For over 10 years, I have immersed myself in podcasts and books, yoga and meditation, more books and podcasts, more meditation and yoga. I have held healing stones, chanted morning affirmations and mantras, and explored psychedelics... all of which, no doubt, have encouraged self-growth. How skilled am I at having an enlightened conversation? Above-average... But… How enlightened do I feel today? Sub-par to average... To clarify, I see this as a positive an significant potential for my self-growth. But I am filled with information, probably the majority I can't even remember to apply. Perhaps I reached the point of information overload, and the trigger was pulled when I was tired of sitting and consuming and needed more learning by doing, by living. So, it was time to change the game.
Who am I? I am a 30 something wandering soul who has always been a seeker. I found comfort in the corporate world where I have spent most of my career having exhilarating meetings and beyond meaningful work (fake it to make it!). But observing others churning out work to climb the ladder just didn’t resonate, and it’s a trap I have easily fallen into.
I like to think of myself as a minimalist and nomad. I have spent countless hours mowing grass, cleaning gutters, plugging leaks, changing toilets, cleaning toilets, renovating, gardening, painting… wow, that list seems infinite. There is no better time sink for me than owning a home, which also results in acquiring stuff: lawn mower, appliances, silverware, furniture, artwork, those little bars of soap for your guests, etc. Getting down to the bare essentials is absolute freedom of time, or so I think (lets test it out!). Change is also an emotional cleanse for my growth, and I have lived in 5 different states in the last 10 years. My past has also forced me into minimalism 3 times in my life upending everything I own, so it's likely I feel it's easier to stay that way than be forced into it again.
Lately, I can't tell you the number of individuals I have expressed such desire of living out of my car... news flash to myself, I have been camping twice in my life, both times I slept in my contacts and woke up with what felt like sandpaper eyes. And yet, here I am, with this self-vision of a happy go lucky wandering gypsy. Only one way to find out if this is a dream or reality... take the plunge and follow-through on my big game talk. And more so, is it possible to embark on a nomadic journey with no destination in sight, and continue in the corporate world to fund the expedition?
I have sold my house, consolidated my belongings to a single carload, and I'm off starting my journey wandering to enlightenment!
First stop, Gulf Shores, AL with a pit stop on Amelia Island. I have booked 30 days here, and that is the extent of my 'defined' journey so far. This could be hit or miss, so testing the waters. Gulf shores is also within 10 hours of my immediate family, and I have fond memories of being at this beach as a child. Maybe something promising surfaces while I meditate on the beach, or maybe I will be haunted by my grandparents, either of which seem like an enlightened experience.