10th of March, 2024.
It is 2.15 a.m. in Thailand. As I was about to turn off the lights and go to sleep, I had an insight. Or do I dare borrow the term “epiphany” from James Joyce? I tried to sleep but I understood that, if I did, I would most likely forget a big portion of the words which were crawling on my mind. Lights on. Here we go.
I believe I finally understand why most people dislike my life style. At least most of them. And by life style I don’t mean this fake one I’ve been living for the past months. Of course not. I meant the one which makes me truly happy in my heart and soul; the one I’ve been living from 2017 to 2023; the one I am taking this ashamed break since August last year. All for a good cause. Means to justify an end.
The reason why most people despite my life style so much is because they think I am immature. After all, only children don’t earn money; don’t own a house; don’t own a car; don’t have a job. Adults do.
We were sorely led to believe that you need these things to be an adult, that we cannot imagine someone who doesn’t. Better saying, we cannot respect someone who doesn’t. We cannot take this person seriously. Because what can you possibly expect from life if you don’t own a house, or a car, or your own money? If you don’t work every day to earn your living, you don’t know the value of it. Isn’t?
We should remember that we are not what we own, but what makes us feel alive! Things cannot define you. You are not what you wear, and people should not read you by the labels on your clothes. What resides deep down in your heart, that’s the real you. What moves you? What makes you happy?
I am, certainly, more than just my travels. But above all, I am myself. I am true to what I want and to what I believe. People might think I am not mature for not having a house, a car, or a regular, secure job. How can someone be responsible, when doesn’t have any responsibilities? But let me ask you something, what takes more courage and responsibility: to buy a house or to give up of one? Most people have no idea what I have faced in my six years travelling around the world. The places I’ve been; the things I’ve seen; the people I’ve met; what I’ve been through. All of that gave a new perspective of life, one of which I am very proud of it; one of which I know, deep in my heart, that made me stronger, and more prepared for life, than any other regular job could ever possibly.
Most of people might place their responsibilities according to the signing of documents and achieving material things. I place mine on myself. My responsibility is towards me, and with myself only, because if I don’t look after myself, who else will?
Do you think it is easier to live a life without the “responsibilities” of a house, taxes, a family, and a job? Think it over. Do you think it is easier to step into the world, than sit tight at home, and got to work every day? Think it over. Do you think it is immature to leave everything behind, every month, and start over in a new place? Please, think it over.
William Shakespeare was once my favourite writer. I will end this text quoting him. “After a while you learn that […] maturity is about what kind of experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them, not how many birthdays you have already celebrated.”
Night, night.
10 Years Around the World 