Since returning from the rest of the world I've had trouble gathering my thoughts. It's kind of like I don't want them to be gathered. I'd rather have them remain abroad, or thinking in the more universal way that they've grown accustom to thinking.
I don't feel American anymore, or maybe I never did. What does it mean to be American? I'm talking about values and spirit-type stuff. I'm not sure if they are entirely pinpoint-able these days. Are they? Am I missing something?
Some of you may be thinking, "chill out, man. You were only gone six months!" This is true. It wasn't a very long time. It wasn't a long enough time to establish new norms for my perspective to function within. It was, however, a long enough time to challenge all of my pre-existing ideas of what it is to be normal.
I don't know what normal is anymore. I don't know if normal ever existed.
I feel happy to be around my family and friends, but normal I do not feel.
...ramble on...
I love the raw reactions of other travelers. Especially when it's reverse culture shock.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best things traveling ever did for is to teach me to challenge assumptions and challenge norms. Why do we do what we do? What's the point? If there's not really a point for a certain behavior, tradition, or perspective, it's so freeing to pick another to replace it. Travel long and far enough, and you end up with a life mosaic of perspectives, traditions, meals and hobbies from all over. Your personal collection of the 'best of all places' :)
Keep rambling! And keep blogging!
Dano waneo you were never normal always extra special..... I don't think normal would look good on you .......
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to be fully "American" and fully Biblical? There seem to be too many conflicting ideologies. So, personally, I think it's good if you're questioning parts of the culture you grew up in. Maybe there's some things that need purging...and I hope the next generation is a bit different.
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