More to do than there is time for... Photo credit: Daniel Heintz Doesn't stop me from trying! And so we are one week closer to take-off...
It's moments like this that I realize how much time, energy, and savings you could sink into preparations for something you might never really be ready for.
Daniel, on the other hand, is a well-seasoned, veteran traveler, while I've scarcely grazed the Canadian border. <Pause for judgment....>
A misguided sense of responsibility (and a very real kind of ignorance surrounding the accessibility of travel possibilities) effectively worked to form an imposing barrier between myself and gorgeous world that fascinated me, if only from a distance.
Anyone who has ever extensively traveled will insist there is no real way to prepare for the intensity, the thrill, the surrealism, the anxiety, and the magic of a new world when it's explored with virgin eyes.
It's moments like this that I realize how much time, energy, and savings you could sink into preparations for something you might never really be ready for.
Daniel, on the other hand, is a well-seasoned, veteran traveler, while I've scarcely grazed the Canadian border. <Pause for judgment....>
A misguided sense of responsibility (and a very real kind of ignorance surrounding the accessibility of travel possibilities) effectively worked to form an imposing barrier between myself and gorgeous world that fascinated me, if only from a distance.
Anyone who has ever extensively traveled will insist there is no real way to prepare for the intensity, the thrill, the surrealism, the anxiety, and the magic of a new world when it's explored with virgin eyes.
What is learned through travel cannot be learned in any other way. And, personally, I don't want to miss a single lesson.
"If you have a dream, you can spend a lifetime studying, planning, and getting ready for it. What you should be doing is getting started."
- Drew Houston, CEO of Dropbox
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” | “Travel far enough, you meet yourself.” |
Video credit: James Cashman At this point, I'm making it a point to ride the manic states when they surface, channeling the energy into a focused productivity: Build the website. Research sponsorship opportunities. Expand social media presence. Network the cause. Clear out the apartment. Shop for (ultra) discounted gear. Look into Crowdfunding options. Pack up for storage. Arrange finances. Keep contact with Catalyze Labs. Sift through photos for the gallery...
Did I forget something? Let me check my list....
Don't worry... I don't actually expect to finish everything. But I do plan to board that first plane flight, look back at the last few blink-of-an-eye months, and smile knowing I worked my fanny off making this all come together.
Daniel, on the other hand, is totally "there."
Did I forget something? Let me check my list....
Don't worry... I don't actually expect to finish everything. But I do plan to board that first plane flight, look back at the last few blink-of-an-eye months, and smile knowing I worked my fanny off making this all come together.
Daniel, on the other hand, is totally "there."
During prep-times, you may come to a point when you "get there," just say to yourself, "You know what, Self? I'm calling it... Sure, I could go over the checklists again, I could confirm the airline flights and touch base with hosts one more time. I could repack my bag and review my bank accounts. But instead, I'm just going to spend these last few weeks relaxing... Whatever will be, will be. I'm at peace with it..."
Well, I'm not "there," yet...
Instead, it rather feels like I'm in a recurring frenzy to beat the clock. Maybe it's just first-time-traveler jitters, but I'm swinging on an emotional pendulum from shimmering excitement and boyish anticipation to box-checking, list-making, To-Do writing, researching mania and back again.
I have to remind myself: I'll never be "ready."
I've wanted this since I was a child. And I've been repeatedly informed that no amount of dreaming, planning, or list-making can fully prepare a newbie for immersion into the experiences that come with a nomadic life.
Well, I'm not "there," yet...
Instead, it rather feels like I'm in a recurring frenzy to beat the clock. Maybe it's just first-time-traveler jitters, but I'm swinging on an emotional pendulum from shimmering excitement and boyish anticipation to box-checking, list-making, To-Do writing, researching mania and back again.
I have to remind myself: I'll never be "ready."
I've wanted this since I was a child. And I've been repeatedly informed that no amount of dreaming, planning, or list-making can fully prepare a newbie for immersion into the experiences that come with a nomadic life.
| I can't say that I know what to expect, but I'm simply hoping that my backbone (and good intentions) will hold up. | “I have found out that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” |
Rub it in, buddy... Rub it in...
Daniel, with his favorite book. Photo credit: Daniel Heintz
Let's do this!
Explore the world. Make it better! The clock is ticking...
09012015
Explore the world. Make it better! The clock is ticking...
09012015
So... Where are we now?????