The long road to joy

From the writings of a Buddhist monk called Thich Nhat Hanh, with the title “The long road to joy”, summarized by Paulo Coelho

1] You have already arrived. So, feel pleasure at each step and do not worry about things that you still have to face. We have nothing before us, just a road to be traveled at each moment with joy. When we practice pilgrim meditation, we are always arriving, our home is the present moment, and nothing more.
2] For that reason, always smile while you walk, Even if you have to force it a bit and feel ridiculous. Get used to smiling and you will end up happy. Do not be afraid of displaying your contentment.
3] If you think that peace and joy always lie ahead, you will never manage to achieve them. Try to understand that they are both your traveling companions.
4] When you walk, you are massaging and honoring the earth. In the same way, the earth is trying to help you to balance your organism and mind. Understand this relationship and try to respect it – may your steps have the firmness of a lion, the elegance of a tiger and the dignity of an emperor.
5] Pay attention to what is going on around you. And concentrate on your breathing – this will help you to get rid of the problems and worries that try to accompany you on your journey.
6] When you walk, it is not just you that is moving, but all past and future generations. In the so-called “real” world, time is a measure, but in the true world nothing exists beyond the present moment. Be fully aware that everything that has happened and everything that will happen is in each step you take.
7] Enjoy yourself. Make pilgrim meditation a constant meeting with yourself, never a penance in search of reward. May flowers and fruit always grow in the places touched by your feet.

Believe It until It Happens

If you believe in the dream enough and are willing to do whatever it takes to make it a reality, then you will be a success. It may not be an easy road, but the rainbow at the end will be worth the effort. If you come to a point where it just does not look like you can muster up any more motivation, you should keep on believing. Pretend that everything is working out and that life is great to get through the difficult times. When you pretend to be positive, sometimes positive things come to you. So, try to keep your dream in focus as you go through the ups and downs of making it a reality.
It is possible to make your dreams come true, if you are willing to allow yourself to dream, take risks, and believe in yourself. If you dont have the courage to do these things, your dreams will stay just as they are: dreams. If you take on the challenge however, you will find that anything is possible.

the positive side of planning

"The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don't define them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell you where they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them"
Quote by Denis Watley

That our journey is possible I believe based on the many others who did so before. That I am a traveller able to achieve our set goals depends on the level of goal ... and myself.

Highest goal: travel around the world
Lower goal: travel from Estonia to Japan in two months

Or according to Antoine de Saint-Exupery the highest goal which does not have a plan yet is just a wish ... a dream ... and it's maybe true ...

Will I consider myself a winner if I make it only to Japan, will I be a looser when I only would enjoy one month on the road?

I am going to see the wide world, I am going to be in new places ... on the way I plan to meet others, to sleep on beautiful spots and taste nature ... and I will share this adventure with Carina ... we are ready to leave ... and with others of whom I even can't think yet ... maybe Sven will come to live our dreams together ...

My goal is to open my eyes and follow my heart ...

Travel fever

One month ahead of our journey. The planning did not get beyond deciding upon a date 07.07.07. The route is still like the one outlined 6 months ago, my passport is some visas richer. And me? I am caught by a travel fever, waiting for the moment to come, curious, anxious ... but ready to go! Just need to get accross that huge to do list and pack my bag. I know that I can not be prepared for all possible roads and bridges. Nevertheless I will explore some roads the coming days. I tried to registrate at digihitch today, found my first Japanese sentences and read pieces of previous travellers. I feel I just want to have my own story ...