“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.”
-Lao Tzu
A little less than half of the reactions I’ve received from stating I do not have specific plans after the sale of my the home have surprised me. My family and the majority of my close friends have stated “it’s time” while acquaintances have expressed discord. They, as I have found, expect me to have a well thought-out itinerary. After all, as one person stated, “Who sets out on a journey without some sort of knowledge of where home is going to be?”
Me. That’s who. Besides…
…whose
choice
is
it
anyways?
I wondered: how many other decisions have I altered, adjusted and tossed to the wayside to stay bound by opinions? Too many, I can assure you. Sure, they – the opinionated ones – meant well. They were trying to keep me safe, prevent me from making a foolish mistake and/or doing something I’d regret down the road. Funny thing is, I’ve ended up in harm’s way, made some seriously foolish mistakes but still to this day I have only one regret (another story for another day) all because I followed someone else’s advice that didn’t resonate with me. And here’s the other ironic thing, had I kept my momentum going without interference, I still could have landed in harm’s way and thought it was a mistake. Why? We are all on an adventure. How we perceive events, situations and moments are what makes life life.
“Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to.”
-Alan Keightley
One of the best vacations my (then) husband and I took was to the state of New York. We both wanted to claim we saw Niagara Falls and he wished to see the Watkins Glen International race track near the Finger Lakes. I remember we did not book any lodging reservations prior to our departure, and yet we always had a comfortable bed to sleep in each night. We simply followed our curiosity. “Oh that looks interesting, let’s go there…” We explored the western side of the state simply by what enticed us as we drove past and from the pamphlets and destination magazine we found when we visited a few tourist centers. That’s how we preferred to travel; pick a general location and take our time driving to it.
“Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.”
-Paul Theroux
In this moment I have two – no, make that four – places I intend to visit this winter. Once I sign on the line in nine days, I will be officially a non-homeowner without intentions to purchase another until I find the right one in the right location at the right time.
Where am I going to live? Don’t know.
How will I get there? Don’t know. I still need to buy a vehicle (I’ve been borrowing my youngest son’s well-driven manual drive car for over a month).
Where will I stay: hotel, AirBnB, camper, friends’ sofas? I haven’t decided yet. There’s a good chance I’ll try all of the options.
Where will I go? Not sure. Where ever my curious heart leads me. Those who responded to last week’s blog post [Destinations Confirmed] provided me with wonderful inspiration.
Where will I work? Wherever I am at. I am a writer and virtual assistant; no office required.
This is the joy of freedom. I’m free to explore…
The money from the house sale will be safe in the bank earning interest (you might want to consider opening a short term deposit for a better interest rate) and by the time you come back from your travels, you will know what you want to purchase or if you wish to rent. It’s your life, Cindy and your call. Bless the people who want the best for you but its from their perspective and you are your own person. You’ll know what’s best for you when the time is right.
Vatsala, thank you for reiterating my point of view. I’m one of those individuals who is grateful for each experience. The concept (or need) to define people, events, situations as good, bad or otherwise has never been a part of who I am. It is what it is. I am following my heart, doing what I feel is right for me and enjoy the process. Life is an amazing adventure…
Your soul must be calling you, good luck on your adventure
Yes it is, Heather. Yes it is. <3 Thank you.
I am so excited for you and your next adventure. You go, girl! Your heart will tell you when and where you will end up. Safe journey, my friend.
Thank you, Barb. I’m excited for me, too! Here’s to new adventures for both of us. Cheers!
Cant wait to meet you on your adventurous journey. I can feel the joy of freedom in your words and I am so happy your life is unfolding in wondrous ways.
Zoom is wonderful, but it is not the same as an in-person conversation. I’m looking forward to our time together and the roads I will travel to meet you. I am astounded with how fast all of this has happened. It’s like when I closed this door, the Universe opened up the windows, barn door and blew the roof off, too. Everything is falling into place with grace and ease. I am grateful.
Cindy, I think this sounds marvelous, and I am betting, just what your soul needs. Enjoy. I hope you’ll keep us updated on your adventures through social media.
This is exactly what my soul has been yearning for for years – probably my entire lifetime. My intent is to take my readers with me on many of my adventures. I may continue to follow my Elements For A Healthier Life format, or I may simply snap pictures of some random things that make me giggle. 🙂
Ooh, exciting. Keep me posted.
Will do!
Wonderful article Cindy. How I live my life really, so am used to people looking at me strangely and probably thinking my life is really boring. Living with Presence is being free to me and so while I do my best to be on time and keep appointments, the rest I leave up to my Universal Manager.
If you happen to be in Europe in October or come to New Zealand at any time, we can have a cuppa together… if that’s a part of the plan.
A trip overseas sounds wonderful. It’s not in the budget right now. However, I’ve always wanted to go to New Zealand. I may take up up on your invitation, Trilby.
This is SO GREAT! (And there’s a couch or a guest room in NE Florida with your name on it.) Would love to host your for a bit.
Thanks for the invitation, Andrea! I may take you up on it. A part of my snowless-winter living includes visiting Florida; I’m not sure when. I will reach out to you when/if as soon as I know for certain!
Wishing you safe and drama-free travels wherever you go, Cindy! I applaud you for following your heart and not all the should’s…or allowing well-meaning folks “SHOULD” all over you!