Fate

As a child I never would have thought I would end up where I was at that precise moment. I could never have imagined I would have to make this journey to California, to leave behind my best friend, and the other half of me, my sister. That sunny day was where fate or God or both, had brought the two of us. To the Orange County airport, hugging to try to ease the sadness, hugging to give hope, and then like a flash I was alone again.

I once read about a story of a man who had tried to get rid of a pair of slippers that seemed to be bad luck. Every time he would try to rid himself of the slippers something bad would happen to someone else, and they always ended up back in his possession. I think sometimes we have to hold onto our slippers because those slippers resemble fate. As much as we try to change where we will end up it will happen anyways, and in the end we will be just where we are meant to be. We might as well embrace the unknown. That gives way to the thrill of the adventure of life. Some moments may be harder then others, some more sad, but those moments after the difficulties have subsided, and after the sadness has seeped back into our hearts to stream out at a later time, there are moments of recognition, of pure joy, and of peace. I never thought I would be journeying to Disneyland alone or that chance would bring me to encounter my best friend from high school halfway across the country in California, and yet it did. These things happen for a reason. Every moment, every feeling, every encounter, action, interaction, experience, every second I believe is happening for a reason.

I was given the solitude I have been needing since my arrival back to Cape Town. it was found walking the city streets of Costa Mesa, waiting in 45 minute lines alone in Disneyland, and people watching for hours on the beach. I learned about myself with every moment of solitude I was given, and I also learned about people. I learned that the number one goal for most people is to achieve happiness, in any way shape or form that they know how.

I used to think people watching was best at airports; seeing people from all over the world go from one place to the next. And then I came to the realization that people in airports are usually stressed rushing from one place to the next not having the time to enjoy life as it's given to them. I now think one of the best places for people watching is Disneyland. People have come from all over the world to ride the rides, see the sights, and get lost in the fairytale. While waiting in line I overheard a group of Australians wondering why Americans still have one cent coins. I encountered a couple from Germany talking about how their vacation has been amazing. I also encountered a few people from mexico taking part in the Finding Nemo Submarine adventure. I smiled a lot in DisneyLand and I was surprised at how natural that smile came to me, how i recognized the feeling of pure joy, because I was seeing it in others. I even laughed to myself a few times when watching people who were behaving downright outrageously. Why are people so afraid of spending time alone? I've come up with many explanations for it, but all of them have felt like excuses. All I know is I was meant to come to California, and aside from a few tears, I truly enjoyed the time I had to celebrate the meaning of life.