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A glorious rant about the meaning of life, happiness (and travel)

2/12/2013

53 Comments

 
Picture
(Photo by © Brandon Elijah Scott / Eye & Pen)
Life's purpose for humanity wasn't to be bound by the soul-crushing shackles of the corporate world and the 9 to 5 circus of continual dead-end jobs. The vast majority of the population simply chooses to embrace mediocrity, and I can’t seem to fathom why. From my viewpoint, they seem to be engulfed in fear, too frightened to make the alterations to their life that would lead to true contentment and adventure. Either that, or they're too comfortable or complacent to venture off the often-traveled, asphalt-paved highway to the commercially-sponsored dream (AKA the “American Dream”) and to take the time to create their own path.
     Over the past seven years I have managed a high-end portrait photography studio, which while blessed and thriving, was also coincidentally absorbing every inch of my vitality. Following my first few years at the studio, I began feeling aged well beyond my years, though I was still young. My happiness evaporated and my feelings began to continuously spiral downward. I felt like I was strapped into a roller-coaster with constant stomach wrenching free-falls. I descended to emotional lows that mirrored my insides - parched, disheveled and screaming to be quenched. I yearned for refreshment; for excitement. At one point, I felt only numbness. To a barren desert without any sign of an oasis, I was 'one;' a desolate land accepting defeat. I locked into an internal war, feeling as though I was dying; withering away, being violently lashed in a North Korean cell, near Death’s embrace. Okay, perhaps that’s a little dramatic, but I'm sure you catch my drift.
     I worked endless hours; I single-handedly maintained the marketing, photography and management of the accounts of more than 200 clients. Running a new business and mentoring upwards of twenty interns a year took a violent toll on my happiness, as well as my art. A couple years into this despair, I finally began to feel some semblance of direction - following plenty of soul-searching. Fueled by my frantic urge to run away and inspired by my lifelong fascination with traveling the world, I decisively closed up shop and eventually took the necessary steps to lead my life into a more positive direction.
     A myriad of “rebels” like me have cashed in their chips; they’ve thrown in the towel and run as far and as fast as they could from the ravenous soul-sucking machine of the every day grind. They’ve abruptly stuck it to the Man, left their jobs and pawned every possession in hopes of pursuing real happiness. They’ve begun to make the imperative changes needed to live again; to improve their quality of life. If you’ve ever felt purposeless, bleak and stagnant and you want more out of life, you don't need self-help “bibles” or “life coach” gurus to show you the way. The resolution is ultimately right in front of you, and with concise exploration and meditation, you’re the only source of help that you’ll ever need.
     This may sound proverbial - the first step to solving your problem is admitting you have one. The good news, however, is the solution can be quite simple from there. Personally, my only objective was simply a driving need to reconquer my feelings of self-worth and appreciation. My path had me puzzled until I identified my needs and understood my longing was to simply escape from the clutches of the predictable boxed-in world around me. While I knew travel wasn't the only way to reclaim my life, I had a premonition that, deep down, it would single-handedly restore my happiness and perspective.
     Traveling abroad to faraway lands where nobody speaks your language and everything seems to be twisted upside down can tremendously alter your ego. It forces your eyes and heart open to a new understanding. Change can be painful and uncomfortable at times, and although travel isn't always a walk in the park, it can become an enjoyable and life-changing journey, instead of an unknown adventure to fear.
     I'm a travel essayist and visualist, rather than a motivational speaker. Nevertheless, I’ve found that when discussing such topics with dreamers and wannabe life-livers, I seem to rant on my imaginary soap box. My thoughts and speeches seem to immediately qualify me for admittance directly into the nearest insane asylum. It blows my mind when I see so many individuals that accept unhappiness for years - sometimes even decades - by letting themselves go; by settling or choking down the lazy pill (or so it seems). Please don't settle for soulless jobs, or let unplanned children and destructive relationships defeat the remaining vestiges of your life. Wherever something's amiss, don't just accept and tolerate it by letting it bring you down; learn the solution and strive to move forward. Happiness is impossible without appreciation, so count your blessings.
     The primary reason to quest for change through traveling the world is to experience the beauty that comes with expanding your mind, ditching stereotypes and judgmental behaviors and pursuing your own form of perfect imperfection. As the French say, aller au fil de l'eau, meaning 'to drift with the stream,' so just go with the flow. True traveling tears away the precomposed psyche, intrusively humbles the core and instills wisdom. And if you’re lucky, you gain new perspectives and gain worth by virtue of vital experiences in different cultures as well (if you let it happen). When I say 'travel' I don't mean a cruise through the Bahamas or a penthouse vacation on the French riviera - I'm talking about nearly-stranded on a shoestring budget, living and learning the authentic culture while meeting the locals and immersing yourself in their realities, even if just for a moment.
     Like what I have to say? Great. Hate what I have to say? Even better! Because either way, it made you think. Life isn’t about predictable, expected realities. It’s about how you grow; how you change in those moments of true discomfort. Who you are is nurtured by your experiences and the choices you make, from each and every situation of your life; both substantial and seemingly inconsequential. Next time, I’ll be rehashing my life-altering experience of traveling abroad for the first time. Until then, I want you to ask yourself, “How do I feel about MY life?” Are you stuck in a standstill, spinning your tires? Are you willing to embark on the next adventure that comes your way? Whether you’re experiencing a full-on nervous breakdown, teetering on the verge of a mid-life crisis or having those first twinges of discomfort, let me assure you of something: it’ll all be okay! It may take some meditation, realization and planning, but I promise, you can begin living your life, your own way.
This is a repost of “A Take On... the Meaning of Life, Happiness (& Travel),” originally published on eyeandpen.com, March 12th, 2012.
53 Comments
Claus link
2/12/2013 12:42:45 am

Great post!

I can relate to this post because that's something I've been thinking about a lot lately. I grew up being fed by society "what is expected" of me to be "successful:" build a great career, get married, have a family, own a home, and work hard to make this all happen.

Two years ago I decided this wasn't the life for me necessarily; I quit my job and embarked on an awesome 1 year adventure. After that, I returned thinking I was ready to build my career again, and accomplish my "success" after all... Just to feel once again, one year after returning, that in fact I want to spend more time traveling, learning, meeting people and exploring this wonderful world.

Yes, I'd like a home of my own. I'd like to have a career doing something that I love, in which I wake up every morning excited for the day of work ahead... But if that means I have to stay still, and settle for no more than a couple weeks vacation time to travel, then I rather have less, and do more!

Thank you for posting!

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:06:53 pm

Thank you for the compliment. Thank you for also sharing your story. It is inspiring to read stories such as your's.

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Andrea link
2/12/2013 03:13:24 am

It's funny, since I started travelling my entire perspective changed. I now worry less about those "stable" markers of life and actually crave the adventure that comes with uncertainty.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:08:48 pm

Travel definitely has a way of getting your mind to think out of the box. I love traveling. I feel free, and that is when I feel the best!

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Suitcase Stories - Nicole link
2/12/2013 05:30:15 am

I really enjoyed this post thank you!

I have never been someone who wanted the 'white picket fence' dream. Im 38 years old and I do not want to have a family, I do not care that I have no possessions... in fact, its exactly where I want to be in my life! We sold everything we owned and 12 months ago we left the 'conventional' life for a nomadic life. And it was the best thing we did.

We could have listened to the naysayers and stayed at home, continued to build on our successful careers while working 70 hours a week. But thats not what we wanted. And is it wrong to want something different, more meaningful, for your life? I think not!

Our lives changed 12 months ago. We now have meaning in our life, a true purpose. We are different people, better people, because we are living our dream life.

And lets face it... You cant take the house, the fancy couch or the bank full of money with you when you die... You only take memories.

Thank you for such an inspiring post.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:14:16 pm

That is awesome! It sounds like you are having a really enjoyable time in your life. Where are you traveling to next?

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Rhonda and Sandrine link
2/12/2013 10:26:28 pm

We are already on the path, working towards a life with purpose, fulfilling our dharma, seeking challenges, and growing profoundly. Thanks for this post. It is nice to know we are traveling with others of like mind.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:16:13 pm

It is very nice to know and meet people who are thinking the same. What are some of the goals that you are wanting to achieve through this year?

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Amanda Halm link
2/13/2013 01:01:22 am

Nice post. I quit a rather good job so I could move to French Canada with my husband (we have a dog, so this is about as much travel as we could do). I worried a lot about getting off the career track. But it's honestly made my career so much better. I wrote two travel guides, learned another language, and rediscovered the joy of an afternoon of fun. I also "reversed aged" during this time - I lost weight, made friends and toughened up by making it through language barriers, etc..
The only thing that sucks is that the experienced greatly heightened my need to see the world, to live life. I don't know if I ever want to be "stuck" like I was again. I think that's why it's harder to "repat" than to expat.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:18:06 pm

Sounds amazing! How long did it take you to perfect the new language?

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susana link
2/13/2013 02:29:32 am

Thanks so much Brandon for this heart-feeling post. In my opinion, you've mentioned an important word, FEAR. I think that´s the ultimate reason of every bad thing that happen in our lives. When we achieve to become persons without fear we just feel ourselves as part of something bigger than our egos! So Life begins to be natural, plenty of awesome things to discover every day. I really don´t know in which precise moment of the civilization we became so fearful people…but I do believe it´s time to declare THE END to this moment and step forward. I'm coming across so many people getting really bored about being fearful half of the time. Maybe is because today, more than ever, the World is full of connections and opportunities waiting for every different kind of person. That means it is possible today for us to find the best way to express as we are and how we can contribute to the world we live in. At the end, as you say, Life is not about expected realities, is about how you grow, you change. The good thing is…we are not alone!

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:19:23 pm

It is true. Fear keeps many from stepping out of that comfort zone and attempting and succeeding at new things. We need to eliminate that word from our vocabulary.

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Suzanna Keith link
2/13/2013 11:21:41 am

Nice and insightful blog!

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:21:28 pm

Thank you very much. I post my best work here. Be sure you to come back by some time and check out the new content. :)

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Peter Lee link
2/13/2013 06:29:10 pm

Yes, this post is really nice. You write very well. But the main thing that I love about your post - Beautiful shots.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:26:44 pm

Thank you very much for the compliment. I do my best to capture the best shots. Have you had a chance to look at some of the new photos that have been posted?

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Alyssa
2/14/2013 10:20:21 pm

Such an inspirational post! I absolutely LOVE the look and feel of your blog. The images are amazing.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:28:12 pm

Thank you very much. It means a lot to me that you took the time to come by and comment. :) I update often and would love to see a familiar face swing on by. Take care.

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Paul link
2/15/2013 08:31:38 pm

Great article. So many of us have been there, and the reality is that it's not that hard to turn things around. Just gotta take at leap of faith and make the change and once you're in the new groove of things, you really realise how bad the "system" is that the majority are stuck in.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:29:59 pm

Taking the first step is always the most hard. After that, things tend to get a little easier. After the first step from the comfort zone, many people make that sigh of relief and are able to continue on! :)

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Doreen Pendgracs link
2/17/2013 02:52:07 am

I left corporate life 20 years ago to go freelance. I miss the high wages and 7 weeks paid holidays, but nothing else. Being a self-employed travel writer, author, and blogger has given me the opportunity to visit places I never would have found and has opened my world far wider than it otherwise would have been. Welcome to my world.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:32:10 pm

I am sure that it was a challenging decision to make in regards to your position in the corporate world. It sounds to me that it was a successful decision and that you are enjoying your life. I wish you the best of luck in all that you do.

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Sarah Hughes link
3/24/2013 09:09:49 pm

Hi Brandon - this is a visceral post and I love it. The thing is, society conditions people to conform, and seldom, if ever, speaks to them about life as a journey, an adventure and an individual path. Pressures, most of which come from norms and from judgements, persuade people invidiously that they have to toil away in a disproportionate exchange where they gain the minimum and the company gains the max, and where they only ever feel as good as their last project - and so they work harder to feel good again. They are shown the box and how to jump in. Seldom is anyone shown how to jump out, or better still, that there is no box! Education gets it wrong first, I think, and parents (speaking as one) who in wanting their child to have a happy life, confuse that aim with a set of tools to make it conventional and 'easy' (relatively speaking). The good news is that with the knowledge economy, sharing economy, social mobility and tech things could change for those who wish to 'take the road less travelled'. However, let us not forget that for some the individual journey does not need to take them to unknown physical landscapes (though I'm with you on that desire) but to unknown internal pastures. The self-discovery, self-empowerment you speak of. Sarah Hughes, co-founder of www.fiz.com - do more of the things you enjoy!

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:34:36 pm

I love your comment. Your words speak of much inspiration. I will surely be remembering this comment.

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Jo (The Blond) link
4/18/2013 01:21:14 am

Another great post! I have already begun my journey :)

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:35:30 pm

Awesome! Where did you journey begin and where are you at now?

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Rajam link
6/13/2013 03:51:12 pm

Another excellent blog post. I'm compelled to leave a reply because I understand the feeling so well. When I was 20, I gave away my belongings, left my boyfriend and went on an adventure that spanned several countries and almost five years of hitchhiking and vagabonding. I had hardly any money and mostly camped out by the side of the road or in national parks.

Before I left, I'd experienced such a strong feeling of restlessness and something that I could almost taste, but couldn't tell what it was. I looked around at my life and realized that 30 years could pass with me living like that before I opened my eyes and noticed something was wrong.

Nowadays I am married, have property and own a small business. But I'm continually exploring my world. The type of life I'm living now seems like just another kind of adventure.

I agree with the previous poster- one need not travel to far flung places to have the experiences of adventure. Anything that gets you out of your comfort zone can be considered adventure! On that note, so many people travel far and wide, but they never change, they stay the same person- they revolve around the world, always the same.

But I agree, people need to learn to get out there- it's LIFE calling!

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:38:29 pm

Thank you very much for the compliment. Yes, that is true...anything can be considered as an adventure to a person. Following one's dreams is of the utmost importance.

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Sasa Yoo link
8/3/2013 01:15:05 am

This post speaks to me on so many levels! I absolutely identify with your predicament at the studio, and I too hope to break free from the chains of the corporate Man. Yet I am curious about the mechanics of the escape. How do you change your career path when what you want to do and what you are doing now are completely different? And what if what you want to do is not as financially stable as your present job?

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
8/3/2013 01:22:43 am

With a lot hard work! I worked for 6+ months, for 12 hours a day on Eye & Pen – developing the skills needed, the expertise to succeed and doing the labor that was required to make my dream a reality. :)

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Emily meets world link
8/5/2013 03:13:26 am

Love it! Your website is fantastic - what I aspire to do with mine one day :-) I will follow with intrigue and definitely going to be checking out some more posts... Thanks

Emilymeetsworld.com

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:41:05 pm

Thank you! It is great to hear such words of kindness. I love your website as well! I will be visiting yours on the regular!

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Anita Mac link
8/5/2013 12:50:31 pm

I totally relate!

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:42:11 pm

I think that at some point and time, everyone goes through seasons like this. I am glad we were able to relate to each other. :)

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Cornelia link
8/6/2013 02:24:23 am

Great blog! I went freelance as a journalist some years ago and never regretted it. I write for several magazines, newspapers and online portals, sometimes I start writing at 8 a.m. and finish at 2 a.m., but I love writing - I made my hobby my profession. I do travel a lot as one of my main topics is travel, spread over the year I am out of my home country Germany six months a year. The great thing about my profession is that I can write anywhere in the world. For my articles I only need my MacBook, my Nikon and internet connection, of course.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:46:10 pm

thank you. Thank you for sharing your story. It is inspiring to hear words such as yours. Congrats on your success.

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Rodney LeGros link
8/13/2013 02:04:01 am

As a first time single European traveler recently. I can tell you reading this first would have saved me many mistakes and some money. Though my experience was wonderful we can always learn and do better. I will refer back to this regularly for more knowledge and some reminders of past joys.. Very well done.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:47:58 pm

The truth is, we never stop learning. I am glad that you found my post insightful and useful. I hope to see you back in my neck of the words soon. :)

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Jeff Maziarek link
9/29/2013 07:48:27 am

Wonderful post Brandon, simply wonderful! I agree wholeheartedly with your observations throughout the piece. I didn't take my first trip out of the U.S. until I was nearly 41, and now 16 years later with 11 trips to Europe I can say without reservation that those trips had a profoundly positive effect on my personal and spiritual growth. Bravo.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:49:34 pm

Wonderful! The fact that you made your dream a reality is awesome to hear. Do you plan on traveling to other destinations?

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John Major link
10/4/2013 03:23:26 am


It feels good to live life through the limits. Do whatever we can to live it right.Make ourselves get involve in the so called "relativity of the matter" and be connected with wholeness of nature. Your posts are indeed very inspiring.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:50:57 pm

Life without limits is the best way to live! Who likes to feel bound by the chains of "typical" life?

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Adrian Bauk link
10/12/2013 03:45:59 pm

I love the article. Makes you think about what you're doing with your life. I always believe you got to be in it to win it. You must believe in what you are doing and live and breathe it.

No regrets. I had the time of my life when I travelled and did everything I wanted to do. I never worried about money, just went for it. Ended up being the best three months of my life.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:53:00 pm

I love to inspire. I am glad that the article was able to get the wheels turning. That is what life is about. Life, learn, and love. It sounds cliche however, it is true. If you don't do what you love, or attempt your dreams, you will look back with regrets.

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Anthony Belindo
10/23/2013 06:45:46 am

I work in a cube 40+ hours a week. I'm 55 years old. I'm constantly thinking there's got to be more to life than this?!

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Ian Phillips
10/25/2013 02:31:14 pm

I worked in a cube too Anthony but took trips every year. You can do short escapes now and longer ones when you retire.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:54:37 pm

Ian hit the nail on the head with his comment. Do short trips and book longer ones when you have the chance! It will satisfy that itch. :)

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lisa link
12/23/2013 07:23:54 am

Congrats on creatively getting away from the "grind" and living your own dream!
Thanks again for following us on Twitter
Luv, luv your site!

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:44:39 pm

You are most welcome. I am glad that you came by and took the time to comment. Hope to see you back here soon. :)

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Astrid Kähler link
12/25/2013 01:19:51 am

"...everything seems to be twisted upside down." On a journey, in life..., as long as we eventually land, preferably, but not necessarily feet first, upside down may turn out to be a good thing, a twist for the better... Great post, will keep me hanging on.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/12/2014 10:43:18 pm

I absolutely love your comment. It is a great way to look at things and definitely speaks truth.

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Custom Tours Morocco link
10/15/2018 02:55:00 pm

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Reply
Private Day Trip to Ouarzazate from Marrakech link
10/22/2018 05:03:30 am

Awesome post. I’m a normal visitor of your website and appreciate you taking the time to maintain the nice site. I will be a regular visitor for a long time. thank you Brandon Elijah

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