The US has 6 cities within the top 15 with largest homeless populations. Yes, right in the mix with Mumbia, and Mexico City. Source. And the Peacecorps sends over 6,000 people abroad every year, and yet a third of US high school students don’t graduate. Source
It is because you can’t ‘find’ yourself in Detroit, there is no excitement traveling to a place you already know is broken. But going to sub-saharan Africa, now you’re doing something with your life. Now you can make a difference. Does this sounds familiar – This easy but false humbleness so pervasive among ‘lost’ college graduates.
Here’s the reality – You will be so unfamiliar with the language, culture, and customs even if you had the perfect intentions it would be difficult to make a lasting impact. Also, no one will read your blog (besides your mom), the book you write will not be good (tell me again how many things you’ve published), and your friends will tire of your stories in 3 months. You will constantly be told what to do, which in turn will only further delay you being honest with yourself about what you are looking for.
What if instead you go to your local homeless shelter and volunteer to make meals. Or you engage your community to have an impact on a pressing local issue. You know, in a place where you can speak the language, understand the structure, can actually accomplish something. Granted this is not as grandiose, not as sexy, but will have more of an impact. What if you can ‘find yourself’ without all the hoopla, the self-deception, the suffering, and have more of an impact on people’s lives.
Similar concept to that big backpacking trip you’ve been saving up for. Going to walk coast to coast, or hike the Super ocean mountain trail. What if instead you spent all day Saturday hiking your local park. Find an 8 mile loop and hike that for 2 days straight see how that feels. Spend more time outdoors, camp more often. Dip your toe in, because what you’ll find if the water is freezing and you jumped in is hypothermia.
With both examples you won’t have exotic pictures to post on social media. The stories might not be as interesting to friends/family, but you can distill what you’re actually looking for. Do you want to go abroad to experience another culture? Ok, then buy your ticket, have fun. But if you’re kidding yourself that you need to go big to make a difference in the world, how about you start by telling me how much you’re doing right in your own backyard.