Kawabunga

I want to be here in the sand, sun and surf...

Images can be found on deviantart.

-xx

"Sorry, Lost My Place.."

When I sat down to write this blog entry, I had a little trouble trying to figure out what I wanted to say. I've been through so much in the past week or two and to fit it all into a reasonably-sized post is just too hard.

I wish I had time to get myself organised. There's so much whizzing around on my plate that I'm physically breaking down in the effort to keep it stable.

About a week ago I went to a conference in Perth, and there we debated such things as refugees, discrimination, people's rights and freedoms, and what I could do as a youth in Australia.

It quite literally blew my mind.

To be surrounded by 86 intelligent and bold young people selected from all over Australia and New Zealand, and to engage in these sorts of discussions really made me stop and think every night, "Who am I?"

And every night I just didn't know the answer to it. I'd just sit on my bed in my room and stare at nothing, not knowing why I was in such an amazing movement of young people. I almost felt like an intruder there.

In our state delegation meeting on the last night, everyone went round and said what they thought was the best thing about the conference. When it came to my turn, I had to stop a moment because I was getting a little bit teary.

You know me, I especially hate getting teary and never to do it.

I thought something like a near death experience would be what it took to shake my belief in myself. I was so sure of who I was going there, I had formed opinions and solid friendships, and I knew where I was going in life.

But how unbelievably wrong I was!

I'm changed forever, and who would think that a simple series of discussions with like minded people for a week would do that.

I have a new direction. I have a new motivation. I have a new perspective. I am a new me.

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Be inspired. Do more than what is possible.

- xx