As we step into rhythm the our hometown once again, I feel like I’m wrapped in a familiar and comforting embrace. The kids are happy to be back with friends, and Diego and I are relieved to have income flowing into our bank accounts once again.
And yet, I’m eye to eye with my greatest fear–complacency. Life is comfortable here. It would be so easy to slip back into our previous life, and let our big adventure drift off to sea without us.
On days where I feel overwhelmed by the uphill climb of completely eliminating all debt, then continuing our frugal lifestyle as we stash away every spare dollar for a boat, is tiresome. Working for ourselves, while rewarding, often leaves me just plain scared. It would be so much easier, to just get a job and follow the script: work all week and fill our weekends with BBQs, home repairs and youth sports.
And yet, I know what that stability feels like. First of all, I think it’s a myth. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. And secondly, too much safety and security starts to feel like a slow death for me. I start to feel trapped and suffocated. There is something in me (and Diego) that craves new experiences. It’s as vital to my health and happiness as air, water or vitamin D. And apparently this isn’t just in my mind. National Geographic ran a fantastic article the other day which features research pointing to what some refer to as “the Restless Gene.”
Regardless, I don’t have much of a shoulder to cry on here in my hometown, when I start to feel discouraged by the audacity of a goal this big and unconventional. The people around me simply don’t feel or understand this unexplainable urge to sell everything to chase an elusive feeling of adventure. And I’m not looking for sympathy–I am incredibly grateful I have the luxury to chase my dreams in the first place. I guess, I’m just saying it can be a lonely road–that’s all.
A friend posted the photo below on Facebook the other day. And it hit me–this is why we can’t let the dream go. Why we’re determined to pursue it all costs, despite not knowing what the ultimate outcome will be.
With the days scripted out before us, we lose our sense of gratitude and wonder. I don’t need a near death experience to remind me how precious each day is.
Image from BK Nation. Dreams really do have the power to transport us to other realities. In fact, I think they are the only way to access other possibilities.
Another reminder to weigh each choice we’re given against how it moves us toward our goals-whatever that may be. We are given power in each choice we make, to say yes to our dreams, or give way to our fears.
