Finding Freedom: How Long-Term Travel Transformed My Life

Whoa… it’s been exactly four years since I got rid of almost everything I owned, packed my bags, and set out on a journey to explore this unimaginably huge (at the time) world of ours. Looking back, it happened so quickly; the decision to do it, the agonizing process of getting rid of years of accumulated “stuff” — stuff that somehow defined me (imagine getting rid of your collection of books! I mean, who are we, if not the books we read?) Then to launch myself into an uncertain future that in every way possible was equal parts insanity and joyful abandonment of everything I had worked so hard to build. WTF!!!

Well I did it, and four years later I’m joyfully still at it.

So I thought this would be a good time for me to reflect on what I’ve learned since I left Los Angeles on that fateful day of December 10, 2019 (Covid? What is Covid)?

Long term travels changes you.

I wasn’t conscious of this at first. How could I be, I had only traveled as a tourist. Short trips (two weeks being a luxury) would come maybe once a year at best. Now I find myself unrestrained by any time limit. (Isn’t this what people dream about?)

Because of this, I have opened up in ways I could have never guessed. As much of a challenge it has been at times, it has also given back so much. When will I stop? I think about that. But I honestly do not know. I assume that at some time, age or circumstance will catch up to me and I’ll need to reassess. I’ll cross that bridge when it comes.

Now back with these changes…

Without having to work, without the schedules, the deadlines, the need to make money (then spend it)… I have time. Time to do nothing. And in this new nothingness, I find myself exploring parts of me that have been hibernating for years.

This process has taken time to unfold. There is a certain amount of guilt that creeps in from time to time. “How can you say that a day without accomplishing something is a good day?” That goes against everything I’ve lived for most of my life. “Get over it” I now say to myself. Life is about change. And that change is now.

Living simply is my mantra. Less stuff (of course). But also being satisfied with a simpler existence. I don’t seek the luxury that I used to. I enjoy simpler food (and less of it). Simpler accommodations (no need for big rooms in fancy hotels). Little cars and scooters work just fine. But walking is best. But don’t get me wrong. I’m still a foodie and love a great bottle of wine. I still love soft sheets and a quiet room to sleep in. I haven’t given up on these indulgences. But when they come into my life, you better believe I give thanks for my luck. For luck is a big part of it. Most people of the world have never experienced what I have — and never will. So why in the hell are they so happy? Hmmm… I wonder if these things don’t have the power for happiness that we give them? And let me add that I have an enormous amount of respect for these “backwards” cultures that I have had the pleasure to interact with.

What drives me? First and foremost, curiosity. That elusive force that ruled us as children and somehow leaks out the the little cracks that form as we get older. Curiosity is my engine.

Trust. Believing that the world is a benevolent place. That the horrors we imagine in our minds are just that — in our minds. In reality, good days way outnumber the bad. Good things happen more than catastrophes. As this understanding works its way into my soul, the more fear has rescinded into the background. And who are we without fear? Maybe we are who we were sent into the world to become.

I’m feeling younger. But at the same time I am getting older. I’ll be seventy next year. I’m aware that my time on earth will eventually end and that end is creeping closer every day. This has nothing to do with travel, it is something we all face. Its impact cannot be understated. The clock is ticking.

Everything has more importance. More purpose. I treasure my time and treat it with gentleness and respect. I have less drama in my life. I try and pick my battles carefully (if I need any at all). I am aware of what I bring into my body and mind. The weight I loss two years ago has stayed away and that is from a conscious awareness of what I eat, how much I eat and when I eat. I’m still passionate about food and that hasn’t changed.

I am discriminate in what I read. My entrenched morning routine of pouring through the New York Times, has eased up. Modern chaos warfare and politics has such an effect on me that I have chosen to keep much of it at arm’s length. I prefer thoughtful writing (or podcasts) that give me insight into the forces that control our world and also refrain from immersing myself into the 24 hour news cycle that builds nothing but more worry, helplessness and fear.

Face it, life is short. I want to fill mine with actions that nourish me.

I now practice breathwork and meditation almost every morning. That alone has had a huge impact. It gives me the chance to wipe my slate clean so I can start the day fresh without the burden of worry and regret that may have lingered from the day before. It keeps me in the moment — the true habitat of the enlightened beings that have guided us since the beginning of time.

So where am I going? I feel that I have just started. That this last third of my life will be the most fulfilling of all.

I have been given so much and I want to give back. This crazy blog of mine is one way. Writing is new to me, but has already engrained itself into my life. Hopefully with time my voice will be stronger. I’m curious where that goes. Teaching breathwork interests me and with daily practice I am learning it’s effect. I would love to pass my experiences on to others. There are many other ways to give back and I look forward to what unfolds.

This all leads to the question: “Who have I become?”

A World Citizen. I like that. More of who I’ve been all along? I like that too.

But in a simple way… I am closer to who I am. I am closer to God.