100 days down, 105 more to go

Much more fun and enlightenment to be had. I’ve compiled some stats & insights that I have thus far…

my journey on this planet, since November

Unexpected discoveries & perks:

1. I’ve discovered tons of new music (as I listen to Vince Guaraldi: Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise – not new, but I’m obsessed) and great Podcasts to listen to (such as: Here’s the Thing with Alec Baldwin, Love + Radio, Criminal, The Dinner Party Download… This American Life is still my favorite though)
2. I NEVER know what day of the week it is; I have to look at my watch to find out. And I really love love love that.
3. I have had a really good tan most of the time😄
4. I’ve used a lot of new modes of transportation that I had never used before…
   • tuk-tuk
   • catamaran
   • sea kayak
   • hot air balloon
   • eBike
5. I have a new appreciation for free stuff… and I’ve gotten a lot of free stuff. I’ve also thought a lot about how much excess there is in America, and the level of waste, in terms of buying things that we don’t need. The things I spend $ on when I get home will be different than before, and I’m excited about that.
6. I like having one carry-on bag to fit all of my possessions in
7. I miss having a job, feeling challenged mentally, and feeling accomplished doing work
8. MASALA TEA addiction
9. I love not drinking any alcohol at all and being sober
10. The amount of gratitude I feel every day for what I already have in my life and how truly lucky I am is much more than I expected
11. Time really does help with gaining the perspective that is needed and what everyone else saw except you
12. I am just learning how to decide what I want to do and doing it… through most of the trip until recently, I’ve made decisions based on ‘the best thing’ to do or ‘what I should’ see and experience. That’s the same way I’ve been living my life, and it’s a major reason why I took this trip – to stop living for everyone else and what they want / expect and start living for myself. It’s a hard thing to break yourself of, but at this halfway point, I feel like I’m starting to get there and adding an element of control and ownership to my life that’s nothing but positive, increasing self-worth, and is really rewarding.

Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.

Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection