One of my dreams, as long as I can remember, has to been travel. EVERYWHERE.
In the past four years since graduating from college, I have tried the traditional route of working a 9 to 5. And it's always left me wondering what else is out there? What possibility haven't I explored? And what stones have I left unturned?
Over the past year, this once far off dream started to become something that I would contemplate very seriously. Then, finally, figure out how to make happen. I would say there were a few major items that I changed, which looking back, were truly signs that I was ready to start this journey,
1. Stop Spending Money on Extraneous Material Possessions
I've stopped buying "things" just to have something. I've been very selective about the items that I acquire, worrying about their purpose, durability, and usefulness. Not just do I like this, right now?
2. You Only Invest In Friendships that Are Long Term Potential
We all have those friends that are fun to go to the bars with, but you never connect with in the light of day. I'm not saying they're bad people - in fact, I value them for opening up my eyes to things I may have not otherwise experienced - but, those aren't the type of people that I feel like have my back.
3. You continually wonder, what else is out there?
You're always asking and looking for what more is there. The question is unanswered, "what else?" And you're not willing to sit back and not go find the answer yourself.
4. You Find It Hard to Go To Work Everyday
Now I don't mean this for someone who has had a long night and is tired, or is a having a bad day. I mean this as, I consistently struggled to find purpose going in everyday. I kept asking myself "WHY?" It's not that I hate my job, in fact, generally I like the tasks that I have. And I like the people - in fact, my biggest fear about leaving was losing a lot of those people as friends. It's just that work no longer drives me. That passion is somehow now missing and I need to find a regain it.
5. Politics at Work Seem Pointless
There was a point where my philosophy on politics and criticism at work just shifted. Almost 180. I used to care about pleasing everyone, the bosses, looking right, acting right, being exactly who they want me to be. Then it became more about myself. I realized that the only person that I truly needed to please was myself. Keeping caught up in the politics, drama, and impressing the right people would just either fall into place or fall by the wayside if I gave up on it, and just do everything to become the best version of myself.
6. Social Media accounts of travelers and places you've never been make your heart ache.
Looking and seeing what other people are experiencing, that you could be too, sends an ache of jealously so deep that it literally hurts. You want to be that person. You want to see what they are seeing. They are living your dream.
7. Happiness is my number one priority.
Pure, impossible, mind-blowing happiness. Like standing on the edge of a cliff overlooking that crystal clear ocean, wind in your hair. The freedom to do anything and be anyone that you want to be.
8. Your Gut Tells You, Deep Down, THIS IS RIGHT
In the end, I always, always, always trust my gut. I don't believe that it has ever failed me to this point, and I'm banking on it never failing me. My gut tells me that this is what I need, and "adulting" logic be dammed. I'm going for it!
