Now What? After Doing ALL the Things and Being Where My Feet Are for the past 18 months, it is time to transition into my next. The month-to-month nomad adventure has been beyond anything I could have imagined. In fact, it was 10 months longer than I originally planned and is transitioning into a new chapter at exactly the right time.
Everyone has been curious about where I will land next and what I have realized is that when I am asked, my mind wanders to that place and the logistics between here and there. It takes away from this full month in Vermont (which has been glorious: every leaf changing, every color imaginable) and I don’t want to build excitement for where I am going at the expense of where I am.
Today is my last full day as a monthly nomad and as I reflect on what I have learned, I want to thank everyone for their endless support and curiosity. I was not on this trip alone, but very much with each of you who has commented, sent notes, checked in, followed on Instagram or met up in person.
Community. The power of community shows up in many ways and technology has afforded me the opportunity to build and nurture my community while on the road. Zoom dates, online group meetings, texts and calls have made what could have felt lonely very much a community activity. My clients who ask about where I am and how the trip has gone have reminded me that friendly business relationships are a very important part of my personal brand
Share Your Story. I have learned to be more forward with my story of living a nomad life. It is a great ice melter and leads to easy conversation with strangers. I used to be much more guarded and find that this trip has softened me (somewhat).
Stuff. I have less of a connection with things than I would have thought. Once I did my purge to hit the road, I realized that I need far less "stuff". I don’t have an emotional connection to most things and am content to put clothes on a faster rotation. It is freeing not to shop or add to what I have (space restrictions) and to give myself permission not to indulge in the souvenir that I would have convinced myself I needed in a former chapter.
Home. What are the three things you would need if you were on an adventure like mine, to make each place you stay feel like home? When I ask the question, the initial reaction tends to be that they can’t narrow it down to just three. And then I see the wheels turn and even identifying three becomes difficult. Assume you have your technology and people with you (if you need or want). So, what else do you need? A special coffee pot or bean? A favorite mug? Slippers or a favorite blanket or other comfort item? A musical instrument or your journals? For me, it is some key kitchen essentials (I cook almost every meal), blankets for comfort more than warmth, and trinkets from friends and family that have become rituals to bring into and create my “home”.
You are Never Too Old. I am living out a younger person’s adventure. I’m not sure I would have gotten the same questions or push back if I had taken a gap year before or after college or sought this type of adventure as a younger couple. I am proud of myself for never thinking that I couldn’t do this. I tried to be smart in my decision-making and thoughtful in my approach, but not doing it was never an option after I made the decision. I hope it encourages others to go outside of their comfort zone and see how capable you are.
Live a Happy Life. I have led an incredibly happy 18 months. I feel it in my stress levels and tension points. I see it in my pictures. I look and feel lighter and happier. Maybe this was an unscratched itch or finding my true self at this stage of my life, but I truly hope I won’t lose the feeling or how I show up in light of this ease.
I Am Proud of Myself. I’m not sure I have ever said those words. I hope we can all be freer with self-praise than criticism. Whether it is getting through a challenge at work or a difficult phase in childrearing, when you look back and reflect, I hope there is an element of how far you have come and pride in what you have accomplished in your rearview mirror.
I am not settling down, but I am going to spend the next 5 months on Whidbey Island, WA. It is a place that I have a long history of visiting and was the test run and first month location for this adventure. It has what I have reaffirmed are my like-to-haves: incredible water views, nature, small town feel and small businesses, access to a major city (and airport), and easier for my kids to visit. Through the generosity of my close friends, I can settle in and fully empty the car (and get it detailed!) and be where my feet are.
Open invitation that if you are in the Pacific Northwest, let’s figure out a way to connect. Community building remains a core value, as does being present and pushing myself to do more, see more, experience all that I can.
Gotta hit the road; it is a long drive from Vermont to Washington state.
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