That trip, which lasted a month, unearthed a side of me I had not seen in a very long time. Early mornings were especially enlightening, connecting me to the child my grandfather woke up at 4 a.m. to go fishing all those years ago. In the Caribbean I felt anew, as if I had been born again. Life's struggles had taken away some of the shine of the world, but when I was out there on the ocean, as the sun was rising and painting colors on all things, I felt anything was possible. I was able to design a lifestyle I adored, and slowly my dreams started to materialize, all thanks to an awakening I had while at sea. That sense of abandon is only possible when you are completely removed from the stressors of the world. I don't think you can have that when traveling on a cruise ship or staying in a hotel. It is not the same experience, not even remotely close.
