As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks — on your body or on your heart — are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt.
I’m not here to eulogize Anthony Bourdain–other people are going to do that far more eloquently and much better than I ever could. But Bourdain meant a lot to me as a writer and as a human being. His show was about so much more than food and far off places I’ll probably never get to visit–it was about the people, their day to day lives and just how alike we all really are, regardless of location or ethnicity. It wasn’t exploitative or sensationalist. He made the world feel smaller.
If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food. It’s a plus for everybody.
Death is a strange creature. It inspires grief, humor (my family is weird) and a lot of introspective thinking. I’ve been experiencing each of those this morning.
Life is short. I say that all of the time, usually flippantly, to others and to myself in order to justify some sort of indulgence. But really? Life. Is. Fucking. Short. I’ll be 32 in a few months and yes I’m young but holy hell how did that happen? There’s so much I want to do–simple and grandiose–that I haven’t yet.
I’m going to do more. Go new places, try new foods, talk to people. If nothing else, that’s what I’m going to do.
Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.
Love yourselves. You’re worth it. Love your friends, your family. Show them that they’re worth everything and more. Life is short.
All Bourdain quotes courtesy of The Thrillist.
Three Piece Heart 