There is a lot of hype about heading out into the world and doing your own thing. So why aren’t more people doing it? Excuses! I’ve seen everything from having to find the right designer backpack to people thinking they need some all-in-one tech gadgety thing that will somehow save you from any woes. Here is the truth: put your crap in a bag and go. (If you don’t, you lose!)
Loser Excuse #1: I don’t have the right gear…
I have the same broke-down backpack that I bought when I was nineteen. It’s been all over the world and continues to wrack up miles. It’s been all over the US, Australia, Europe, Thailand and has many more adventures to come. It doesn’t matter if you have a new bag, grab your nearest Hefty garbage bag, put your stuff in it and go. You are just delaying your fun by deliberating about stuff you think you must have in order to go and live your life!!
Loser Excuse #2: I don’t have the right technology…
Waiting around to save up for the latest and greatest MacBook? Don’t! Just use what you’ve got and hit the road. My laptop is about the size of a Cadillac. It’s heavy, and sturdy, and gets the job done. I’ve had it for six years and it is still kickin’. Don’t let technology keep you on your couch making excuses. There’s more electrical tape on my charger cord than anyone’s at home, but I’m seeing the world. Wrap it up, pack it up and go. Spend the money on a one way ticket instead of a fancy new notebook.
Loser Excuse #3: I don’t have any money…
Do you have a car? Do you have some furniture? Sell it. Whamo! You have money! For some reason, everyone assumes I’m rich. Newsflash: I’m NOT! I’m rich in the activities that I do with my life, and I am wealthy with friendships and opportunities. I did what it took to get out here, namely, working my butt off and selling everything I owned. Is this easy? No. But was it worth it…Hell Yes! I didn’t have a ton of clients, I had no savings, and I didn’t know where I was going to live. I just did it, And So Can You! You are a clever person, once you get somewhere, you can figure it out :)!
Loser Excuse #4: I can’t leave because of my _______
Fill in the blank with any obligation. Other people will never want you to go. But your life isn’t up to other people! You have to be willing to go and do your thing. This means leaving behind things like family, loved ones, and even pets. I know this is hard, because I did it. I had the boyfriend, the dogs, the white picket fence & the SUV. Now I have a backpack and a life.
One of my readers, Betsy, recently posted this:
“When we started a life of “voluntary simplicity” 3 years ago it was to reclaim some space in our lives (literally and figuratively). Our social life expanded to fill the void from material things, and that is a more than fair trade.”
Now her and her husband are planning an around the world trip. I wrote her back, congratulating her for making the move to simplicity and filling up her life.
I’d rather see You filling up your Life instead of your Garage!
Soooooooooooooooo…
1. Forget about the gear, and get Hefty.
2. Take your heavy-ass laptop around the world. It’s good for building arm strength & looking vintage.
3. Sell your crap, buy a plane ticket. Be clever and your world will never be destroyed.
4. Can the excuses and get a life.
Thoughts? Leave a comment!
