Slipping in the disk, running back and jumping on the large, beige couch and waiting for my future to be painted before my very eyes. As I watched, a fire started to burn in my chest. I wanted that so bad. My dream had just gotten its start, and now I knew there was no way to escape my desire for it. I wanted to have the life of Indiana Jones. I wanted an adventure.

Ten year-old, scrappy, feisty and stubborn me had a plan. I was going to change the world and I was going to see things. To my benefit, my wish has been fulfilled thus far in my life. Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Newport News and Cedar Rapids are just a few places my life has carried me to live and explore. A sweet southern lady named Donita France, an old woman named Ruth, countless military commanders and generals, a boy from Ecuador named Alex and a tough, strong woman named Barb from Nebraska have all been characters in my life. I’ve splashed in tidal pools along the Californian coast, I’ve watched baby sea turtles hatch on the military base of Pearl Harbor, I’ve watched life leave the earth, and I’ve witnessed the joys of life entering it. I’ve had an adventure and I couldn’t be happier with how my story has unfolded, but just like in Indiana Jones, there are pitfalls.

In a beautiful French hotel at the age of 61, a man who exemplified the true spirit of adventure took his own life. His name was Anthony Bourdain and he was a world renowned chef and storyteller who led to the creation of multiple books and shows. Bourdain lived a life full of ups and downs; he struggled and succeeded just like everyone else: including drug addiction in his 20s and suicidal thoughts to getting to have a meal with the president and traveling to more than 50 countries in 17 years. His friend, Michael Ruhlman, said, “Last I knew, he was in love. He was very happy.” How could someone who seemed so happy and had lived such an adventure take such a big leap into the pitfall of suicide?

If my pitfalls in life have taught me anything, it is to love like there’s no tomorrow. Love every bit of life and humanity that comes at you, because you have no idea which person is falling into the hardest parts of their story. When your adventure shines brighter than the sun, don’t forget to turn around and help those in a bit dimmer lighting. Sure, some might seem like they don’t need help, or maybe you feel like your giving cup is empty, but pursue onward. Love anyway.

Live your adventure fearlessly, but don’t forget everyone else has a story too. On the journey to where you’re going, don’t forget to pack a carry on full of patience, kindness and strength. The distance may be long, but you’re going to be okay. In the end, you will be under the same night sky, looking at the same twinkling stars. Bourdain once said, “Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”