my sister and I would travel to the Cayman Islands to visit my mom. At just 9 years old, I would spend the year creating a whole itinerary of interesting things to do while there. On the plane, I would chat with fellow passengers to find local gems I should visit. I would even ask the immigration officers if they had any recommendations of locations that I should add to my list of “Must-Sees”. Yes, I would go around with two pig tails, a plaid shirt that tied in the front, faded blue jean shorts, sneakers, high socks, and a whole journal with a checklist, ready to write. It was one of those encounters that led to me to my 1st stay away camp. This lady saw how adventurous I was and gave me her information so that my mom could contact her. Safe to say I had a blast! We stayed in actual cabins. I experienced canoeing on a lake, arts and crafts that would allowed us draw on seashells. I met so many friends. That experience would not have been possible if I did not take the time to speak with others about activities that were in the local area.
Thankfully, my mom has oddly always understood me and tried her best to facilitate my adventures. It was on these summer vacations that she took us on our 1st submarine experience and swimming with stingrays off the Cayman coast. Family would describe me as an annoying and persistent child who always wanted to try new things but I just wanted to live and set free the persistent feeling in my heart that was dying to break free. I’ve always wanted to share the joy that these experiences give me with others. As autumn begins, I am taking back my year and I want you to come along with me on this journey. You can see more pictures on my Instagram: @journeyswithcandi. If there is an idea that you’ve been putting off but it keeps popping up when you least expect it, just do it. If you there is dream that you’ve always wanted to pursue but you’ve placed it on hold because right now is not the convenient time to, take baby steps but be sure to write them because the mind is sure to forget. If finances are an issue, follow my blog on how local places can offer many of the luxuries of faraway places that we think we’re missing out on. All things take time and I have learnt that “time does not pass, it continues”-Marty Rubin. Do what you love now because “yes time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it you can never get it back”- Harvey McKay. Live often, Love till your heart overflows and Love like no one is watching. I would love for you to come along on this journey with me, as I too, embrace on the “just do it!” mindset. I promise that I will always be true. I cannot wait to learn about you all and your hearts greatest desires. When I am not blogging you can find me in a cozy coffee shop, with dim lighting snuggled on a couch with my “You’re my Sunshine” special coffee cup on yelp, google local guide and Pinterest sharing my ideas with the world or even on my next adventure! So I leave you with this ‘’You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong.’’ – Sue Fitzmaurice.
Journeys With Candi 