This weird journey and Elizabeth Gilbert

Life is a journey. You hear proverbs, song lyrics, poems, and wise people telling you this all the time. We normally just agree. But it really is a one big learning experience. We really do have the potential to learn something important every single day of our lives. Upon inception, we have every possibility and potential ahead of us. When we are born, we are placed with limitations based on our gender, race, nationality, and class. The infinite possibilities and wonders of the universe are still out there, but it simply becomes harder for some to get there. Many can't even fathom beginning to explore or try to understand life or the world around us. Some cannot based on limitations placed upon them and others either choose not too either because they choose to ignore these realities and possibilities, or because they have found peace with their own personal environment. For those of us that have been given the burden and blessing of curiosity, the desire to explore, question and learn from the world, the path to enlightenment and understanding isn't always easy.

Wonder where all this is coming from or where it is going? I'm currently reading one of the most amazing novels I have ever read. Maybe not amazing on its own standing (although it was featured on Oprah), but amazing to me because of the perfect timing in which I found it in my life. I discovered this book at a moment where I found (and still find) myself in the middle of this huge transitionary period, where I am at a complete loss on almost everything, carrying with me nothing but a suitcase (or 4), some tickets, and some hope. It was literally exactly what I needed; spiritually and emotionally as well as physically (I had 18 hours to kill). I'm not quite finished it yet; I still have about 100 pages left. While I am really anxious to continue reading, at the same time, I don't want it to end.

A piece of non-fiction, this book is a memoir of Elizabeth Gilbert's year long 3 part journey of self discovery that took her to Italy, India, and Indonesia. Reading it is like having a conversation with this woman about her journey while she charmingly imparts her newfound wisdom and learning experiences with you. As one review says, "Gilbert's prose is fueled by a mix of intelligence, wit, and colloquial exuberance that is close to irresistible." It's true.

So... the point is that in a moment where I was feeling especially lost mentally and physically in one of the many airports I've been in recently, this book was and continues to be amazing. I highly recommend it. And I hope that every day I can continue learning as much as I have.