Thursday, May 13, 2010

‘Going as our gizzards guide us….’

Before travelling life was fairly predictable. I got up in the morning, had my coffee, had a shower, got dressed, left for work and caught the same 723F bus every weekday into the city…. basically same s**t, different day. I was talking with a work friend the other day on some of these thoughts, which he quoted ‘without making any big decisions in life, the future is just the past with the light turned on…’

Since travelling, life has been as unpredictable as asking you to guess how many fingers I’m holding up in a pitch-black room. You just don’t know what’s going to happen from one moment to the next. But since we have started working and getting back into somewhat of a routine you find yourself becoming a little settled and comfortable again. A place that is likeable. I’m not so sure for me anymore. I love the fact that a couple of months ago, one day we woke up and said ‘Lets go to the US!’ and booked everything in a week. Just went as our gizzards guided us; went with our gut.

Since booking our next leg to the US and giving up our jobs, I’m beginning to feel a bit nervous about the unknown again. But I would have to say I am finding myself embracing unfamiliarity easier than the mundane. I am warming more to the ‘excited-scared’ feeling and somewhat wanting to be in that place all the time. I often think about how I will feel when I get home. Do I want to settle down again or continue with the adventure? Do I want to go back to my old job or pursue a career that revolves around lifestyle; something that I am passionate about and involving little stress but having the element of the less predictable? All I know is my thinking is not as small as it once was and that I don’t want to continue on with life in mere existence as once before.

I would like to open this up for discussion so if you have anything to add or share, feel free to post something.

Tim

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm going to miss you 2, every time i sell an ozzie wine plan I'll think of you both haha!!


Whenever I think of travelling or planning for the future I try to remember this story about the Mexican fisherman and the American tourist to help get things in perspective..

A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.

"Not very long," answered the Mexican.

"But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American.

The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.

The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"

"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs...I have a full life."

The American interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you!

"You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat. With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers.

"Instead of selling your fish to a middleman, you can negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge enterprise."

"How long would that take?" asked the Mexican.

"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the American.

"And after that?"

"Afterwards? That's when it gets really interesting," answered the American, laughing. "When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!"

"Millions? Really? And after that?"

"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta, and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends!"

I always used to say to myself; think about where you want to be, as you may be pretty close already. And, if you have no idea where you are going yet, at least enjoy every second of the journey.

Glynn

Anonymous said...

I'm feeling exactly the same... although I'm not as traveled as yourselves! Since moving to Stamford I've got itchy feet (and not in the medical sense of the term!) I cannot wait to get out of the country! I've already planned trips to France, Canada and Florida as well as a possible Christmas trip to New York!

My fear of flying will hopefully not prevent me from spreading my wings!

Good luck with all of your travels and in life in general. Keep with the adventure because you never know where it might lead.

Missing you both,

Ema x

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