Simplification - all I need

Right now I'm listening to OneRepublic's "Say (All I Need)." To some extent, the lyrics sum up a mantra I've come to realize during my time here in Honduras - simplification. The song's chorus is "All I need... is the air I breathe... and a place to rest my head." It also makes a point to describe the soul as "a lovely soul." In essence, these are the basics in life - air, shelter, a good heart. Having lived in places where all I've needed was a good work ethic, some shabby clothes, and a vision to do the best I could to work with the community towards improved health conditions, I know that in general the philosophy of simplification is brilliant, albeit elusive. We lived without AC, TV, internet, a dryer, sometimes even running water in Porvenir. It was simplification to some extent and almost unbearable. I've grown up accustomed to certain luxuries that are simply nonexistant in the developing world - and mostly irrelevant to the culture's own basic needs and lifestyle. And it is hard to live without these "necessities" - I truly am an internet addict and have developed a lifestyle dependent on having information and communication easily and quickly accessible to me. It was a struggle to live in conditions where I had to go out of my way to communicate with my family back in the States. Yet in another sense I also gained an appreciation for being able to walk down the street and befriend neighbors and have a leisurely conversation without the pressure to hurry on with my schedule. I know that with accessibility comes the ability to schedule my life minute-to-minute. My iCal is generally filled up with colored blocks in tedium. Here I took a step back, took a deep breath, and considered really what was most important for the project - and hence for my daily life here as well. I valued individual connections more than my personal goals and saw value in leisurely chatting with my new friends.
When I return to the US, though I may not be able to pull myself away from my computer entirely (I need it to work!), I think I will place greater value on experiencing life firsthand and spending some extra time each day to stop by my friends' rooms and chat with them about life, even if just for a few minutes, because all of those small experiences add up into something strong and meaningful. This will be my own approach towards simplification - towards recognizing that all I need at the basic level is air, water, shelter, and a good heart. Moreover I'll have the ability to reprioritize what is important to me and despite my work and commitments, spend enough time with friends to truly build lasting connections even more so than I've done before. I'm looking forward to this simplification and to experiencing life to the fullest that I can, by creating my own experiences and persevering even when time seems to be wasted on silly moments - those moments could be the most cherished I'll have in a while and good relief from daily stresses and worries. :) I'm happy and looking forward to time back at Duke. I'm reluctant to say goodbye to Honduras and all the friends we've made and experiences we've had, but I know that the time is right to move on and inspire others to join our cause and help improve health conditions in Honduras. I know I'll carry the experiences and memories I have of this beautiful, tranquil place for the rest of my life and that I've grown from this experience as a better person and leader - someone even more intently focused on finding meaning in life more than simply just meeting my own expectations and goals for myself. I'm on a quest to enrich my life with as much meaning as I can find. My journey has only just begun and I'm looking forward to venturing further in my path towards medicine and self-discovery. :)