I am getting pretty excited lately. In less than a month I will be returning to one of the most fascinating places I have ever visited, India. Before a trip I get a wonderful feeling bubbling inside, the excitement of possibilities and opportunities to see things I have never seen before. I didn't even have a passport until I was 28 years old, but now travel is a non-negotiable in my life. When I talk to people about my past or upcoming trips, one of two things happen. We either exchange favourite travel stories and destinations, or the person expresses wonderment and awe, inevitably saying a version of the following remarks- "wow, you are so lucky you get to travel so much!" or "I wish I could travel more, I've always wanted to go to ________" Here's the thing. You will never be any younger than you are at this exact precise moment. To me this means that whatever you want to do, now is the time to do it! What we make time for and decide to do, is what we make happen. Every single time. If world travel is on your life to-do list, but you think you don't have enough money, don't have the time, or are coming up with any other reason for not actually doing it - you can just as easily make the firm decision that yes, this is important to you and you will make it happen! The title of this post is "Clutter or Travel?", so where does clutter fit into all of this? Six years ago, I started ridding my life of extra "stuff". It was also the same year I spent two months in Southeast Asia getting my mind absolutely blown and falling in love with international travel. This began a wonderful cyclical effect in my life. I got rid of some no longer useful items, my apartment got a little cleaner and less cluttered, it made me want to spend less money on junk to fill my house, so I only spent on what I absolutely wanted to bring into my life. (basically, food and travel!) I don't miss the mall one bit. I never shop when I am bored and I don't shop as a hobby or pastime. These were all things I did for my entire life, and a small shift in my way of thinking has lead to more adventures than my teenage self would have ever imagined I would go on. If money is a concern, take a look around your house or apartment. No really, take a good hard look. Is there anything in your life that you have just because you've always had it? Anything of value? Throw that sh*t on Kijiji or Craigslist and take every dollar of every sale your make and put it in a travel fund. It really can be that simple. All you have to decide is YES to not keeping excess around your home and YES to saving up some money, making the time and getting out there and seeing the world. Live by the mantra, less stuff, more travel!
2 Comments
Patti
3/20/2017 04:27:56 am
Great Blog Jen. Definitely food for thought, I've always been a shopper as you probably know, but interesting enough I pledged just after Christmas that I no longer need a thing for myself, I have more than enough, been cleaning out closets, been giving clothes to the needy, and made a pledge I will not buy myself anything that isn't essential, no clothes, shoes, bags etc., for one year and so far so good, we'll see after a year ends how it comes together moving forward. People who tell you how lucky you're able to travel, kind of makes me upset, there is no luck involved, you save, you plan, you go, pretty simple and when you do it, well as you know it becomes almost addictive, exploring, new adventures, new cultures, new friends, it's an amazing world out there and my bucket list is always growing. Keep up the blog Jen and safe travels.
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Jen
3/20/2017 06:23:43 pm
Hi Patti!
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Jen Rao
Grateful blogger sharing my take on yoga, meditation and simple living. Archives
September 2017
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