I’m only happy when I’m miserable. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but let me explain. A while back, after returning from a few crazy photography expeditions, I couldn’t help but smile. The glow lasted for weeks afterwards. Each time I’d think about the cold drizzly rain in Eastern NC as I photographed bears; or the nearly frozen Western NC rivers inducing a hypothermic state while I was filming hellbender salamanders; or my dying flashlight sweeping across the snake infested everglades, my heart would leap for joy. I couldn’t help but realize that I’m only truly happy when the scenario is often adverse. I’m never this happy when sitting safely in a temperature-controlled cubicle collecting a steady paycheck. Where’s the adventure in that? The purpose? I am coming to believe that happiness is a trap. I don’t want happiness; I want the joy that comes from exploration and adversity.
Phenomenal piece Stan! Real satisfaction comes from doing things that suck.
I thought about your recent posts on rucking and had to dust off my ruck and plates to go embrace the suck on the trail haha
Love your passion, your call to nature and your amazing communication skills!! I felt the adrenalin that "called" you to the island!
Thanks John!