When we get out of the glass bottles of our ego, and when we escape like squirrels turning in the cages of our personality and get into the forests again, we shall shiver with cold and fright but things will happen to us so that we don't know ourselves. Cool, unlying life will rush in, and passion will make our bodies taut with power...
– D.H. Lawrence
MY GREAT JOURNEY...
My great journey, to bring back life and vibrancy to my soul seems to elude me in the daily autonomy of my so-called life. Feelings of a self-diagnosed quarter-life crisis I am on the edge of a paradigm shift. I feel as though my life is stagnant and unwavering in progression despite collecting the social chips that are often accompanied with success.
It seems as though for as far back as I can remember I have always sought after the ideal portrait of the American dream–an ideal lifestyle, when in fact, what I've realized is as cliché as it may sound, life is short and I am drowning in a sea of consumerism. Chasing after an illusory future and pursuing items for a life that may very well never be. Yes, the extensive planner that I am will give you insight into why this is even more of a difficult decision for me to not only make, but also to see into fruition. I'm ready to stop pursuing materialistic possessions in hopes of filling my soul with life's simplicities, all while being a collector of memories.
Last night, this small idea that grew from a whisper in the corner of my mind was spoken, and surprisingly did not fade away just shortly after uttering it–no, I awoke with a new sense of urgency to see this lifelong dream fulfilled. After years of routinely living my life, this mornings drive was one like I've never felt. It was extremely peaceful driving the same road knowing that in just a matter of months I will be thrown outside my comfort zone on every level of my life–stripped down to the very fabric that unites us all as human beings. Vulnerable and raw. Enigmatic and simplistic. Beautiful and incomprehensible. And I couldn't be happier!
Insomnia seeps in as I am unable to turn off the excitement residing at the front of my thoughts. The dancing memories of a life I'm yet to be a part of–yet to have experienced. The visions are so vivid as I close my eyes, as in a solemn prayer. The laughter of children in the background, while conversations in a foreign tongue are heard in every direction. Feeling the warmth of the sun on my face as familiar scents fill the air that are just different enough to elude my precision. This unknown piece of the world will now have a place in my heart–in my soul, and I've yet to even begin my journey. Feelings truly of Dante's definition of Hell, "proximity without intimacy," all the while the world sits outside my window as I ever so patiently await my escape...
It seems as though for as far back as I can remember I have always sought after the ideal portrait of the American dream–an ideal lifestyle, when in fact, what I've realized is as cliché as it may sound, life is short and I am drowning in a sea of consumerism. Chasing after an illusory future and pursuing items for a life that may very well never be. Yes, the extensive planner that I am will give you insight into why this is even more of a difficult decision for me to not only make, but also to see into fruition. I'm ready to stop pursuing materialistic possessions in hopes of filling my soul with life's simplicities, all while being a collector of memories.
Last night, this small idea that grew from a whisper in the corner of my mind was spoken, and surprisingly did not fade away just shortly after uttering it–no, I awoke with a new sense of urgency to see this lifelong dream fulfilled. After years of routinely living my life, this mornings drive was one like I've never felt. It was extremely peaceful driving the same road knowing that in just a matter of months I will be thrown outside my comfort zone on every level of my life–stripped down to the very fabric that unites us all as human beings. Vulnerable and raw. Enigmatic and simplistic. Beautiful and incomprehensible. And I couldn't be happier!
Insomnia seeps in as I am unable to turn off the excitement residing at the front of my thoughts. The dancing memories of a life I'm yet to be a part of–yet to have experienced. The visions are so vivid as I close my eyes, as in a solemn prayer. The laughter of children in the background, while conversations in a foreign tongue are heard in every direction. Feeling the warmth of the sun on my face as familiar scents fill the air that are just different enough to elude my precision. This unknown piece of the world will now have a place in my heart–in my soul, and I've yet to even begin my journey. Feelings truly of Dante's definition of Hell, "proximity without intimacy," all the while the world sits outside my window as I ever so patiently await my escape...
WHO AM I?
A Colorado native, I’ve had the privilege of growing up in one of the most beautiful States in the U.S. I am also a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder and future vagabond. I have a quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor, despite having a poet’s style of thoughts. I’ve never turned down good conversation or the intrinsic value I can sense in another to learn more about myself.
Originally, I thought I was going to have a traveling companion, but that's no longer the case and I am venturing out on this great journey alone. I have already experienced solo travel with a backpacking trip across Europe in 2004 and while often there are times that it can be very lonely, it is also absolutely liberating to experience each day without any limitations or restrictions. In 2010, I traveled to Australia and while visiting I was inspired by two girls from Germany that were spending 8 months traveling around the Continent. I met them in Cairns and at the time they had purchased a small van and were living an almost euphoric bohemian dream. When I told them I was only in the country for two weeks and had spent four days in Melbourne previously and was departing the next day for my final destination to Sydney, they overwhelmingly tried to persuade me to stay longer. Perplexed by their worry-free sense of freedom, I realized that travel is more than just experiencing places on the surface and now I have come to understand the same passion that was absent from my consumer-driven lifestyle. I am ready to immerse myself back into living...to explore a new and full life.
Originally, I thought I was going to have a traveling companion, but that's no longer the case and I am venturing out on this great journey alone. I have already experienced solo travel with a backpacking trip across Europe in 2004 and while often there are times that it can be very lonely, it is also absolutely liberating to experience each day without any limitations or restrictions. In 2010, I traveled to Australia and while visiting I was inspired by two girls from Germany that were spending 8 months traveling around the Continent. I met them in Cairns and at the time they had purchased a small van and were living an almost euphoric bohemian dream. When I told them I was only in the country for two weeks and had spent four days in Melbourne previously and was departing the next day for my final destination to Sydney, they overwhelmingly tried to persuade me to stay longer. Perplexed by their worry-free sense of freedom, I realized that travel is more than just experiencing places on the surface and now I have come to understand the same passion that was absent from my consumer-driven lifestyle. I am ready to immerse myself back into living...to explore a new and full life.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Ask any of my friends and they will tell you that I've been very fortunate–even extremely lucky by some of their accounts–as my career path was chosen and developed at a young age. I began working at Colorado Studios at the age of 18 after stumbling across a posting online that I was in no way qualified for, but determined to find a career and not just a job, I took a risk. That risk has not only paid off, but has allowed me to mature into more than a decade-long experience in broadcast television and thus becoming a veteran of the industry.
I have had the opportunity to work with or for every, one of the major networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and ESPN. I've held a variety of positions from field producer to tech manager to production coordinator. I've had the extreme privilege of working Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, enjoying sideline views of Monday Night Football, assisting with the first all-high definition television network at HDNet, and over more than a decade in the industry I've worked more than 500 live broadcast events in sports. Needless to say, even my life thus far as been pretty unique and exciting.
I have had the opportunity to work with or for every, one of the major networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and ESPN. I've held a variety of positions from field producer to tech manager to production coordinator. I've had the extreme privilege of working Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, enjoying sideline views of Monday Night Football, assisting with the first all-high definition television network at HDNet, and over more than a decade in the industry I've worked more than 500 live broadcast events in sports. Needless to say, even my life thus far as been pretty unique and exciting.
HOW CAN YOU AFFORD THIS?
I am not independently wealthy nor have I come across any great fortune, whether that be the lottery, an inheritance, or the monopoly game at McDonalds. I also do not have a trust fund or wealthy parents, at least not what they've told me. No, I have saved my money wisely and have chosen to live a life that will be more adventurous and rewarding rather than conservative and complacent.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand that this is certainly not for everyone, but I do challenge everyone to closely examine their ideas and personal philosophy about living and what it truly means to them. I mean stop and think for a moment–what really drives you to the pursuit of success and happiness? Are you motivated by the fear of not having a job? Or a home? Paying bills? I most certainly understand the need for money, but when it becomes our priority to keep up with the Joneses by living up to a status symbol we become lost in the shuffle of materialism and soon, “the things you own end up owning you.” One of my favorite quotes from the film Fight Club. Why must I conform to a cookie-cutter mold in life–college, career, house, marriage, retirement–when I'd rather make a difference by taking a huge leap now?
Don’t get me wrong, I understand that this is certainly not for everyone, but I do challenge everyone to closely examine their ideas and personal philosophy about living and what it truly means to them. I mean stop and think for a moment–what really drives you to the pursuit of success and happiness? Are you motivated by the fear of not having a job? Or a home? Paying bills? I most certainly understand the need for money, but when it becomes our priority to keep up with the Joneses by living up to a status symbol we become lost in the shuffle of materialism and soon, “the things you own end up owning you.” One of my favorite quotes from the film Fight Club. Why must I conform to a cookie-cutter mold in life–college, career, house, marriage, retirement–when I'd rather make a difference by taking a huge leap now?
AHH...HERRO!
Yes, you can call me a twinkie, a banana, or just plain Whitey McWhiterson. As a Korean adoptee I will be the first to admit that while I may be yellow on the outside, I am most certainly the whitest kid you will ever meet. I've come to terms that unless a short maintenance man saves me from a pack of skeleton-dressed punks to teach me Karate, I probably couldn't kick my way through the Cupid Shuffle. Ok now that's just a plain lie! Because while I haven't inherited the ability to do calculus in my head or drive twenty miles under the speed limit with my turning signal on, I most definitely can dance because this guy's got Seoul! So Ka-pow!
On my journey I am planning to visit South Korea and I have started the initial search process to locate my birth parents–for those that are also international adoptees I know that there are often mixed and ambivalent feelings that can be associated with being adopted and regardless of my own insecurities of being vulnerable emotionally, I do plan on sharing all of the highs and lows of this experience. Currently I have received an enormous amount of support and assistance from another Korean adoptee from Augusta, Georgia–Mila, she directed me to Dillon International, and I couldn't be more grateful to her. This non-profit organization has been wonderful in assisting and preparing me for what to expect. I'd like to thank Mila and Jan (Dillion) for everything they are doing, and hope that I can one day repay them for all their kindness.
On my journey I am planning to visit South Korea and I have started the initial search process to locate my birth parents–for those that are also international adoptees I know that there are often mixed and ambivalent feelings that can be associated with being adopted and regardless of my own insecurities of being vulnerable emotionally, I do plan on sharing all of the highs and lows of this experience. Currently I have received an enormous amount of support and assistance from another Korean adoptee from Augusta, Georgia–Mila, she directed me to Dillon International, and I couldn't be more grateful to her. This non-profit organization has been wonderful in assisting and preparing me for what to expect. I'd like to thank Mila and Jan (Dillion) for everything they are doing, and hope that I can one day repay them for all their kindness.
WHAT THIS MEANS?
It’s amazing all of the different responses I receive from people when I tell them what I’m planning. From those that know me personally, I’ve heard everything from encouragement and amazement to those that think I’m absolutely insane for leaving an established and successful career that I love. In life I have come to realize that there are so many more important things than money–so many of of which can't be purchased. I am extremely excited to begin this journey, but like most things that involve risk and change, I have feelings of fear and doubt about what the future may hold. But in all honestly, I’ve just come to realize that I’d rather take this risk and be someone that can look back on my life without regrets, because I know without a doubt in my mind that if I don't embrace this incredible dream, it will be a regret that will haunt me the rest of my life. I’d rather not be disappointed by the things I didn’t do by breaking the social mold and pursuing a life that brings new possibilities with every new day than looking back always wondering what could have been...
I’ve always believed that the greater the risk often the greater the reward, and this has the potential to be the ultimate reward. Life changing beyond any fathomable future I can imagine, something that I am certain will alter my perception and challenge me to a whole new way of seeing the world around me and myself. I hope to demonstrate the significance and importance of world travel, all while on a budget, and how it’s achievable to almost anyone. Just take that leap and explore the limitless possibilities by escaping the mold as well.
I’ve always believed that the greater the risk often the greater the reward, and this has the potential to be the ultimate reward. Life changing beyond any fathomable future I can imagine, something that I am certain will alter my perception and challenge me to a whole new way of seeing the world around me and myself. I hope to demonstrate the significance and importance of world travel, all while on a budget, and how it’s achievable to almost anyone. Just take that leap and explore the limitless possibilities by escaping the mold as well.
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