He hadn’t achieved his goal of getting to New Orleans for Mardi Gras yet, and he was putting that at risk. Imagine if he got there the morning of Ash Wednesday when the town is dead and the only thing you’re going to find is dump trucks cleaning up the mess and people solemnly going to church to get their ashes.
Welcome to another exciting episode of “Our Story Your Story,” where we delve into the captivating world of literature and share our own life stories.
Let’s explore Chapter 23 of “A Gypsy’s Kiss” titled “Lost Boys.” This chapter is based on Toby’s adventurous life when he was 15 years old, and it’s filled with themes that resonate deeply with the human experience.
Watch the video or download the podcast episode.
Authors and hosts Shelley Carney and Toby Younis take you on a journey through the themes and emotions present in this chapter, emphasizing the importance of community, support, and finding one’s purpose.
Maintaining a positive outlook and showing compassion toward others is like carrying a lantern of warmth in life’s darkest moments.
It means choosing to see the good, even when faced with challenges, and extending a helping hand to those in need.
In “A Gypsy’s Kiss,” Miguel’s character embodies this positive perspective, reminding us that complaining about our problems can sometimes blind us to the struggles of others.
I’m on this journey to experience life and adventures. Surely, this detour will provide both. Plus, I can repay the generosity these kind people have shown me. “I have the whole day to get down to New Orleans. I’d like to help out.”
A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, Chapter 23
Toby remembers his father saying, “I complained about not having shoes until I saw a man with no feet,” which highlights the power of empathy and compassion.
It’s a valuable lesson for all of us, showing that kindness and understanding can brighten our path and the paths of those we encounter on our journey through life.
At the heart of “Lost Boys,” Miguel chooses to stay with the Boltons, characters inspired by Toby’s friends, Bucky McGee and his wife Catherine.
Miguel’s positive outlook on life is a stark contrast to his previous victim narrative.
I’m too short. Five-foot-six is glaringly insufficient, and no girl wants to dance with a guy looking at her neck instead of her eyes. Especially with my squinty, muddy-brown eyes. Black hair and light brown skin, pocked with embarrassing teenage acne, blend into the background of the small town of Santa Fe. I’m a small, ugly fish in this stupid, stagnant pond.
A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, Chapter 3
The movies and television shows I enjoyed watching as a kid present the ideal life that I expected for myself. Dads who come home from work each night, families who talk about their days at the dinner table, kids who grow up knowing they’ve got a home, and parents who care about them. Where’s my “Leave It to Beaver” life?
A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, Chapter 3
“It’s just been a rough day. I messed up my English assignment. My girlfriend told me she invited someone else to the Spring Mixer, and my mother doesn’t have time for me.”
A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, Chapter 4
His change in perspective mirrors the idea that having a big heart and being compassionate toward others can lead to a more fulfilling existence.
“He was able to experience this very different adventure and he met these great people. He had gotten to the point where if they had asked him to help with anything, whether or not it was saving Boy Scouts, he would have done it just to offer services in response to what they provided for him, which was a place to eat and sleep for an evening.”
— Toby Younis
It’s a reminder that no matter our circumstances, we can choose to see the world through a positive lens.
“He says, ‘I need to do something for these Scouts because I’ve been in situations where people helped me. I want to help them. I want to pay it forward. I want to help these boys who need help.’ He’s starting to grow up. He’s starting to think more about people besides himself. He’s being a little less selfish and more selfless, and he’s not just doing it to impress Kate and John.”
— Shelley Carney
Choices are the crossroads of life, where our decisions shape our destiny.
True courage is not just about making a choice but having the strength to evaluate the options, consider the consequences, and face uncertainty with determination.
In “A Gypsy’s Kiss,” Miguel’s journey reflects this idea as he encounters a pivotal decision. His courage is not merely in choosing, but in having the bravery to take the path that carries the most risk, putting his goal on the line.
I glance at my watch, wondering if I still have time to help and make it to Mardi Gras.
A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, Chapter 23
Noticing my concern, Kate says, “He’s trying to get to New Orleans before the end of the day.”
“No worries. I understand,” and turning back to me, he says, “Thank you for your…”
“I want to go back with you,” I politely interrupt him. This is a guaranteed adventure I don’t want to miss.
This chapter reminds us that courage isn’t about recklessness but about making thoughtful choices, even when they lead to challenging adventures.
“Courage was displayed when Miguel decided ‘I’m going to take care of the urgent needs of others rather than focus on my desires.’”
— Shelley Carney
It teaches us that the path less traveled often requires the most courage, and it’s through such choices that we discover our true strength and character.
“Making choices is not inherently courageous, but weighing the possibilities and making the harder choice even when it puts the goal at risk is where true courage lies.”
— Toby Younis
The hero’s journey is a narrative thread woven through countless stories, often characterized by adversity and personal growth.
However, Chapter 23 of “A Gypsy’s Kiss” challenges the notion that a hero’s journey must be defined solely by hardships.
Through Miguel’s adventurous trip to Mardi Gras, we see how positive experiences can be as transformative as negative ones.
“The hero’s journey has its ups and downs, but I think for this young man, he starts in a place where he’s already down. We wrote it in a positive, experiential way that was good for the story, and it was good for him because he was growing emotionally. His sensibility was growing. He was having more respect for his mother along the way.”
— Toby Younis
This chapter reminds us that life’s journey is a mosaic of diverse experiences, both positive and negative, which collectively contribute to our personal growth.
It suggests that we shouldn’t discount the significance of positive encounters, as they too shape our character and offer valuable lessons.
Miguel’s story is a testament to the idea that adversity is not the only catalyst for growth; joy, kindness, and discovery also play vital roles in our hero’s journey.
“Boy Scouting has been really important to me and anything I can do to pay that back, I’m happy to do it. I would never want those boys to feel abandoned.”
A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, Chapter 23
It’s a reminder that every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to our personal journey.
Life often presents us with choices that compel us to decide between abandonment and growth.
The concept of abandonment isn’t merely about leaving behind a person, a goal, or a situation; it’s also about relinquishing the opportunity for growth and personal development.
In contrast, choosing growth means embracing challenges, even when they require us to alter our plans or step outside our comfort zones.
Chapter 23 of “A Gypsy’s Kiss” offers a powerful narrative lens through which we can explore these choices.
It underscores that sometimes, opting not to abandon can lead to profound self-discovery and a more meaningful journey.
“You’re only as abandoned as you believe yourself to be. The moment you get the opportunity to accomplish something by helping someone else, then that sense of abandonment goes away.”
— Toby Younis
As we navigate our own life stories, understanding the delicate balance between these choices can be pivotal in shaping our character and defining our sense of purpose.
One of the central dilemmas in this chapter is the choice between Miguel continuing his planned trip to New Orleans and potentially abandoning Kate, John, and the lost Boy Scouts, or staying to help despite his plans.
By choosing not to abandon the situation, Miguel undergoes significant growth and gains a profound understanding of the meaning of abandonment.
“He’s always looked at abandonment from his perspective and how he believes that his entire world has abandoned him, and here he has to decide, do I finish my trip? The one that I planned? All the logic was in place for him to say, I’m going to get on my bike. I’ll see you guys later. But wouldn’t that have been his own form of abandonment?”
— Toby Younis
His realization highlights the power of our choices and how they shape our character.
“By staying there, by not abandoning the situation, he grew into himself a little bit more, and was made more aware of what abandonment means.”
— Toby Younis
The transition from seeking attention to finding purpose is a significant juncture in our personal development journey.
During adolescence and even in early adulthood, many of us often find ourselves caught in the allure of seeking attention, craving validation, and striving to be noticed.
However, as we mature and gain life experience, a fundamental shift occurs.
We begin to realize that the pursuit of attention is fleeting and often shallow.
The constant desire to be in the spotlight starts to lose its luster, and we yearn for something deeper, more profound—a sense of purpose that transcends the need for validation from others.
This transition signifies a crucial evolution in our mindset and priorities.
Seeking attention typically revolves around external validation, often driven by societal norms and peer pressure. It’s about wanting to be admired, acknowledged, and praised by others, sometimes at the expense of authenticity and genuine self-expression.
On the other hand, finding purpose is an internal quest, driven by an intrinsic desire to make a meaningful impact and contribute positively to the world.
It involves uncovering our unique strengths, passions, and values, and aligning them with actions that resonate with our core beliefs. It’s a journey toward self-discovery.
As we transition from seeking attention to finding purpose, we move from a state of external validation to a place of inner fulfillment.
“A significant part of the trip at the beginning was, this is going to get me some attention. The ride to New Orleans could certainly be rated as accomplishing something, but it’s not the recognition or the realization of achieving something purposeful.”
— Toby Younis
This shift is marked by increased self-awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of our place in the world.
“The moment you take your eyes off your own problems and start looking outward at other people and what they’re going through and how you can be of help, that’s when you suddenly feel better. You feel more confident. You feel like you find your place in the world.”
— Shelley Carney
In this chapter, we witness Miguel’s journey and explore the value of a sense of purpose and how it surpasses the fleeting desire for attention.
This transformation serves as a reminder that a sense of purpose brings a greater sense of accomplishment than mere attention-seeking does.
“Just getting attention always results in a hangover. Like, ‘I don’t feel as good about that as I thought I would.’ But achieving your purpose and accomplishing what you set out to do results in positive feelings of fulfillment.”
— Toby Younis
As Miguel’s story unfolds, we see how finding one’s purpose can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
In Chapter 23 of “A Gypsy’s Kiss,” titled “Lost Boys,” we’ve delved into a world of adventure, sacrifice, and self-discovery.
The themes of community, support, and finding one’s purpose resonate deeply with the human experience, reminding us of the power of our choices and the importance of compassion.
The journey from seeking attention to finding purpose is ongoing, and small, consistent efforts can lead to significant positive changes over time.
We can work towards personal growth, resilience, and a greater sense of purpose this week when we focus on the following ideas.
Take some time this week to consciously practice empathy and compassion.
Start by actively listening to the people you interact with, striving to understand their perspectives and feelings.
When you encounter someone facing a challenge, offer your support and assistance without expecting anything in return.
By fostering empathy and compassion, you’ll not only strengthen your connections with others but also cultivate a positive outlook on life.
Reflect on a recent decision you made or a dilemma you’re currently facing.
Instead of rushing to a conclusion, take a step back and evaluate your options thoughtfully.
Consider the potential outcomes and risks associated with each choice.
Practice making decisions based on a balance of rationality and courage, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone.
Over time, this mindful decision-making process will help you build resilience and confidence.
Spend some time exploring your passions, interests, and values.
What activities make you feel most alive?
What causes or issues do you deeply care about?
Identify areas where you can align your interests and values with actions that contribute positively to your community or the world.
Whether it’s volunteering, starting a personal project, or simply committing to acts of kindness, finding your sense of purpose will infuse your life with meaning and fulfillment.
As we conclude this blog post, we invite you to listen to the “Our Story Your Story” podcast episode, “Adventure and Sacrifice,” where we discuss this chapter in greater detail and share personal anecdotes that relate to the themes explored.
We hope you’ll find inspiration in Miguel’s journey and reflect on the role of community, support, and purpose in your own life.
Embrace a positive outlook, act with courage, and seek purpose over attention. Your journey, like Miguel’s, may lead to unexpected growth and fulfillment.