Break free

The first thing you have to do (or as a couple if there is someone else involved) is flat out make the decision whether you’re going to travel or not.  It’s definitely a little scary and nerve racking thinking about all the preparations in order to take such an extended trip – especially if you’ve been living the normal middle class life of work and routine in the USA.

I managed an account management / customer retention team for a successful telecommunications company while my wife taught high-school science and coached cross-country.  I knew my company wasn’t going to be in favor of me having a year off – after all, I only had two weeks vacation right?!  Yes it was a good position and the money was coming in decently.  I had several moments and thoughts (aided by the responses of astonished people I informed about our consideration of the trip) of indecision, lack of confidence, worry, nervousness, and wonders of what would I do upon my return?  How would it look on my resume with a whole year gap?  Why would I leave such a steady position (after all – I had just been promoted 2 months prior), so I had many thoughts of am I absolutely crazy??  I decided the thoughts of me being crazy were a good thing and decided I wanted to live my life the way it was being led and didn’t want to let the corporate world dictate what I do with it.  The unknown and open doors awaiting drove me... discovery portals were in view.  The feeling and excitement were so incredible I could do nothing, but follow the heart's direction. 

I also knew I’d much rather travel now when I’m young (in my lower 30’s for those of you curious).  When I have little money and can see and do much more with the youth, activeness, and adventure in me than when I’m older and retired with hopefully much more money, but with less desire for the adventure and active side of things.  By that time anyway - I'd most likely be so set in my ways and use to my conditioned response and schedule to society that my mind wouldn't let me break free or allow adventurous thoughts to turn into realities. 

If we had waited until that point I'm not sure we could have made it $1.81 under budget for the first 8 months of our planned route.  I’m also not sure my wife and I would have made it to the summit of Villarica Volcano in Pucon, Chile with crampons and ice-picks,

or hiked to the top of Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer in high humidity and temperatures above 100 degrees in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,

(I actually sweated through the shirt above and had to change into my spare below)

or reached the summit of Darwin mountain at Parque Nacional La Campana outside of Santiago, Chile,

or Frey in Patagonia - Bariloche, Argentina. 

I also know we wouldn't have slept in some of the places we stayed just to be conscientious of money and I'm pretty certain we wouldn’t have taken many of the extremely long overnight buses to save on a nights stay somewhere while knocking out some distance at the same time.  Most likely – we would have resorted to the quick and easy flights for much more dinero and missed out on all the interesting landscapes and cultural experiences when our bus would stop in remote towns for breakfast, dinner, or just simply breaks to walk and stretch.

I guess my point is that I feel we’ve been so conditioned or shaped into the mold and structure our society routes for us that most people don’t even consider it a possibility to travel until retirement.  If we do we’re throwing our careers away or irresponsible.  It’s frowned upon by employers and the norms of our culture.  I wanted to break free and see what doors may open, who I would meet, how my views may change, what I may learn, show people that I (you) can go a different route, and not get lost in the hustle and bustle of everything and only pay attention to the acquisition of things, advancement, and status of career while stuck in one spot with all your strings and unable to leave for a bit.  It seems so much of the time we get so caught up with who’s this and who’s that – that we soon discover ourselves with much more pressure and stress than needed and older with much less energy leftover for the hobbies and joys of our life when returning home from that long day of the set cruise control in the U.S. life.

Break free,

AA

Off leash

So i moved to my garage and here i sit...

That's where 'footloose' - the name of this blog came from.  I have to be off leash when it comes to life.  I discovered the itch that I've always had and recognize the desire to glide on my own, stumble, and see for myself.  I want to 'keep a beat' while skipping along making it more challenging for that force to reach me with the clasp of dictation and authority on the invisible collar we all wear.  I was totally unaware of it as we've grown up with it.  The art I'm trying to master is just barely dodging it each time to keep me aware and in check at all times of my realities and what's true.   I have discipline, manners, and lessons I've been taught which will aid me in flying through this radar undetected and in the privatized zone.  The goal is to stay from the confines of bureaucratic philosophies and set cultural or economic norms we cement ourselves within. 

Change - I want change in the way I've been shown to live.  It's a good and traditional way, but  I want to live outside the norms of this society and the daily rituals.   I've just reached the point to where I am a wanderer and will not work for large corporate companies anymore - unless the invisible collar shocks me -then I may conform.  I'll have to be running one if I do.  Entrepreneur at heart for sure! 

Somehow 'keepin a beat' will help you to stay off leash, on your toes, and in rhythm for diverse and surprising situations that jump out in which you could otherwise fall victim.  Following the main stream and set parameters life becomes a never ending escalator.  You'll find yourself in routines that are opposite of your dreams.  Gotta keep the bubble floating... ever so hard!

"Footloose" - the movie with 'Rin McCormick,' or Kevin Bacon I should say is by far one of my all time favorite movies!  Another reason for the blog name.  I think I relate to that character (Rin) in many ways.  The heart, passion, rebellion - all of it!  Now if I could just dance like that.  Jerry McGuire too - gotta make it happen, but yet know your priorities and heart's desire too - another good character!  Tommy - well done.

The recession is causing and demanding people change the way they live and alter their norms and routines.  I think this could be a positive way to live and could possibly be the spark for another round of innovation.  The shift in time and the ways of the world are before us.  It's time to take deep breaths - like actually take them (I'm speaking to myself here) and figure out new ways to live and make money.  Maybe we need to look south of our borders - to the Southern America and witness the way they are living.  It's always good to stop and take a look around, view other perspectives, and teachings.  That's what sparks new ideas, inventions, and new routes.  We sure did see a lot of happiness down south.

Practically the entire outlook spread through the media is causing not only fear and panic in our society, but stressing everyone out to the point of which no one can think straight - influencing poor decisions and insecurity.  That's never good for business.  Get Murphy out of here!  We all can still make the money we need to have a good life.  Get the jobs we need - maybe getting the job now days is making the job!  We just need to focus and engage in new approaches and recognize where many of our models, impressions, and beliefs had their influence when growing up.  People magazine for example (I love People magazine by the way) just a good example of growing up viewing something and subconsciously being taught that's the way we need to live and that's the good life.  Our thinking can easily become warped through so many mediums.  Look around your house and at your bills.  Do you really need that?  When's the last time you used it?  How much better would it be and space would you have if you gave it away to people in need or sold it on craigslist for $30.  Why do you want that gym membership so bad?  You go twice a month.  Put that amount in your safe and start running along with push-ups, sit ups, and pull ups too if you want. 

After seeing how happy, genuine, and less stressed people are in South America - it makes me realize how much simpler things seem to be down there and how nuts they are here.  It also showed me so many ways to enjoy exercise while getting and staying in great shape.  We could do so much with so little -throw a soccer ball in the mix.  You guys know Bear Grylls (Man vs Wild) - look how little he has to work with - I wonder how much money he makes?  That's what I'm sayin' - see how he makes a living?  Time to do things differently.  Endless options are before us to make money and change the flow.  Take your eyes off your television for 1 month and see how much better things are and how much more was accomplished.  Did you make more money?  Do something special for your hunny bunny more than the month before?  Holy cow you cooked that many times, had awesome meals, and what?  You saved how much by cooking??  Geez - I need to do that!

So much busy-ness and rushing in our culture our whole system is starting to go haywire!  It's getting fried!  Start paying attention more to your heart - really - try and feel what it is in your heart that makes you less irritable, annoyed, impatient or what thoughts start to soothe when they begin entering your mind. Once your realize that and that your breathing is good in response to those thoughts and emotions in your mind - search that area for a type of job or career that's similar.  One step closer at that point in living the way you want and making money traveling towards your passions.

Onward and upward, 

AA

So i moved to my garage and here i sit...

Discovering the itch

This travel inspiration (in which I’m hoping it turns out to be) is for everyone out there that has a wild hair and an itch to just up and leave for awhile, take off, get out of here, explore, wander, find peace, meaning, whatever it is that you call it. I want you to be able to experience what it’s like to live freely. Not the freedom we’ve known living in the U.S., but a true sense of freedom in which traveling for an extended amount of time can bring you. The way it feels to be away from all the constraints of set structures and routines laid out before us and that we’re so blindly and unknowingly molded into growing up in this society. I do believe our systems are good and have numerous benefits, but I also know there comes a time (or times) that we need a break and desire to follow that burning instinct of wonder within and long for the ultimate freedom.

The freedom and luxury in the sense of no responsibility, stress that is easily manageable, actually waking up when you want each day, doing what you want to do, going where you want to go, the profound feeling of discovering new things about yourself when you thought you already knew it all, how you really are, and if you’re actually a morning person or not. It’s for those that are tired of waking up and doing the same thing day after day, the 9 to 5, seeing or hearing daily from that discouraging boss who loves power and abuses it, or those who just want to break away and see what else is out there and what education, new perceptions, opportunities, lessons, and open doors await them away from the tampered path we all seem to find ourselves. The one we all know – the path in which we’re channeled down without even realizing it as if on auto pilot riding those flat moving walkways we see at airports to a destination unknown other than paying the next bill or getting up early the next morning for that meeting, appointment, class or presentation.

Most of us often find ourselves in similar moments or situations fantasizing about putting it all on hold and acting on the dreams of our imagination. Then, without fail, somehow immediately following these daydreams we briefly wake up and then drift back to the reoccurring thoughts of how high school and even college are becoming a distant memory – where the heck did the time go, am I really this old already, when is Friday going to be here, man do I really have to meet with that person again, how in the world did I get here, and what in the heck is this flat moving thing that I’m standing on and why am I not walking on my own?!

That’s what I’m talking about – it’s because it’s all we’ve known and perceived since we were young and been conformed to starting with the single file lines in grade school before we could leave the classroom. Most of us have never embraced the thought or ability to take a right when everyone else is going straight and actually turn a dream into reality! We’re too busy being shuffled along from one stage to the next not having the time to really think on our own. Before we know it we’re standing somewhere confused or in some sort of shock wondering why didn’t I or what if… It’s amazing how many decisions are already made and will be made for us if we don’t take ownership of them.

It really isn’t as hard as everyone initially thinks when choosing to take off and travel for an extended amount of time. My goal is to motivate you and show you what steps my wife and I started taking to make it happen. Two years ago I was 3 months into my new job with a lot of debt, numerous bills, and a totally different perspective. I dismissed all my dreams and thoughts of doing as I wish and traveling the world as I had been sucked into the tractor beams of the professional world and the daily corporate life of policies and politics. Somehow these two things always (and ever so easily) manage to dictate our life and keep us near the office with some sort of ankle monitor only allowing us to leave or take vacation periodically – and only for short periods of time when we do. Traveling was a fantasy for me! I really didn’t think it was possible to achieve – it was only something the wealthy could do.

In this same time frame I proposed to my beautiful wife, changed the way I spent my paychecks, and downsized the bills that were un-necessary. I couldn’t believe how much of a difference and savings I made from several little changes on items such as a personal Blackberry to a regular phone. Why pay the extra $40 (plus tax) per month when I can wait to get back home or to the office and surf the web better? It all comes down to impatience (in which I’ve found I’m awesome at). Many successful businesses thrive on the impatience of consumers – it’s definitely a great market! Time is everything – if you can make something faster then you’ll definitely have a successful career from a business standpoint. Hearing several money saving tips and techniques from my wife (girlfriend at the time) I just happened to realize small things like that about myself in which I could save money (areas of impatience that costs me money).

It helped me lose quite a bit of stress as well – especially when at that red light sifting through your Blackberry reading an email from a client or someone else and feel you need to respond immediately as if you’re engaged in live conversation with them. Suddenly the light turns green and then over the course of the next several miles you’re stress level goes off the charts as you try to formulate an email response while nearly rear-ending cars at every upcoming intersection (or even on the road as your foot seems to get heavier raising your speed). Then there’s even the opposite extreme of driving 20 miles per hour as you type causing frustration in the drivers behind you and raising their stress level. Another bad one I’ve done a few too many times (once is too many) is running a red light by accident as you concentrate on the email. I’ve found it’s much better to wait in sending a response for all the reasons listed above, as well as for everyone’s overall safety – I’m with ya Oprah, don’t text and drive – and to avoid extra stress (for yourself and others) as you can articulate much better when in front of a computer. Customers can wait a bit for a response (after all they did email you – not call), not everything has to be instantaneous and it’s a good way to save a bit of money while providing some extra safety for yourself and others.

So, until next time as I sit in my den...

AA - Onward bound.

Tractor beam of potential

Here it is the beginning of September 2010 (post 1 year of travel) as I sit in my new den that I've been envisioning for the last several years while simultaneously sparked with SO MUCH emotion on the inside I want to burst.  Little baby Boyd is coming sooner than I can even sit here and try to realize - my wife is 15 weeks pregnant today.  It's the hardest feeling I've ever had to try and describe to people.  The feeling and concept of fatherhood just before you embark on that journey.  Now I understand why so many fathers fumbled through their words as well when in the same spot for the first time.  Incredibly awesome and possibly what we've subconsciously prepared for so many years without even knowing it.

Traveling South America this last year was the best dream besides my wife and family that has ever become real.  It has assured my efforts and confidence in the pursuit of dreams, exploring them, and following your heart's passion.  I thank God Almighty several times daily for His guidance and protection down south and the courage he instills in me throughout.  Gracias Jesus.

Adjusting back to being home and the realities of life - to everything back to normal up to the last painting on the wall will be hung this Saturday, to the realization that I need to come out of retirement...  I joke that I've been living retired life the last year and loving it, but am becoming quite antsy for new challenges now that we're home despite the many projects I line up for myself each day.  It's just not comparable to living abroad and the constant education of new perspectives each day.  It's time to strap on the sword and go for it again.  Need to provide and plan.  Allocate well.  Plan some more and push pause on life with my wife (and soon to come little one), again here in 6 years for another year.  2016... that's one of my goals and hope.

So... as I sit here in my den pondering possibilities:

I am in the middle of an interview process in which they selected 20 candidates.  I believe I was the 1st interview.  The competition must be pretty steep.  I am confident in whatever happens.  I had a plan A that turned into plan B as I found this rare opportunity.  So now if this new plan A falls through I'm thankful for my plan B.  The funny thing is though, I do have a C and D as well if need be.  Thoughts of those though tend to cause the familiar slight panic or quick rush of stress felt (pre 1 year of travel health brought).  For as the plans get marked off the list or don't work out - I just find myself further from where my passions and desire are and have to search new routes.  I will live in pursuit if I must.

I've been tryin' to follow this son of a... - PASSION that is - for so many years.  Man it's TOUGH to stay on that trail.  So many obstacles, discouragements, and pit-falls.  Perseverance will prevail.

Reminds me of how tough it is to follow God daily.  It seems I'm back and forth so much and contradicting myself that it's hard to see through all the imperfections/sins and realize I'm not Jesus, can't be, and am again reassured I don't have to be.  Thank you Jesus for your forgiveness.  Please keep leading me.

... had to get that out...  so much within...

I do believe the more you follow the Holy Spirit the more your passions become reality.  For coming on 3 years as I've begun my journey with God I've seen and become more aware of the connections in Spirit led life.

November 2007, I started reading the bible for the first time in my life.  No really - actually reading the bible.  I had picked it up numerous times growing up while following along at church, or read a verse here and there at home, but I had never actually read it for understanding.  I always said I read it cause I wanted to believe I knew everything and was also maybe scared of what I may find out so would just pretend.  I had also heard several of the stories as many times as you and just wanted to speed up the conversation at the time.  I had no patience.

So now about 3 years ago I started in John with my morning coffee and read 1-3 chapters each time (which is only 3 columns on a page many times).  I just wanted to see first hand what the heck was going on and what this bible stuff is all about.  As I finished the New Testament for the first time I couldn't believe how looking back through the time it took me to read it I was being led into some of the dreams I grew up with and now before me were becoming reality.  Life began to seem more simpler and somewhat easier to go about.  I grew an awareness of a deeper understanding.  It felt wonderful to understand a bit of understanding. 

This blog will be about sharing my experiences traveling and volunteering down south.  How that time has altered my perspective a bit and venting on how I will try to hold onto these unveilings and new discoveries.  Also, within a short period of time, ways that I might slip right back into the cultural norms and systems I've known growing up here in the U.S.

"Whirlwind" is what a few have said to me about the last year and a half of my life - resigning from a good position and company to traveling and living free for 1 year, to returning home and my wife being 15 weeks pregnant.  I currently have no job, no insurance, the economy is what we all know it is, and I'm happy and worry free with opportunities.  He always provides!

I want everyone to be able to experience a year away from the demands of work.  To travel or do as they please for 1 year.  I want to sell that dream!  I've been in sales my whole professional career - it's time to sell the right product that will benefit everyone and that product is "the dream" everyone always jokes about, "just livin' the dream man."  It's time to actually live those words.  Push pause on life before you're 65 and retired.  Take a year when you're young and stronger, healthier, more courageous and adventurous.  It's the best thing my wife or I have ever done.  I will do my best to influence as many of you as possible to do the same thing!

I will show you how it's not that hard - keep readin' this blog as I will be painting the picture of how we made it happen.  Three years ago I had no job and several thousand in debt.  Now I have a year straight of traveling the world under my belt and have come home to financial comfort as I begin my new road of success for the next 6 years - which will hopefully bring my family and I to our next "pause on life" in the 7th year.

So, until next time as I sit here in my den...

AA - onward and upward.