You Say Goodbye, and I Say Hello

(The pictures in this post are not related to the post. They're just pictures I found on my computer that I haven't shared. And since pictures always brighten up a post, I thought I'd share!)

Being on the road has presented me with countless goodbyes. I remember the day I left Michigan, I cried myself silly all the way down I-94, past Chicago, and eventually composed myself halfway through Iowa. Goodbyes filled me with a sense of loss followed by a sense of longing at past memories, experiences, and feelings. Goodbyes were accompanied by a heavy heart and a deep sadness.

Somewhere in California...might be my solo trip through Death Valley (??)

However, in the past month, something shifted. I noticed this very clearly yesterday when I had to say goodbye to two really awesome people. I should've been sad at the loss of the connection we had developed, but I wasn't. I was excited. I was thrilled for their next journey, and also thrilled for mine. If I connected so strongly with these guys, what will the next stop bring into my life? And then I started reflecting, noticing that there was no longer a feeling of loss associated with goodbyes, but a sense of gain and appreciation for the moment in time we had spent together.

Utah.

Each goodbye is followed by a new hello, and this fills me with a sense of adventure. It seems as though the people I meet are getting more interesting, more unique. I don't know if I am the one who is changing or if it's the places I'm visiting, but things are different, they are more hopeful, upbeat, and exciting.

Louisville.

Staying in hostels and couchsurfing has presented me with the opportunity to meet new people and connect on deep levels for short periods of time. Of course, the lack of long, intimate, intricate relationships definitely has its challenges, but constantly meeting new people for brief periods of time has its benefits. I am not exaggerating when I state that I have met more people in the past month than I have in the past 2-3 years. It's true, I am always meeting new people, there is always someone to go adventuring with, always someone to grab a drink with, always someone to share a meal with, and always someone to share a story with. Some people you connect with on a soul level, and others you keep your distance with. But there is never a lack of people, and never a lack of friends.

Australian friend in Nashville. (I've developed a slight obsession with Australians. Can you blame me? Oh that accent....(swoon) Thankfully, there's not a lack of them at hostels. The Australians love to travel!)

The more I travel, the more I realize that there is not that "one special person", or that "one and only best friend". Everyone has the potential to be "that person" or "that friend". It's all a matter of what you want and desire. I can choose what I want in a relationship or a friendship. My options are not limited, in fact, they are broader than ever. And I think this knowledge has made goodbyes effortless, just another transition and another door opening to new possibilities, new people, and new experiences.

Hostel in New Orleans.

However, this new disconnect from goodbyes and the effortless simplicity they take on does concern me. I am at a point where goodbyes excite me because each goodbye is followed by a new hello. How long will I keep running around in search of the new hellos? Will I ever know when it's time to stop? Will I pass up on a beautiful potential relationship in search for something more? Have I become detached from my feelings and emotions?

Passing through Colorado.

I don't get attached to people or places anymore. Is this healthy? I'm not sure. But, at least in my life, with each new destination the places seem to get better and the people more relate-able. In fact, I'm ready to leave the states in search for something more. But what is more?

Met up with my parents for Thanksgiving in Missouri.

I'm not sure where I'm headed or who I'll meet. But there is no fear associated with leaving places and people. At least, not anymore. Looking back, I can't help but laugh at myself at the tears I've shed and the sadness I felt. Especially looking back and remembering all the new people I've met, all the incredible places I've discovered, all the laughs I've shared, and all the amazing memories I've created since leaving that "person" or that "place". Again, is this a set-up for disaster or a blessing? I simply don't know. Not yet.

Brad in New Orleans calling his parents....at 4am. Those crazy Australians.

As I prepare to leave Houston for Austin in a few days, I can't help but feel excited. In Austin I'll be couchsurfing and staying at a hostel. I have no expectations except that of saying goodbye, and saying hello. That seems to be the only constant in my life...and it's a welcomed constant.

One for giggles...when I stay in hotel rooms by myself, I've developed a habit of dancing around to Home by Edward Sharp and The Magnetic Zeros while getting ready in the morning.

Have any of you had experiences with constant goodbyes and hellos? Where did it lead you? Please share! I'd love to hear your stories!