Traveling helped me separate True Friends from Imposters.
And the people in the True Friends camp were not exactly the ones I expected.
I first noticed this phenomenon - I'll call it The True Friend Travel Test - on my 15-month deployment to Afghanistan. Some of the people I assumed would send me letters, care packages and emails didn't. And other people, people I didn't expect to give a hoot about me, did. In fact, they showered me with letters, care packages and emails.
I've also noticed a similar phenomenon called The True Friend Dream Test. This year, when I summoned up the courage to dedicate myself to writing, to be myself, to be authentic, some of my "True Friends" didn't "get it." No one's been outwardly critical of my aspirations, but indifference hurts more.
Like the True Friend Travel Test, the silver lining is that others - people I hadn't met before, people I considered mere acquaintances before I announced my dream to the world - have materialized. They've commented on my blog, sent me emails. They've rung me up to congratulate me, encourage me, and tell me that they're inspired. They've given me strength.
Life is odd.
Again and again I see the parallels between traveling and following one's dreams. Both are lonely, frightening, and uncertain. But, I'm thankful for the slew of True Friends I've acquired (and reconfirmed) in the process. I hope I can support them on their journeys as well as they've supported me.
And the people in the True Friends camp were not exactly the ones I expected.
I first noticed this phenomenon - I'll call it The True Friend Travel Test - on my 15-month deployment to Afghanistan. Some of the people I assumed would send me letters, care packages and emails didn't. And other people, people I didn't expect to give a hoot about me, did. In fact, they showered me with letters, care packages and emails.
I've also noticed a similar phenomenon called The True Friend Dream Test. This year, when I summoned up the courage to dedicate myself to writing, to be myself, to be authentic, some of my "True Friends" didn't "get it." No one's been outwardly critical of my aspirations, but indifference hurts more.
Like the True Friend Travel Test, the silver lining is that others - people I hadn't met before, people I considered mere acquaintances before I announced my dream to the world - have materialized. They've commented on my blog, sent me emails. They've rung me up to congratulate me, encourage me, and tell me that they're inspired. They've given me strength.
Life is odd.
Again and again I see the parallels between traveling and following one's dreams. Both are lonely, frightening, and uncertain. But, I'm thankful for the slew of True Friends I've acquired (and reconfirmed) in the process. I hope I can support them on their journeys as well as they've supported me.
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