Any worthwhile endeavor requires evaluation. In this brief time we have learned a lot. We continue to love to sail and we can live in a small space together and give each other the space we need. We don’t need a lot of comforts to keep us happy. There are some amazing people out here in the world living their dreams. Our imaginations are BIG. We have learned to live mostly off the grid and we aspire to do the same once we set up a land home. So, where does that leave us? So much to do, so little time…We are new to this, to be sure, and there are so many options! We want to continue to travel and some of that travel is primarily focused on the land. Others we have met have told us of adventures they have taken by renting a camper and spending 6 months, for example, in New Zealand – a destination high on our list. The canal boats offer an intimate way to see Western Europe.
As we ponder our choices, we realize that we have done a major part of the work. We have eliminated the responsibility of house and possessions back home that can weigh a person down. The questions about holding on to cherished memories have been reconciled. The choices now are far reaching. We are putting careful thought into our future. Responses from our friends to our blog post about our considerations expressed fear that we were letting our work ethic get in the way of pleasure. There is a balance: weighing the value of our individual lives with the freedom to pack in as much adventure and learning as is feasible.
Unpeel the layers and see what you are about deep inside. I just finished Trail Magic, written by a dear friend of ours, Scot Hills, who recounted his soul search on the 6month trek of the Appalachian Trail. This quest is pursued by many, each in our own way. On reflection of his journey he speculates that each of us, pared down of the materialism and chaos of everyday life, and put in a simple setting, are mostly good and interesting people. And learning this about our own self is part of the realization.
Sailing provides a clearing out for me; erasing the overstimulation of a busy life and just being with my self. Feelings are intensified. Insights are possible - the perfect setting for attempting to write the next chapter of my life.
