A Look Back At 2014

Time. You can’t see it or touch it, but you sure as hell can feel it. Goodbye 2014, hello 2015.

Wednesdays are usually reserved for Boat Drinks, but being that today is New Year’s Eve, I thought a moment of reflection would be more suiting. In the grand scheme of things it’s just another day, but in the here and now it’s a day we say goodbye to what was and welcome what’s to come.

I’m a dreamer. Turning dreams into reality is what drives me. But being a dreamer doesn’t always work out in the big bad world. Sometimes you find yourself blowing in the same sea-breeze your chasing. It’s a delicate dance, but one that shouldn’t be shied away from.

One of the greatest pleasures I get is reading all of your comments on this blog and on the RumShopRyan Facebook page. I see how passionate you all are about the Caribbean. It’s not just all about rum drinks on white-sand beaches, it’s about a true lifestyle. It’s about making true friends in the lower latitudes and exploring the world. Travel, whether it be to the Caribbean or anywhere, gives you a new perspective on the world. It opens your mind to new ways of life. It breaks the “bubble” that we call normal life. Maybe that’s why I feel lost sometimes. Traveling to these amazing places in the Caribbean opens one’s eyes to wonderful alternate realities, then when you come back to your “real life” it’s hard to settle back into that normal routine. Is it just me or does anyone else feel this way? It’s a battle within. Then again, maybe it shouldn’t be called Real Life, it should simply be called life.

Flip the coin to the other side and I’m a firm believer in that life is what you make it. Don’t wish, just do.

When I read all your comments I see a lot of you say, “I wish I could do this or do that.” Don’t wish, just do. Hey Ryan you jackass, that’s easier said than done. Money, time, responsibilities all play a factor in following one’s dreams. I understand this, but if you make small sacrifices here and there, you’ll be amazed by the opportunities it can afford you. I save up vacation days by working over holidays like the 4th of July, Labor Day and so on. All the sudden I had these extra days to venture down to Grand Cayman for a little exploring. Money is a big factor as well. I save all my $1 bills just like I would spare change. At the end of the day I would take all the $1’s out of my wallet and put them in a box. All the sudden you open the box and you have enough for a plane ticket to your St. Somewhere. Don’t wish, just do.

2014 is coming to an end while 2015 is waiting with open arms. This bald Castaway visited 14 islands and spent almost 4 weeks in Caribbean in 2014 and it still doesn’t feel like it was enough. Maybe that’s all you Castaway’s fault though. I see all your trip photos to the islands and want to join you! You inspire me just as much as I hopefully inspire you. Seeing people live their dreams and experiencing the islands is the greatest thrill. Especially when I see photos of your Castaway Koozies in the wild! Shameless I know.

2015 is here, what do you want to do with it? I say be a dreamer and follow your heart. That road may be scary and bumpy, change always is, but it will be worth it.  Turn those dreams into reality and I promise you the worries of the “real world” will fade away just like the ice in your rum punch.

Cheers and Happy New Year!
RumShopRyan