on the road

I get in the car with a bag of clothes, some camping gear, a camera, a box of books, journals and sketch pads, a harmonica, many maps, lots of great tunes and a few cans of tuna fish. I think I have everything I need. I have weeks, or months ahead of me and a huge uncertainty of what life holds. I know I am headed south, and west and then east- its all out there. I drive alone, not exactly sure where I am headed, but I think I will know when I get there. For now I will trust the peace and discovery that is ahead, and figure out the rest later.

In the first few hours I make some vows to myself. 27 of them to be exact. Raise your right hand and repeat after me. These are the road rules:
1. I will not feel sorry for myself.
2. I will take detours.
3. I will not speed, as much as possible.
4. I will write everyday.
5. I will be bold in photographing.
6. I will stop anytime I want to, and for things I wouldn't normally stop for.
7. I will live healthy
8. I will try new things.
9. I will challenge myself.
10. I will not listen to love songs.
11. I will not make commitments about where I am going.
12. I will be with me.
13. I will eat with strangers.
14. I will practice noticing and acceptance.
15. I will not wait on contact from any so-and-so.
16. I will find a way to serve others.
17. I will stand for peace and let peace guide me.
18. I will open myself to new ways of thinking, to new beliefs.
19. I will drink in random bars by myself.
20. I will see at least one concert of an artist I do not know.
21. I will go to art galleries.
22. I will attend a workshop.
23. I will practice harmonica.
24. I will search for the ability to trust- both within myself and in the world around me.
25. I will open myself to love.
26. I will create what I want in life.
27. I will enjoy it.