Do you remember a time when you dreamed of being something big? Maybe you wanted to be an astronaut, an explorer, or even a storyteller. As children, our dreams had no boundaries. The world around us always seemed filled with endless possibilities. Every star in the sky, every ocean in the distance, every shadowed corner held a secret waiting to be discovered. We believed anything was possible, and nothing could hold us back.
When I look back on my childhood, I can’t help but smile at the memories of playing with my cousins. We’d pretend to be chefs, superheroes, or adventurers. We spent hours lost in our imagination, going on grand make-believe journeys. Sometimes we played house; other times we pretended to go fishing—taking turns being the fish so everyone got a chance to be the fisherman. It never felt like pretending. It felt real, like we could be anything and everything. We spent our mornings playing in school and our afternoons running around the street. That was the best part of living next to them: every day felt like a new adventure.
Eventually, life happened, and I had to move to a different province. But I didn’t worry. I knew it only meant a new adventure—new sights, new people, new stories waiting to unfold. Plus, I had my books. I was never short of adventure because my imagination and my stories could transport me anywhere. They became my escape, my portal to other worlds. Even though I moved away, my sense of wonder traveled with me.
Isn't it fascinating how, as children, we saw the world for what it could be? Gardens became jungles to explore, roads were pathways to the unknown, and new friends were fellow explorers helping us uncover the world’s mysteries. We were fearless in our curiosity. Our dreams felt limitless. We believed we could be anything we imagined, and the world welcomed us with open arms.
But as we grow older, the world can sometimes feel smaller. Responsibilities start piling up. Routines take over. We get caught in the busyness of life. The weight of adulthood dulls the sharp edges of curiosity, and we forget that the world is still as full of mystery as it once was. We stop asking “What if?” and start asking “What now?” Still, that adventurous spirit—once bold and bright—never really disappears. It lingers quietly beneath our doubts and fears, waiting to be awakened.
This is where stories come in. Whether found in books, movies, or our own lived experiences, stories have a way of reigniting that inner spark. They remind us of the beauty and excitement of curiosity. They give us permission to dream again—to explore the unknown with open hearts.
This is why the journey of an astronaut navigating a vast ocean world feels so familiar. It’s not just a tale about space or survival. It’s a journey of rediscovering the childlike wonder we once carried so easily. It’s about embracing the unknown with courage, curiosity, and hope. It’s a reminder that the world is still full of mysteries, and adventure isn’t over—it’s simply waiting for us to take the next step, whether that’s through a book, a place, or our own lives.
The Adventure of Damgo: Leon in the Waterworld isn’t just a book for children. It’s a story for adults, too. It’s for anyone longing to rediscover the fearless curiosity we once had—to feel wonder again, to chase the unknown, and to embrace the adventure of life with an open, eager heart.