Happy 2013 everyone! As you sit down with a hair o’ the dog and ponder all that you want to accomplish this year, remember that, like Dave Ramsey says, the only difference between a dream and a goal is a plan. So, what are your plans for 2013?
Six years ago today, our plan was to hit the road so that we could spend quality time with our Jerry as he battled cancer. Little did we know that our plan would blossom into a lifestyle, and we would discover that the wanderlust in our hearts could bring such happiness into our lives.
Our friend Ted Simon sums up our mind shift in his latest blog post:
I never cease to be amazed at the importance people attach to stuff. From my own experience I know that anyone who travels any distance in this world comes back much more secure in their own value, and much less interested in the trappings of a consumer society. — Ted Simon
The last six years of living like wandering hobos has taught us every day we step further away from our old lifestyle, we are pushed to expand our personal limits of coping with change as well as re-defining what we want out of life. In return, I believe we’ve become stronger, more open-minded and kinder human beings.
This year, our plan is to go where the wind blows us. We’ll keep traveling, workamping and earning a living from wherever we want to set down roots that week.
At first glance, it sounds like the same-old same-old, but when you uproot your home base every few weeks, there’s no such thing as a routine. And that’s exactly what we love about this lifestyle.
The false security of living a traditional lifestyle is long-gone for us; we’re ready to roll no matter where the universe takes us. Are you?
I’m afraid I am one of the tied down ones but love to live and travel vicariously through people like you. Reading Mr Simon, again, reminds me of the opportunities for growth and wonder that exist out there. Small trip through Europe planned for this summer on my old Ural sidecar outfit but hopefully further afield next year and beyond. Best wishes.Tim
Tim, you have the heart of a traveler and that’s all that matters. Enjoy your trip on the Ural, I would love to do something like that! Thank you for reading.
Hi Rene, I was a wild teen with love of freedom on the road on a motorcycle and traveled the world. As an adult I exposed my family to the world from Asia to Europe, but my love is to spend it in the wilds of Western U.S. in my RV. Nothing like pulling over and taking a nice nap. lol Last years I was traveled for 4 months and this year I will travel for 6 months. Hope to meet with you and Jim on the road. A documentary on being happy, Happiness Documentary, found it was all about family, friends and self fulfillment, all internal not external material things in life. I am the happiest when I travel this beautiful land and visiting old friends,family, watching stars at night in Canyonlands of Utah or Sunset on the beaches in Florida. Travel Safe.
Wow Chung, you sound like Che Guevarra! I’m envious of your overseas travels. Thanks for reading, it’s a pleasure having you aboard our journey.
Stuff…..I have loads of it. I hate it. If my house were to burn down, all I’d only want to save my books, photographs, my travelling gear and my motorbikes. I hate the fact I ever bought a house because I’m in negative equity now. I want to sell up and travel while I’m well enough to. Ted your writing isn’t helping but I love your stuff. My friend Nick Sanders isn’t helping either but at least I get to ride to Mongolia with him next year. It’s a start. Good luck all
Hey Lee, you know after ditching most of our stuff, I thought I’d only want to keep my books as well. But even they started to weigh us down, so I donated them all. Now when we’re on the road, we take one and leave one wherever we find a book exchange. I like the idea of spreading good books around the world instead of just having them sit there gathering dust on shelves.
I’m sorry about your house. Heck, walk away. Who needs credit anyways?
Have fun in Mongolia, I’m jealous! Do you keep a blog?
We are just starting this awesome journey, but in breaking up housekeeping, we learned about “stuff.”
Nan & John, when you see how little you need to live a happy life, you will be amazed. Good luck!
We love that we’re constantly reinventing ourselves.Our jobs have us moving every 2-3 weeks and we absolutely love it. Wishing you guys awesome adventures in 2013 !
Same to you L&L! I know you get where I’m coming from.
Brilliant, Rene.
Thanks Ted, I’m honored!