I was so damn frustrated that another year of unattained goals went by, and every year I made another excuse. We had lots of commitments, responsibilities, careers and busy lives. We also have fears, challenges, hopes and dreams. We had a dream of traveling longer but we had no idea it would lead to sell everything to travel.
We needed a major catalyst to shift our view completely of what was possible. It would need to be a calling and a sign so powerful we couldn’t ignore it. Otherwise, we would stay in the same endless circle of frustration.
For me, it was the loss of my job, a career I identified with completely. I was devastated, but with the loss, became a major blessing.
It forced me to stop, look at where my life was going and what was next. After interviewing with several companies, what became very clear was my career goals had changed. Anything I did before was no longer of interest or importance to me. I’d end up walking into the same pressure cooker I was in before, hard work, long hours and no time to pursue what I love or what’s important to me.
Then there is inspiration – Inspiration from others out there, who are doing and achieving their dreams even if the odds are against them.
My dear cousin Colin was my inspiration; he is like a brother to me. He fought cancer four times with a non-stop positive attitude that he could beat this thing, every-single-time. He met Cheryl, the girl of his dreams, and she stuck by him after he was diagnosed 5 months into their relationship. Despite years of chemotherapy, they had two beautiful twin boys. His perseverance and positive attitude amazed me. This was such a powerful sign for me to remind me how precious and how short, our lives are. Colin fought hard for 9 years with cancer and he died August 11, 2016.
There were all kinds of them!
What if we run out of money? What if we get sick? What if a family member gets sick, and we’re not there? What if we get robbed? Can we get jobs if we’re traveling and we need the money?
The amazing thing about setting our minds on something and seeking it, is how the universe gives back. All of a sudden, you meet people who are living your dream or can help you realize that dream!
All of a sudden, you meet people who are living your dream or can help you realize that dream.
When you are passionate about an idea, and commit to it and share it with others, it’s amazing the people, and resources you find to help you realize that dream!
We joined meet-up groups of people following their passions, and they connected us with others, we read blogs and viewed videos online of people doing what we want to do!
All of this gives us the motivation and fuel to commit to our dream. Originally it started with traveling for a year, but the more we explored ideas, it led us to sell everything to travel.
The calling for a new lifestyle was too powerful to ignore and not take action.
We are confident with everything we have read, researched and learned from others. IF they have done it, why can’t we?
If I worked so hard at a job that no longer excited me, imagine what I can do with finding a career and lifestyle I love?
Excuses and obstacles that were once in our way, no longer matter. The right planning and preparation can make this happen (and we did it).
Our fears are still there, but the shift inside us created purpose and action.
Hiking Machu Picchu
Hiking in Guatemala
Traveling in Bolivia
We appreciate this is a bold move to sell everything to travel full-time and it certainly isn’t a choice for everyone. What about you? What is your catalyst for making changes in your life?
Dorene is a marketing consultant and freelance writer. She quit her 20-year career in marketing to redesign her career and lifestyle on her own terms by living location independent. Now with her husband Troy, she helps people who want to redefine their midlife and make conscious changes at TravelLifeX. She also trains & coaches travel and hospitality clients to improve their marketing at TravelLifeMedia.com