I just have to say that I really enjoy reading so many of your comments and I greatly appreciate all of the compliments. I can't believe how I've inspired so many of you to write to me about how you are now thinking of traveling, or changing they way you live your lives. I've just realized how one person's actions can affect so many other people's lives. I hope everyone can acheive happiness and feel as if they are free in life. All it takes is that first small step.
Back in the US when I was daydreaming at my computer screen, I thought of working in Switzerland, living in Spain, or New Zealand and it all seemed so far fetched, like a dream, like it could only happen to those special people. Now that I've come down here, made that first step, and met people that have traveled the world, the dream has morphed into reality, into reach. It doesn't seem so hard or restricted anymore. I just hope all of you take steps toward dreams in your life, even if it's small steps.
My mom, grandma, and my friend Mark from Helena, MT are going to be here tomorrow and I'm really excited! Two people, Mark and my grandma, have never traveled outside of North America. They are coming half way around the world to visit, traveling outside of their comfort zones. I hope to broaden their view of traveling, and on life.
Recently, I've had car trouble, phone trouble, and a staff member quit all putting me in a bind for my upcoming two week vacation. For some reason, I'm not stressed out about all this. Back home, I would be worried to death and stressed. Here, I just keep believing that somehow things will work out, and I'm still generally happy. I think its just that I still believe that I'm on holiday and things are all ok, as if my 'real' life is still back home in the US. I've just realized that maybe we all should just treat our lives like we are "on holiday." Life works out. Funny how all these cliches are hitting home to me here.
What was is it about being back home [in the US] that some of us can't cut through the crud and see the simple things? Are we feeling that we are always trying to fill someone's expectations? Is there something about American society that stresses us out and puts pressure on performance and induces worry? I wonder.
Until the next mind dump...
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4 comments:
you know, I've traveled over seas a few times but actually LIVING somewhere else has never seemed a reasonable idea for me. Sure, it's crossed my mind plenty of times, but I always think that I can't now that I'm out of school, with my "grown up" job, and (most importantly) a home owner. But you and Melissa have shown me that it is easier to do than I would have imagined...you just go, you take a leave of absense, put your stuff in storage (or at your parents!), turn off your cell phone and go.
For me it would be a little tougher, but I do plan to sell my house sometime in the future anyway! So in between houses seems like a perfect time to do it. I could always buy another one when I come back right? I'm seriously considering it now and you're part of the reason so for that inspiration I thank you, even more than for your entertaining blog!
hmmm, next would be narrowing down the location....
Rach
Rach,
What you've said has made me feel so good. I'm so glad that I've inspired you and that you've realized how easy it can be to have an adventure. You only get one shot at life, and there's no reason to grow up so fast.
We have to realize that we are in a lucky time right now for several reasons. One, in the States, we make so much money compared to the rest of the world, so its easy to save up and have lots of cash to start with. Two, we are in a time where travel is easy with aircraft, and there are trial work permits. Think of 100 years ago when Irish immigrants came to the US. They got on a boat not knowing what they were getting into and that was it, they were gone.
yo rob!
glad to hear you are loving it in NZ...your blog is great, sooo much detail!
god, I got the travel bug again...
peace,
danZ
Well written article.
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