Madd Hatters backpacking dreams

We always think we have enough time. Enough time to follow our dreams. We are just 20; we have the whole life to follow our dreams.

Then 20 turns to 21… 21 to 25… and you’re left wishing… if only I had done that.

I am turning 21 in a couple of weeks. I have a bucket list. And I keep telling myself I am a step closer to it. Every day I convince myself I am closer to it. But the truth is I am not. Every day that I am not living my dream, am a day further from being happy. Maybe I am being cynical. Maybe I am being overtly expectant of myself.

But the truth is there are 20 year olds out there jumping off cliffs, deep sea diving, watching a sunset, watching a sunrise, walking the beach, trekking up a mountain every damn day of their life. And they are doing it, some because they were born into a family of means. And then there are some, who are doing it all, because they chose to. Because they spent an entire year working their ass off, and then take that perfect 15 day break, with money they earn and enjoy the trip and literally live every moment, before they go back to the monotony of work whilst looking forward to the next holiday.

I don’t want the five star hotels or the big Jacuzzis. Sure they are fun once in a while. But they aren’t as good as crashing at a stranger’s house and meeting new people, or sleeping in the barn or under the stars. Shit I am talking like I have lived it all. I haven’t. I want to.

But I wish I had the guts or the ability to save enough to pack up a bag and leave. And run.

I have a wish-list of 25 places I want to visit. Apart from the things I want to do. So even if I start of visiting each place a year, I will be 45 by the time I am nearing completion of the wish-list. That’s old. And that’s if I start now.

Honestly, a part of me just wants to run. And be alone with the world and nature and everything else that there is to offer. I wish I had the guts to that. I wish I had the guts to do it alone, because I know I want to. There’s independence and certain fearlessness in doing things by yourself. Travelling by yourself. It’s so liberating, and strengthening. And requires courage.  Nothing can break you if you can travel alone and I firmly believe that.

As I turn 21, I wish for enough courage to take a trip by myself once in a while. And not have to depend on anyone. I am gonna wish to meet new people on my travels. Fall in love with people, places and do it all alone.

This 21^st birthday, I am gonna wish for courage to be alone.

 

Love,

Madd Hatter. >:P

Madd Hatters needs peace of mind!

Long time no words from Madd Hatters hat eh? Its been a busy time... Or rather there are only so many days you can use that excuse... So here I am! Back with words, memories and place.

You know each day goes by, and you think it was the same, yet everyday seems a little different from yesterday? A little further away from the people gone, a little closer to people there. A new memory to recollect, a new lesson to remember. Time goes so fast, and yet so slow.

I have had days, where my mind is overflowing. Too much in my head. All at once. And its in these moments that I have fallen in love. With the beach. In the morning or late evening.. Its my place of peace. My thoughts stop, my mind empties. Am a free bird at the beach.

The Juhu beach in Mumbai, to be very honest is not always clean, so no it doesnt have the clean, blue water. And yet, there's something about the beach. Maybe the easy accessibility, maybe the feel of sand in my feet. Maybe the sight of the endless albeit not blue ocean before me. Maybe sun going down in the horizon, maybe the beautiful moon overhead. Maybe the waves slashing at my feet, maybe the sight of waves meeting from a distance. Theres just something about them.

I have been to the beach too many times. I have lost count. Would you believe it I go to the beach at least once in a week? And I am yet to be bored? Maybe its my escape mechanism. Hell, why maybe, I know it is. But so what?

After all, I have some of my favourite memories on the beach, talking, walking, singing, dancing (yes dancing, just once but <3!) or sometimes just sitting. Alone and with people. I have walked and sat at the beach for hours by myself. And not felt like leaving.

I leave the world behind, and its just that moment, with someone or myself that matters. Time has stopped. Serenity. That moment. Its magic. Each of my moments at the beach, have been a new me. Each connection made at the beach. I cant put into words, the feelings felt.

There's just something magical about the beach. Or maybe its just a matter of my perspective. Its my place of peace and memories, so whats yours?

Headed to the beach already!

Ciao!

Love,

Madd Hatter >:D