I've met some new people and had more time to think. I suppose this say began during my layover in Chicago, which actually felt super quick for six hours.
I was able to see a wonderful friend and also make the important discovery that I am moving to the right city. I had considered moving to Chicago, and yesterday I realized that I likely would've lent too heavily on that friendship, whereas in New York I am more likely to explore and meet new friends.
It's like going to a resultant and trying a dish so good, it instantly is your favorite. And every time you come back, you say you're going to order something else...but that one is too good so you never order anything else. And this chapter for me is about discovering what else is on life's menu. Learning what I love but don't already know.
So it was validation that I am making the right choices.
As far as the train goes, I had a few great thoughts: I met a guy visiting from Japan, that has been on both of my trains: LA to Chicago, and Chicago to New York. He was in LA for three days and will be in New York for three....and that's actually the same amount of time he's spending on the train.
I immediately asked why wouldn't he fly to get more time in the cities. He simply pointed to the window, out of which green swirls of nature tickled our eyes. He said he was here to travel the country.
It was a literal example of focusing on the journey, not the destination. I also loved they the whirling countryside means as much to him as a big tourist attraction. I feel the same way and that bond I think is another universality between trains folk.
I met another guy who connected to nature, who couldn't help but gasp at every epic glimpse of landscape and smile at every bridge. He is in the military and is absolutely different from the guys in Rotchford I met in my college dorm hallways. They have the same stoicism but what feeds his soul is totally unique to other service men and women I have met. All of the stories he told were about art, travel and connecting with others.
About "finding your freedom."
And that's an appropriate word as I voyage through this country. Strangely it's a word I don't know that I understood until today.
In grade school, I mostly associated it with standing up for the pledge during school assemblies.
And now...with the longing for having money and thus choice.
Which is of course ironic, because it is FREEdom. It's already ours, it's not something we have to purchase or indulge in....but, we do have to define it for ourselves.
For my train friend from Japan, it was seeing an entire country in a week and two days.
For my military friend it's adventuring in search of others whose souls rhyme with his.
And for me?
I think that's what I'm learning.
And even if I don't yet know my freedom, it's still here. I still have it. Like a wrapped present that I'll one day open and understand.
And in the meantime? I will enjoy meeting others on this unique experience, and learning from those that have found their bliss.
