The Journey Metaphor

Journeys are inevitable human experiences throughout life, whether it is internal or external.

Front cover (outer journeys)

Currently I keep a journey journal which is covered with pictures of my journeys. I decided to cover the front with my external journeys which include the ones I've taken and the ones I haven't but desire to. Every time a physical travel happens, such as different types of obstacles and movement to new places, an external journey is being experienced. Everywhere we go may not necessarily become part of our external journey though; it requires having an emotional connection to it as well. Some of the ones I have already experienced are the popular Universal Studios and Disney Theme Parks which have been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Not only have they been an amusing external journey but they have become a part of who I am: the adventurous, magical, even childish part of my personality. New York contains the artistic portion of my outer journey. I traveled there to dance in prestigious company schools and enjoy Broadway musicals; this is when I knew the arts where going to be a huge part of my life. 

London is one of the journeys I have yet to take and would probably become part of my external journey because of the inquisitiveness I feel towards it. It would be inspiring to be in the same place where so many great works of literature were written. I have always loved beautiful things nature creates that are soothing or related to some sort of light reflection like auroras, clusters and bioluminescent water. These are three external journeys I want to experience some day. Lastly, Venice. Art, trendy fashion, amazing landscapes, traditional foods, beautiful places for exploring. . . Why wouldn't I want to go ?

Back cover (inner journeys)

The internal journey connects with the mind and emotion and focuses on the exploration of one’s self, growth and development. It can be as ordinary as reading a book or watching a film, where an idea transports characters into worlds of inspiration and imagination. It can also be a slight personality or behavioral shift triggered by a strong moment of emotion. Countless scenes can be an inner journey because of how the mind is constantly thinking, learning, evolving and adapting with every situation it encounters. It is a complex being with many interconnections. This is why the only person that can truly know which experiences will enhance their inner journey is the owner of said mind. Is there a time and place that truly contributed with who I am and why I think the way I do ?

That is one of the many questions that will answer which moment has truthfully been a part of one’s internal journey. Moving on to the back part of my journey journal, I covered it with pictures of my internal journeys. Keeping in mind the definition, which is a slight personality shift triggered by a strong moment of emotion, Harry Potter became part of my inner journey. It's hard to explain, but I feel safe or at home when I read the books or watch the movies. It was what brought me happiness and kept me going during difficult times. School for the Performing Arts is where I dance and have been doing it since I was three. Needless to say it has influenced in my growth and development as a person, it is my passion. I have been addicted to Disney since before I could talk. I know every Disney character, song, movie and fact. If I could describe my childhood in one word, it would probably be Disney. The cover also contains some pictures that represent people I know that are a part of my life and have influenced me in some way. My whole internal journey can be defined in the phrase "Everything happens for a reason." Every moment, emotion, thought and decision that I have made has created the person I am today and I couldn't be more grateful.