How to Travel New Lands Without Standing Up
[I used to have a newsletter called Lost in The Talk, where I’d share personal stories with my readers weekly. This essay is one of them. Originally emailed to my list on November 21st, 2022. Oh, and it’s completely unedited. What you see is what I sent. So forgive me for my mistakes]
I stood in the middle of a castle as royalty walked past me left and right.
Then, I peeked over the wall’s edge, where the white ground rested 700 feet below.
Yet, those 700 feet meant nothing once I set to the skies and flew thousands of feet above the world.
All this happened during the last two months. Back when I embarked on an epic adventure. Unfortunately, no adventure lasts for eternity. Mine came to an end yesterday morning.
I sat on the couch in my living room, with my feet up and the sun warming my body through the window.
That’s how the epic, two-month adventure ended. On a couch at home.
It started the same way too. And every day for the last two months, the adventure never left the couch.
That doesn't sound exciting.
Think about how many adventures you experienced while sitting on the couch. My guess is not a lot.
So, how did I stand in a castle, look down a 700-foot wall, and fly thousands of feet in the air without my butt leaving the couch?
Through books.
The previous sentence may sound corny to you if you’re not a voracious reader like me. And I’ll admit, it is.
But just because it’s corny doesn’t mean it’s not true.
I read the entire A Song of Ice and Fire saga during the last two months. You may know this five-book collection by the title of its first novel…
A Game of Thrones.
The collection has five books, totaling over 1.7 million words (more than Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter combined).
The average novel has roughly 100,000 words. Even though I only read five books during the last two months, their massive size equates to 17 average sized novels. So, you know it's packed with stories and excitement.
I’m not telling you this to brag. You probably could care less about how many books I’ve flipped through over the last two months.
But here’s the thing…
Reading a book series takes you on adventures. I swear on my heart.
When you begin reading, you enter the author’s world, and before you know it, you see yourself standing there too:
- I stood in the castle of King’s Landing as Queen Cersei spoke with her court.
- I looked down the 700-foot ice wall protecting the realm alongside Jon Snow.
- And I sat on the dragon’s back as it soared higher in the sky than any living man in Westeros or Essos ever traveled.
Despite never leaving the warm comforts of home, I explored a fantasy world and walked alongside every character as their quests and journeys unraveled.
Those adventures existed in my head and my head only. But they existed nonetheless.
And that’s why I’m sharing this with you.
I’ve read a lot of books and watched a lot of television. The best stories touch my heart and make me crave more.
If only they never end, I always think.
Yet, there’s a difference between books and television. Tv shows allow you to see the adventures with your own eyes.
Books can’t do that.
However, books let you experience the adventures yourself. They trigger your imagination to visualize and immerse yourself in the magical worlds writers create.
You don't watch the characters.
You walk and fly beside them.
Tv series show you the adventure. It creates magic for you. But books let you create it yourself. The best part of the adventure is being in control and picturing it as you want.
So, pick up a book.
You may not like it. But be patient.
Wait for the moment your mind unleashes your imagination. You'll look around and see your home transform into new world.
Once that happens, the magic begins.
I spent more time watching my favorite tv series than reading these five books. Yet, the books gave me an experience ten times more impactful.
You deserve to feel the same.
Find a book. Any book. It could be a 150-page young adult mystery or a 1,000-page giant like A Game of Thrones.
No matter what you choose, pick one. Give yourself a chance to become immersed in its power.
I know you won’t regret it.
P.S. Even if you don’t like reading, give one book a chance. That's all I say. An extraordinary encounter waits for you. Don’t wait for it to start. Take control and begin it yourself.