We talk a lot about the mechanics of vision improvement, about science, about student experience, how-to guides, lately even videos and other related things. I try to put in as much value and tangible help as possible, so that no matter when you first end up here on the blog, you’ll read something truly useful. That said …
We talk very little about why I actually got here, which by extension is why this resource even exists. Let’s visit this neglected and probably most important aspect of this whole resource.
We’re here, to SEE life (past a screen).
Are we doing enough of it? What habits do we form to keep living consciously, not fall into complacency and Youtube and Facebook?
My way of living, for many years (decade or more?), was to slowly migrate. I’d buy a one way ticket to somewhere, or follow a friend, or otherwise wash ashore somewhere. Anywhere. And then I’d stick around, make friends, maybe learn the language, stay there about as long as life felt exiting and not too much routine. I created that lifestyle over time, in an attempt to stave off the possibility of waking up one day and wondering where the last two decades went.
Then last year the baby happened (definitely an accident, though I was looking forward to having such an accident and not playing it safe accordingly).
Since then, and for now, migration has stopped. Instead I’ve taken to spending 1/3 to 1/2 of every month on mini excursions. That’s about as long as I can manage to stay away from the nest before I get anxious, and long enough to shake off the everyday routines of life.
What’s my point?
My default setting isn’t all this. I’ve got a middling Internet addiction, I love work, research, being plugged in. I’d never leave home, if I were to stay in my comfort zone.
Some of you might be natural adventurers, and you shake your head reading that statement. But if you aren’t, if you’re like me, realize that there is so, so, so much more out there, that just requires one tiny nudge to set you on a path to much more rewarding experiences.
I use tricks to make me do it, like living in countries with short visas. And maintaining friendships with adventurous friends.
Myopia, glasses, routines, Internet addictions, are all part of one curiously connected circle. You can break the cycle with reducing your myopia, but unless you address some of the other things that got you here (enjoying screens more than three dimensional reality), you miss out on the real beauty of the full experience.
This month is Indonesia time, which you might know if you follow my semi-secret Instagram (I made it for this specific reason, potentially provide a little poke of inspiration for you).
I found a great little courtyard hotel thing, my friends flew in to meet up, it would be so easy to work all day, then go to the beach, then hang out with friends. You see I’d fall into a routine even in the midst of a potential adventure, it’s so easy to do!
But it’s always about saying, “what would an adventurous person do”?
So I rented a motorbike and hatched a plan to ride around the whole island. Six days, six little towns, lots of not-screen time and experiences, before going home to the nest and family and being able to enjoy the routines again (in moderation).
And I’m not saying, change your life, be a vagabond. However this translates to your experience, whatever resonates here with you, consider it.
Put that improving eyesight to some exiting use.
Cheers,
-Jake
