The moment I arrived in Thailand it all felt surreal to me, and upon leaving this feeling transitioned to surreal my time in Thailand was abruptly coming to an end. In the beginning I would describe the trip by the larger milestones such as getting advanced scuba certified, going rock climbing, and learning about Thai culture, yet in hindsight I recognize all the tiny moments that made the trip so transformative. Snapshots such as removing the commercial fishing net from the coral reefs focusing on our buoyancy with such care not to injure the coral, or getting elbow deep in mud to help plant mangrove trees through a rainstorm, or the laughs of the grade school students as they embraced the present. No matter if I was covered in dirt from a soccer game with local kids or soaked from river water after bathing elephants, my smile never wavered. Moments like those are what last a lifetime. It is not the temporary sickness or the lost baggage, or missed flights that matter in the end, it is the feelings of pure happiness that only selflessness can offer. A deep understanding that the world goes well beyond any singular person, and we are all collectively inhabitants of the earth. It is so humbling. With that scope all our earthly problems and insecurities seem to melt away because suddenly they are not that important.

I was nervous going to a foreign country outside the bubble I find myself in most of the time, but after getting to know the Thai school kids who informed me how dangerous America seems to them my perspective completely shifted. I gave one of the little girl's my bracelet and told her not to fear the world because there is good and bad everywhere so why not just live in the moment, soaking it all up. Fear is a mindset, from diving the underwater world to traversing the globe there are a lot of worse case scenarios but why focus on them when all they do is hold us back. Just smile and radiate positivity and everything else will work out as it should. The good and the bad we are so blessed with this life we have been so graciously given. Honestly, I know I needed to hear that just as much as she did. I will never forget the way she turned to me and said she will keep the bracelet for as long as she lives to remind her of me. That moment I felt numb to pain, worry, doubt. Nothing else mattered.

The sense of community we surround ourselves with has immense impacts on our development, and this group of volunteers I spent the last few weeks with taught me a lot more about myself and the life I will always strive for. Everyone has a story to tell and wisdom to offer, I just needed to take the time to listen, appreciate, and for introspection. We are all so caught up in chasing success, recognition, and fulfillment we forget to reflect on how far we have come. This trip taught me to slow down and enjoy the fleeting moments. I never thought I would find peace painting a door, digging a trench, or cleaning up trash, yet despite my humbling appearance, I was content. I even got to learn about and take care of elephants, such beautiful, intelligent giants. I was connected to the natural world, felt deep connections with new friends, and was getting out of my comfort zone.

These experiences, little moments, last long beyond the trip. It causes a shift of the mind and in turn a shift in lifestyle. I overall respect myself, the environment, and other people more because of this trip. I can confidently say - “this was a trip of a lifetime” is an understatement, and I hope it is not because I hope to fill my life with many more experiences like these. With a full heart, bright smile, and clear mind I know I am right where I am supposed to be.