The Life of a Nomad?

11/6/2017

So I need y'alls help. You know I've had some big life changes over the summer and I've been trying to figure out what exactly I'm going to do after selling my house and all that mess.

Here are some of the things I've been throwing around:

A) Sell some of my household stuff and goods and downsize...like, truly live a minimalist lifestyle. Because, let's be real, we often get entirely too caught up in our possessions and material items.

B) Sell ALL of my household stuff and travel the world, not really having a "home," so to speak.

C) Or the dreaded one...get a "real job" and go back to work for "the man." Ugh. (No. Thank. You.)

I've always wanted to travel the world. To be adventurous. And I've lived some adventurous moments, but for the most part, I've lived a pretty boring, "normal" life.

I graduated college, started working for the government six months later (I "lucked" out in that sense), and then waited for the "right guy" to get married. I mean, it took me longer than I thought to find him, but hey...it happens. And of course, look how well that turned out.

But I digress.

So I worked for the government for just about 12 years. But I was so miserable. I dreaded going to work...with a passion. So I did something about it. I was brave and walked away. And I thought I had it all figured out.

A little over a year later and my world implodes. My husband is arrested and our life falls apart. Well...my life does. And now I get the opportunity to START ALL OVER!

Do you know that means? Originally, I saw this as a terribly negative thing. Like, holy cow, how could I possibly be starting over all over again?! Literally, from ground zero.

But now? Now I look at it as I am FREE to make the choices I want to live my life exactly as I want! I get the OPPORTUNITY to do whatever it is I want!

So what do y'all think? Should I travel the world? New experiences, new opportunities, new locations. There are, of course, downsides to this, but isn't that what life is all about? Taking risks, making changes, living life.

Or should I downsize, get rid of my stuff, move into something smaller and enjoy LIFE, instead of focusing on STUFF? I love Virginia Beach and the life I've made for myself here. So I certainly would miss being here.

See the dilemma?

So weigh in for me. I'd love to hear all the sides of this. Anyone who has done this? Traveled the world after selling everything? Or downsized 100%? Give it to me...the good, the bad, and the ugly!

I appreciate all of y'alls support and advice and love, so let me know what you think!

Have a beautiful week!

With love and wellness,
Whitney

4 Comments

Courtney

11/6/2017 04:38:05 am

I vote downsize all except essentials, build up your savings, and start by traveling for a season (and pick a season that you can pack lightly for - spring into summer!!). See if you like the nomad/backpacker lifestyle. I’m excited for all the possibilities!!

Sheri

11/6/2017 06:30:30 am

Honestly, Virginia Beach is way too expensive! You can downsize to the essentials and move into a much smaller home in a less expensive area! You would still have a place to rest amongst your travels.
I am also starting over. I left most of my possessions and since I've moved, i have continued to get rid of more things (it's freeing to let go of the past).I'll be moving in maybe a just a year or 2, to a whole new state and way of life! I cannot wait!
Not many people are as brave or as strong as you. Follow your heart and your gut and you will find the path that is yours. Maybe your dream guy is waiting in some far off land..lol I'm so proud of you, I know this has not been an easy year, just remember you are loved by many people. xoxo

Gloria

11/6/2017 06:31:54 am

I love travel!!! But in this day and age, I also love having a home to come back to if needed. So I agree with Courtney. Save money and travel for a season. Get open ended tickets and play it by ear, but still have somewhere to go when you come back.

Kristen

11/7/2017 10:52:33 am

I will say years ago I moved away from Florida after a traumatic event and I still have no desire to go back. When I moved away I did so with just a car full of stuff and left everything else behind. Fast forward to almost 10 years later and I am still very pleased with my choice. Also, the last two years I have been what some people call a “gypsy” and have the great blessing of being able to travel extensively for work. Here is my opinion on this:
Downsize. I personally have done this and am trying to further get rid of my possessions. I love not having so much stuff that ties me down. I have found some stuff is really important to me, but most of it isn’t. Being away from your stuff for so long really makes you realize what you do care about- and it enriches your life, and what you forget about completely. Also, I choose to live with people for a variety of reasons- first, I like people (and their dogs), but secondly- it really gives you financial freedom to go have so many other amazing experiences. I don’t see were having a huge house all to one’s self is worth it. It is a waste of resources in many aspects. Again, this is my opinion.
I have been traveling extremely heavily recently, and it is great, but I certainly miss having a real home- which I now feel like I am getting back to. I like my routine, I like having the support system of friends and a gym. I think I am happiest when I can strike a balance between travel and still having a home. Being able to see my family, or just talk to them easily because I am not 9 time zones away is really important to me. Also, having something familiar to come back to is such a great resource for relieving stress. In other countries there is always something new to learn, some mistake to be made, which is awesome! It expands you. However, it can also be really exhausting. I need breaks at times.
For me, what I am working towards is being mindful in my possessions, spending, and life choices. A few years ago I decided every year I would travel to one new country and one new state. (I also think people neglect to see how amazing our own country is by not choosing to travel all over it) I have thought about getting a tiny or small house if I do choose to “plant” myself, but I am still not sure that is the right choice for me. So far I am quickly out pacing my goal of one new state and one country per year, but I am sure eventually I will slow down. I used to be jealous of those that just traveled all the time and didn’t really have a “home”, but now I am not. (I mean I guess I am still a bit jealous of their destinations). It isn’t what would be best for me.

The Life of a Nomad?

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