“Look, if it makes you feel better, I am keeping a journal. It’s the one thing you taught me I held onto.” After hearing this heartwarming proclamation by Elijah Wood in “Green Street Hooligans”, I picked up a journal at the on-campus bookstore to give writing a shot. Little did I know, I was about to discover a new avenue to express myself, to enrich my life, and to better understand the world around me.

As I learned more about the power of the written word and how to cultivate the skill of writing, I had the desire to share my words with others. But of course, that was a ridiculous thought. You make a proper lifestyle from writing. Nor do people care about writing anymore. The world has gone digital. People don’t want to read, especially about the stuff that I cared about — making life exciting by adventuring to unknown places around the world.

That’s when I talked to my good friend Steve: “Have you heard of this guy Anthony Bourdain? He’s this awesome writer who just travels, eats with the locals, and writes beautifully about his experiences. He’s living the best life.”

I remember that moment as if I had just become aware of a whole new take on life, because that’s precisely what I would come to realize. Watching the way Anthony Bourdain lived gave proof to a successful life as a writer. He lived the way that makes the most sense, and by doing so, cut through the noise to show us the best part of life… tasting the flavors of the world while enjoying the company of others. A simple formula that equates to enjoying the finest things in life.

Tony had a way of making every meal, every interaction, and every adventure enjoyable. He experienced the world with no filter, no pretension, but plenty of wit and humor.

Tony inspired millions of folks to seek out the unknown, and to meet new people with open hearts and empty bellies. He advocated for this by the way he lived and by doing so he advocated for a better world. A world in which I want to live. More than anything else, he inspired me to write, arguably the best gift anyone could give me.