An American Child

As I noted in my profile, I am an American. I was born in a small town in southern Arkansas, and spent the first 2/3 of my life there. I'm no longer a child now, but since early childhood, the world has been a prominent piece of my heart, and I spent many, many hours wondering where my place in this world is. Over time, I found myself unsettled, and began to roam the United States with wild abandon. Since leaving my home, I have lived in Louisiana, North Carolina, Virginia, Missouri, and now, Florida.

Time has not eased my inclinations to roam. I have looked at different regions, different societies here, and I find them all to be still just American. That should not leave a bad impression on me, but it does. There is a rat race here, a morbid struggle to get and to have and to possess anything and everything that can possibly be owned. It seems there is no matter if the possession is never cared for after it's bought. It's often never dusted, or studied, or mused upon. It is simply a possession. America is a highly materialistic society, and that's not something I yearn for.

That's not to say I cannot appreciate the luxuries of life, such as a coffee pot, or pretty clothes, or soft sheets on my bed. There are many things in life to want, but I've not often found myself wanting things. I've often mused that life surely must be so much simpler for the people of other countries, perhaps quieter, slower lives that aren't an un-ending debt to have. I wonder at the cultures and laws of other countries, and imagine that they might have different ideals, different values, a different sense of respect for life.

And so, here I am. I was so excited to find the link to all voices that I'm not even really sure where I came across it. I'm thrilled at the possibility of reaching other cultures and countries in an intellectual, informative, inspiring level, and look forward to reporting to you all.