Living in the United States, particularly in New Jersey, has been a journey filled with contradictions and contrasting experiences. Last weekend, I embarked on a personal challenge—to cycle to a place called South Mountain Reservation. This natural haven offers various biking and hiking trails, along with picturesque landscapes, rivers, waterfalls, and other scenic wonders.
As I prepared for the morning adventure, I packed my essentials: water, a backpack, sunglasses, sunscreen, an extra phone battery, suitable clothing, and a well-maintained bicycle. Starting from Elizabeth, NJ, I embarked on a residential route with stunning views, dreamy homes, beautiful parks, and a spectacular sun, foreshadowing a grand adventure.
Upon reaching the park, the real natural challenge began. It was a blend of physical exertion and soul-soothing tranquility. Surrounded by pure, untouched nature, the ambient sounds of animals replaced the urban cacophony. I encountered streams and a modest waterfall, though it was smaller than usual due to the season. The path led me along the river, where I navigated the cycling circuit, passing charming birdhouses created by previous visitors. These miniature homes, resembling human dwellings, were designed to feed small animals, and people left coins as tokens of wishes.
Upon returning to the starting point, my body was tired but my spirit rejuvenated, appreciating the beauty of life and nature. This marked the halfway point of the day’s experiences.
In the afternoon, I gathered with close friends, enjoying moments of laughter and storytelling. As the day progressed, our conversations took an unexpected turn, shifting to the darker aspects of life, particularly the experiences of living in both our home countries and the United States. We delved into uncomfortable and often dangerous situations where everyday life could turn violent due to individuals in altered states of mind. These discussions left a lingering sense of unease, emphasizing the potential dangers in our daily lives.
The evening ended with mixed emotions—a blend of cherishing the natural beauty of the world and a heightened awareness of its unpredictability. It was a reminder that the world can be a perilous place, both in our home countries and in the United States.
Reflecting on these experiences, I couldn’t help but think about paradigms and perspectives. Our worldview is shaped by the information we consume and how we interpret it. It determines our actions and responses. It’s reminiscent of the Stoic principle that our reality is not external but created by our perceptions.
In the end, it all comes down to how we choose to see the world – whether the glass is half empty or half full. We hold in our hands the power to revel in the good moments, to relish in the paradise that has always been there, just waiting to be noticed. Amidst the myriad of possible outcomes, the positive ones typically far outnumber the negative ones. Yet, at times, we grant those negatives a more prominent role than they deserve. In reality, they might constitute only 5% of the beauty that unfolds before our eyes.
This should never be the foundation for our actions. Shutting doors to new possibilities and ceasing to explore the beauty around us is not a wise choice. It’s up to us to make the most of every opportunity, to see what we often overlook when we’re focused on the negative. It’s about cherishing every single detail and enriching our world, making it more valuable, wonderful, and a journey worth living firsthand.
Let’s distance ourselves from scripted narratives, from merely being spectators in a world of heroes and instead become the heroes of our own journeys. It’s time to transform our lives into a grand adventure, one filled with love for life itself, cherishing the moments, and continually striving to become better.
