Self Discovery

What would I want
If I were to die today?
One thing
to do
one thing
to say
One person
to love
or tell those who I hate
What would I want
If I were to die today?

Dear mother, I love you
Dear Father, I love you
Dear Sister, I love you
More than myself

What would I want
If I were to die today?
Nothing
I have it all

Allison

As I walked through the valley or was driven, I was able to really see for the very first time. As I watched the half dome, El Capitan, waterfalls, trees, wildlife and meadows pass through the window of my eyes, I understood the definition of beauty. A combination of sights, sounds and feelings that create the ultimate picture of what life is supposed to be. That is what Yosemite is. A place where beauty rules and people are only second to the other creatures that were here long before us. As it should be. It is as if I am two separate entities entirely. One, living the dream to come here and surround myself with the beauty that is integral and organic. The second is here, but as if in a dream. Seeing but not remembering. Hearing but not examining. I am in love. With either personality, there is one thing that I am extremely certain of. That this place, oh wonderful Yosemite, has my love. The love that is pure and untouched. Why? Because Yosemite has shown me how to live. How to live each day to the fullest potential and never expect; accept what is give n and don’t ask questions. “Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die.”

Caitlin

I truly have changed. I don’t necessarily know why, or how for that matter, but I have. And I like the new me. No fears, worries or apprehensions. I guess this is what it’s like to be free. That word has always puzzled me: free. What does it mean? Who does it affect? How do you know what “free” is? I might have just found the answers to some of those 4 o’clock in the morning stumpers, some of which have been bothering me for a long time. I needed this. A chance to be alone in nature and have time to sort out my thoughts. A time to bond with a mysterious person: myself. If only my friends could see me now with a new feeling of self-confidence, a boldness I didn’t know I possessed and a newfound knowledge. Time is of the essence. “Don’t spend your life trying to know other people. Spend you life trying to know yourself.” I am a new day dawning on the horizon: rested and ready for anything. I am the rain falling endlessly from the sky: mythical and full of purpose. But I am also Mother Nature: integral and organic. I am a living creature, but I am also somebody. Ever waiting, ever changing.

Caitlin

Click on one of the following links to go to other pages in the Girl Scout Wider Opportunity journals:

Encountering Bears | Circle of Friendship | Heavenly Show | On the Trail | Self Discovery | Voices From the Wilderness | Water Water Everywhere