A quick glance at just the first 6 months of my calendar and 2010 is already looking very travel-heavy. Each month will find me someplace or two different. From conferences (at least one of which I’ll be moderating a panel in) to some possible photojournalism trips (my true passion). 2010 will bring big transitions, add a new language, and switch some of my personal roles.
Also got me thinking about this profound post, Some thoughts on saying no to South Africa, written by my friend and colleague, Julie Schwietert, another traveling soul.
As much as we’d all love to be perpetual nomads, moving through cultures, traveling and relentlessly exploring the globe, life really is about balance sometimes and tending to what’s most important at the moment, as she eloquently explains.
Be it a growing family or a new family. They both need to be nurtured in a way that constant travel will not allow.
2009 was that year for me. The year to pull back, make huge decisions, and focus on my next stage in life. Yes, I did travel a bit (Sweden, Nigeria, Finland, United Kingdom, and many domestic cities) but not at the level I’m accustomed to.
So yes, maybe 2010 will bring a ton of travel spanning four continents. But maybe 2011 might bring an addition that requires and deserves my full attention.
That’s one of the many beauties of your life’s journey. Accepting that it needs to be balanced in some way or the other, and making the most of travel surges when they do roll in.
Comments (8)
I couldn’t agree more. I’m location independent and I’m a traveller and I’m a small business owner. I’m BUSY. But my lifestyle is mine and its what I make it. Nobody else can tell me how often I shouldn’t travel, or where I go.
Loved this!
Absolutely Andy! You’re right.
In our travel industry, there’s always undue pressure to try to be everywhere, and in turn, people begin to neglect what’s truly important in life. Their families, their spouses, children, and such.
It’s all about balance, people!
2010 sounds fun! Enjoy every moment.
I truly wish you all the best in the new decade my friend!
May the wind be to you back!
Philosophy to live by, thanks Lola!
I think those who are true perpetual nomads are lonely indeed, balance is important to get a bit of home love. I think the desire to settle is higher in most people than it is to travel (deep inside, not on the surface anyway).
I learned about balanace and traveling the hard way. You really do have to make sure you have time to nurture yourself and your life at home. I just figured out the balance I need last year. It is a process.
Those times to pull back and re-evaluate priorities are so important. You’re so right that life is about balance. Balancing passion, love, family, aspirations. Have an amazing time on 2010′s travel surge.