I am beginning my venture into the world of blogging at a fitting crossroads in my life. At 24, I am young enough to still have my whole life ahead of me and old enough to realize that the days, weeks, months, and years pass by in a flash, so I’d better make the most of it.
That being said, I am 2 (and a half) years out of college and have been living in the “real world” (i.e. paying bills, working for “the man,” and generally being the primary provider of my livelihood) for a full 2 years now. Ah, early twenties, living in the city (Washington, DC) is supposed to be the time of your life, right? For me – not so much. Don’t get me wrong – in so many ways I have had an amazing 2 years post-grad. I have been blessed to live close to some of my best friends, my amazing boyfriend and his wonderful friends and family, adopted my pup, lived on my own, and met some very awesome people along the way.
Still, as I schlep through the daily routine and one week blends into the next, I can’t help but ask myself – Is this really it?! My answer is a resounding NO! I’ve never been one to settle for the path life gives me, to do something just because it is expected or easy.
Therefore, it is time for an adventure! And fortunately I have a rather handsome partner-in-crime who shares these views. We’ve decided to go on a quest for the iconic (and often elusive) American Dream. The American Dream I envision isn’t living in a huge McMansion driving luxury cars with 2.5 kids and jobs that can impress acquaintances at dinner parties. The real dream, in my mind, is living with purpose and passion – to pursue a life of joy, happiness and simplicity.
With that idea as the driving force, we have made the exciting (some would say reckless) decision to quit our jobs, downsize, move into a camping trailer, and explore – both literally and figuratively.
Is it crazy to quit a good-paying, stable job in the midst of a recession? Probably. Am I nervous? A bit. Do I have faith that I can make it work? Most of the time. Is it the dream of a lifetime and worth the risk to me? Absolutely.
This adventure, and therefore this blog, is about more than just the physical journey and the travels I am about to embark upon. It is also about my personal exploration of my passions. So I’ll be including random tidbits on everything that I love: style, cooking, decorating and design, reading, and whatever else along the way inspires or intrigues me. If I can encourage others on their own pursuits, or simply just add a bit of happiness to their day, all the better.
So here’s to the beginning of a lovely new adventure…. thanks for joining me along the way!
The Small Wanders 
8 responses to “The Beginning”
Two words, one thought…. Friggin’ Awesome!
I’m so excited about this new phase in your life! I couldn’t be more supportive, either. You are absolutely doing a wonderful thing — there’s no reason to wake up every day to hate it just as much as the last day. I’m looking forward to all of the amazing (and funny-now-but-scary-at-the-time) stories. It’s going to be a long journey, but you have nothing but wonder awaiting you.
Cheesy (probably due to translation) but inspirational poem for new beginnings:
As every flower fades and as all youth
Departs, so life at every stage,
So every virtue, so our grasp of truth,
Blooms in its day and may not last forever.
Since life may summon us at every age
Be ready, heart, for parting, new endeavor.
Be ready bravely and without remorse
To find new light that old ties cannot give.
In all beginnings dwells a magic force
For guarding us and helping us to live.
Serenely let us move to distant places
And let no sentiments of home detain us.
The Cosmic Spirit seeks not to restrain us
But lifts us stage by stage to wider spaces.
If we accept a home of our own making,
Familiar habit makes for indolence.
We must prepare for parting and leave-taking
Or else remain the slaves of permanence.
Even the hour of our death may send
Us speeding on to fresh and newer spaces,
And life may summons us to newer races.
So be it, heart; bid farewell without end.
— Hesse
Thanks so much David for your words of encourgaement and for the great poem. I love Hesse actually (although I haven’t read enough by him… maybe I’ll get to now) and he also live in one of my favorite places in the world – Tuebingen, Germany!
Whoo hoo court!! Have fun and post PICS!!
Congrats…..the journey begins, timing is right and I wish you & Andrew all the best on this magical journey……..enjoy the ride, it will be powerful and empowering!! May you have safe travels and may God bless your journey, I know that I do!!
Love
dad
[…] A couple years ago, we decided that life was about more than just the stuff you accumulate along the way. It’s about the experiences you create and the memories you make. […]
[…] togetherness. In the six years Andrew and I have spent together since that fateful day in Athens, many more adventures have ensued and they have all led me to this important […]
[…] this quote, this idea, resonates with me even more in my current phase of life. Because, well, I’m doing it again. Quitting my job, that is, to take off on another grand adventure. Taking that leap of faith to […]