It’s a Feeling

I awoke to the crow of the rooster (and my roommate’s alarm), a wake up call that is not foreign to me. I step into my shorts and t-shirt to get ready for the day, goosebumps sprinkling my arms and legs. Mask in hand, I step outside, and the warmth is sudden, covering my bare skin in an invisible garment. The light of the sun blankets the courtyard of Quinta Santa Rosa in a soft golden glow. The fountain glistens in the light, the sound lulling, full of serenity. It’s quiet, the only sound breaking it is the chatter of the other students getting breakfast. I always knew I’d enjoy my time in Mexico. But the experience I’ve been able to have within only a week, is unimaginable.

Have you ever thought of something that you thought you would never do, and then you end up doing it? Like you think there is no way I would ever go rock climbing because I’m not into that. Then a day later you go rock climbing with some buddies. That happened to me yesterday. I’ve grown up in the mountains, miles upon miles away from the nearest sea or ocean. So I never thought that I would go surfing. Ever. Yesterday in the afternoon after our Spanish class we went surfing. I still find it hard to believe that it happened. A farm girl, from outside a small mountain town, doesn’t usually do that. The best part about surfing was seeing everyone else do it. I was expecting everyone to keep falling, not because I doubted them but because it seemed hard. But everyone was riding the waves like first day pros. It was a truly unique experience.

Another question. A bit more deep this time. Have you ever had a dream of doing or achieving something? One that seems out of reach, and almost unachievable? Then you do end up living that dream? What did you feel? I’ve always wanted to travel to another country, to experience a new place and culture. However, I felt that dream slipping out of reach, slipping out of mind, one that seemed…unattainable. Then I set foot on the soil of Mexico. A dream that I finally achieved. Something to cross off of my bucket list. Ever since then I’ve had a feeling, that is so complex that there is no way to write it. I try to think of how to explain it as I lay here in my bed, but I can’t. I can, and I will, but it will be vague. What I feel is alive. Yes, it’s a one word answer and it’s vague, but the feeling itself, is not. It’s a feeling that is so complex it can never be described, it can only be felt. It’s been awhile since I’ve felt this alive, and it is refreshing. Refreshing to have my heart beating, to have a clear mind, and a soul full of joy and aliveness.

Maya