Connectivity

For most of my life, I’ve drifted along in the sway of time with a passivity which has permitted the current to carry me in what I’ve mostly presumed to be the “right” direction. Growing up, there wasn’t an exact something or somebody that I wanted to be – but to be good, and to do good, those were vital themes to whatever experience would come. Making loads of money was never my priority, moreso it was about living life in a wholesome way and sharing my compassion and love with the world.

As a modern-day American, a looming disconnect keeps us armed against opening up to others outside of our close circle. This sets the tone for how we interact in most social settings, be it a stroll through the neighborhood or an office party. It’s uncommon in the states to acknowledge and greet with friendly gestures people you don’t know, with the exception of generic formalities with market cashiers or establishment employees. For many, it is just the way it is and whether or not its awkward or disheartening is of little significance. For me, this is not the case. This lack of connection and indifference is agitating us who desire unity through mutual respect and appreciation.

Perhaps these are values of the past, I thought, maybe the rest of the world was equally as shy, awkward, or focused on their own concerns. It wasn’t until I visited Jessie’s hometown in Colombia in 2016 that this assumption was tested. My first time outside of the United States, I saw a different side of life, a possibility which I had lost hope for some time ago. Here were real people, working together, communicating with one another to achieve common goals with a sincerity that had long faded from the disillusioned American culture I thought to be the end and all.

Like most of us in the American bubble, I had nothing to compare my experiences with beyond cinematic portrayals of the “outside” world. Then there it was – relief! After the initial culture shock, there was relief. This breakthrough was momentous to my life, initiating a fresh perspective that would pave the way for a brighter future. Breaking down these walls of limitations is key to embracing life in all its varieties, its beauties, and even its absurdities.

Since then, we have visited several countries including Mexico, France, Italy, and Switzerland, hardly scratching the surface of Earth’s most treasured places. In even the most brief of visits, a traveler can catch a glimpse of the dreams that make up reality.

There is a world within us all, collectively circulating the past, present, and future and it’s in accordance with our will that we can experience that world as a projection outside of our minds. The magic lies within the attainment of cultural context, giving substantial understanding and appreciation of life to an individual who might otherwise reside within the confinements of their environments.

Traveling used to seem an intangible, expensive endeavour exclusive to those with money. However, it’s mostly not the lack of money that holds people back from traveling, but an inability or unwillingness to save, envision, plan and manifest any travel goals.

Now, for us, traveling is a necessity. A table of opportunities blessed to us offering openings to truly expand our lives with substance, gratitude, and servitude. To meet new people, discover new places, and to embrace unfamiliar feelings is now our way of life. Traveling has transformed us. It has matured us. It has given our lives meaning beyond what we could have imagined.

First came us, then came Look Up Travels, which sparked a personal paradigm shift regarding the reshaping and reconfiguring of internet technology and social media as something healthy and uplifting for society. It is our passion and our duty to share with the world what has enlightened us and enriched our lives, and we are happy to utilize the internet and its connectivity for just this.

Safe Travels!