About a year ago, I sat on the beach in Nosara, Costa Rica, where I am today, thinking about my future and – with 28 around the corner – began pondering what I would do if I had no fear. The fear of leaving a career that I’d pursued with such tenacity since 18. The fear of leaving the security of a job and a city where I was surrounded by amazing friends. But that night on the beach, the fear of feeling stuck in a rut finally hit a tipping point which made me realize that being comfortable isn’t a catalyst for change and something had to change.
I had to take a leap and a new direction with my life. The nugget of an idea was planted while listening to waves crashing and the moon reflecting in a vast ocean. What am I doing with my life? Am I happy with my current path? And, if I could step off the career train, what would I do with that freedom? The word that kept coming to me was travel. Get out, see the world and do it without reservations, commitments, or beholden to someone else’s plan or expectations. The basic idea of travel morphed into a yearlong trip that will span three continents and 11 countries. A developing world tour to get a real grasp of what life is like outside the bubble of Washington, DC, and to discover how people are changing the world everyday – and not from behind a desk.
Leaving D.C. had been on my mind for some time with passing dreams of pursuing a Fulbright in Argentina, a stint with the Peace Corps or moving to San Francisco. For me, my fears translated into finding a safe opportunity, a legitimate out that could add another notch to my resume. Needless to say the reality of every dream required applications, commitments, and, with the exception of a job interview in SF, none ever came to fruition.
This time was different. So upon arriving back from Nosara, I started talking to people about this crazy idea of travel, sought advice from those who’d done similar trips, and began putting money away whenever possible to reach my saving goal. From looking at a world map, I narrowed my list of countries to places that I’d always wanted to go and factored in my ability to travel overland (cheaper) and the cost of visas.
Like my other dalliances, I think my family and friends thought this was just another fleeting fantasy, so when I told them that I had booked my first flights, was on track to reach my saving goal, and planned on giving my work notice in November, they knew I was for real this time. While I read others’ tales of this news not being well-received, I am lucky that everyone, including my work, was excited about my adventure – well, it took a little while for the folks, but that’s expected. I’m a single woman traveling the world and they want me to get back in one piece.
So now, I’m back at the same place where it all began with no job and all the time in the world – with the exception of my daily 4-hour Spanish sessions. Marco, who runs the Nosara Spanish Institute, also works with a group, Sustainable Nosara, so I plan on getting the lowdown and reporting back for my first post on “World Changers.” I’ll also be positing tomorrow about my home-stay, Spanish, and walking miles (lost for a little bit) through the jungle. Needless to say, I’m working on getting a bike – almost like being back in D.C. except dirt roads and a headlamp instead of bike lanes and lamp posts.
Til next post! Pura Vida!
Inspiring! I can’t wait to hear more about your travels! Stay safe out there!
Thanks Rebecca! Look forward to sharing more! Only 5 days into 330 and going well so far!
Dear Kim,
It has been so wonderful reading your blog and learning more about the mental preparation that brought you to this journey. I do think you are so very brave to set out on such an adventure, but then you have always been very courageous, even setting out at age 16 for a summer in Berkeley. When you told us about your plans, I did get concerned about your safety, unplanned events and so many unknowns that Moms just seem to think about (as you well said). But your preparation, your well-planned itinerary and your enthusiasm for learning and sharing will sustain you throughout your journey. I know there will be times when life will be difficult but as Eleanor Roosevelt said…”You must do the things you think you cannot do.”
So enjoy your Spanish classes and share some of your new language skills. With the help of an online translator, I will do my best to follow you.
As always, I love you and am so very proud of you,
Mom
I second your mom! I am so proud to know you, friend! What a brave and courageous thing to do — setting out on an adventure of a lifetime with nothing more than a backpack, a strong will, and the uncanny ability to make friends with everyone you meet. Already you’ve had such an adventure and can’t wait to see where it takes you next. I AM living vicariously through you.
Good luck with Spanish! Keep updating! Miss you, friend! Take care!
Thanks girl!! I appreciate your support and your retweets of my posts!! Hope all is well in the hood!