Thursday, January 24, 2013

{ More than happiness }

I read an interesting article today in the Atlantic: "There's More to Life Than Being Happy" 

I love these words of Viktor Frankl:

"This uniqueness and singleness which distinguishes each individual and gives a meaning to his existence has a bearing on creative work as much as it does on human love. When the impossibility of replacing a person is realized, it allows the responsibility which a man has for his existence and its continuance to appear in all its magnitude. A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the "why" for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any "how." - Man's Search for Meaning, 1946


This article discusses the difference between "happiness" and "meaning." There is certainly a correlation. I find joy in fulfillment and purpose. Psychologists found that "leading a happy life" corresponded with being a "taker" and living a "meaningful life" corresponded with being a "giver." 

"The more one forgets himself -- by giving himself to a cause to serve or another person to love -- the more human he is."

#makeadifference

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Life is a journey.

The name of this blog is Ma Vie de Voyage.

Directly translated from French, this means "My life of travel." I love to travel. I love to experience new cultures, new food, a new environment. But this phrase has come to mean much more to me over the last several months. I have come to appreciate the adventure of life, the beauty in simplicity, the small moments that matter most. I enjoy the everyday - La Vie Quotidienne. 

Life is a journey. If approached with an open mind, curiosity, and a sense of adventure, life is the best travel we will ever know.

So from here on out, I will be truly sharing, My Life of Travel. My Journey. Not just those in India, Africa, or Costa Rica, but my entire map. From Salt Lake City, Utah, to Monteverde, Costa Rice, to Mali, West Africa. This is my journey.