Travel Wide, but Not to Hide
People travel for innumerable reasons: to get away for a while, to gain a sense of purpose, to find themselves, to get away from themselves… Each path has it’s own reasoning behind it and each is entirely legitimate.
In less than a month, Jason and I will begin an epic journey that will last us nearly one year’s time. There’s a common narrative that travelers are escaping. Escaping the past, yourself, or your circumstance. Truth is, I’m living through one of the most peaceful and happy times of my life. My friends are beyond words amazing to me and I’m finally confident that they love me as much as I love them (depression can make you question everything; so glad I’m past that right now).
My family and I are very close. I spend much of my free time with them, laughing and loving them. I’m at my mom’s house nearly every weekend. It’s been this way since I learned my dad was sick and hasn’t changed in the year since he’s passed.
Baltimore and I really get along. My little apartment in Hampden is cozy and walkable to everything. Friendly, quirky, and homey; this area feels right to me. While I know it’s not a place to raise kids, it’s a great place to call home for now.
During our initial trip considerations and planning I had a job that I did well at and enjoyed. Local food has been my passion for 5 years now and I was working a dream job. At Relay, I learned so much about myself through the good and hard times, working with colleagues that impressed me on a daily basis, and creating partnerships that lasted for years. Now, I’m jobless, and all that is over. It’s the one thing that is an ultimate “duh”, now’s a good time to go.
All this is to say: I’m not running from anything or “leaving” anyone behind. My life is really great. This decision was not made lightly and I know that I’m taking an enormous risk on multiple levels (more of that in upcoming posts!). I’m not planning an easy life and know for a fact that despite whatever work threw at me before, this is going to be tougher to “go on vacation” than work a 9 – 7. At least jobs have a level of predictability to them and you can take time off. You also have a boss and expectations, so you can’t just make your own schedule (although, I did quite a bit of that at Relay!). Being away from my home for 11 months means there is no “time off” and there’s no place to call home on the road. It’s not my intention to complain or in any way diminish how privileged I am to take this trip. I am incredibly privileged and eternally grateful to not have to wage slave for a period of my adult life. You’ve got no idea. Just want to be clear that I love you all and I’m not leaving you, I’m just taking a little time for me. Jason gets to come too 😉
