Of (Not) Traveling and (Not) Writing:

And how these two things are related.

This year is interesting. And I don't mean interesting the way people use the adjective to describe something indescribable or suspect; the way people use the word when they're trying to be polite and give voice to a feeling or emotion they feel is offensive; the way the characters in the book Room use it.

I mean "interesting" in that it's given me a lot of food for thought. This year has been one of growth and self-exploration. I've learned a lot about myself in terms of what I want and need, and the thing that's really struck me the most is that a lot of my creativity is dependent on my travels. Ergo, if I don't fly, my imagination won't soar. (Cheesy. Yes.)

I have a theory for this: I do a lot of people-watching when I visit other cities or countries. I think my favourite part of traveling is probably waiting at the terminal before boarding my plane. And it's not because I'm not looking forward to going to another destination. It's not because I didn't enjoy myself on my travels. It's not because I'm nervous about the flight. Nah. The reason for this is that I enjoy the in-between when I'm waiting to board my flight and takeoff because that's when I see peak humanity. I'm talking disheveled and messy humanity. Happy and excited humanity. Angry and distraught humanity. Curious and optimistic humanity.

Humanity at its most basic.

And then when I arrive at my destination, there are more people to watch! It's inspiring and humbling and reminds me of all the rich stories at my disposal: Other people are my muses.

And I haven't really had that this year. I haven't gone anywhere, so I haven't seen any people in their basic states or practicing new customs or doing things in different ways. And not having had this experience has affected my writing abilities. I’ve had writer’s block all year and now that I know the reason for it, it’s making me have an even deeper appreciation for travel.

So I’ve started planning the trips I want to take next year. I want to go to Prince Edward Island, Guatemala, and possibly the UK. Yeah, it will be esspenssive, but I just keep thinking of all the writing mojo I’ve missed out on and how much mojo I’ll accumulate next year and it makes it all worth it.

Ah, 2017: The year I learn the balance of life. (At least that’s what I hope!)