Quo Vadimus- Where Are We Going?

posted 2nd October 2011    Written by: Kat    CATEGORY: All Posts, Kat, Quarterlife Crisis, Season 5, Travel, Travel/Adventure

I’ve come to expect any or all of the following questions when I tell people that I’m moving to Australia:

It’s not that I mind answering them; I’ve come to terms with the fact that they’re going to come up, and clearly, I like talking about myself. The catch is that I don’t really have answers to any of those questions…

…and I like it that way.

People don’t seem to know how to react to that. It’s not that I blame them; after all, I’ve had six months or so to come to terms with my decision and how I’ve (not) planned things. At first, their responses made me uncomfortable. I stopped wanting to talk about my travel plans for a while, because I didn’t want to deal with the shift in tone of voice or odd look when I didn’t have concrete answers. I’ve been learning to come to terms with the fact that I’m not crazy for doing this, and I’m making a valid choice and can have faith in my decision.

Here’s the thing: with the exception of my AmeriCorps year, I’ve spent the past eleven (!) years working in event planning in some way, shape, or form. I can research options, create schedules, manage logistics, and coordinate people with the best of them. I love a good to-do list, and for the most part, I don’t shy away from spreadsheets. (In fact, I’ve got quite a few of them to assist with some unavoidable moving and travel logistics.)

After planning out all of those details for so long, I just don’t want to do it anymore. After living by a relatively rigid schedule–elementary school, high school, college, 9-to-5 jobs–I want to step away from that for a while. I want to reclaim my time, explore, and see if there’s a better way to structure my life. I’ve created the opportunity for myself to do just that, and I’m going to run with it as best I can.

Since I’m really excited about my globetrotting and my move, though, I can tell you what I do know. I’m spending about three months traveling, with the intention of arriving in Australia shortly before Christmas. When I initially started planning this trip, I was going to take a week in Seattle and a week in England (or maybe a week in England and a week in Austria–who can keep track at this point?) before heading down under, and then somehow, the trip kept growing. Not that I’m complaining!

The next three months will be filled with new adventures, friends old and new, good food, and quality time with myself. I’m in Seattle now with one of my dearest friends, and then heading to Europe for a mix of solo travel and journeying with friends. I’ll volunteer on farms in Iceland and Italy and celebrate my OddDaughter’s first birthday at her home in England. I’ll take a solo train ride through France and Spain en route to meet up with friends from my knitting circles in Morocco. I’ll gather with another group of kamarádky for Thanksgiving in Prague; my heart starts to beat faster when I think about walking those familiar streets that captured my heart during my study abroad. I’ll head to Austria with some of my Prague travel companions to spend time visiting with them in their home. I’ve got a very loose schedule for the solo parts of the journey, and a little more structure when other people are involved.

It’s going to be awesome.

And then: Australia. That’s where I really don’t have answers. I’m planning on teaching yoga, yes. I have some job leads, yes. I have friends and family who are willing to house me, at least for a little while, so I won’t be homeless when I arrive. (And realistically, I could always stay in a hostel if I needed. I wouldn’t be without shelter.) And I’m okay with this.

I was going to say that I’m completely, 100% okay with this. That would be a lie. Of course there’s a part of me that’s terrified. I’m moving to a country halfway around the world, with a dream of teaching yoga full-time and a vague idea of where I’m going to live. Who wouldn’t feel some fear? In the end, though, I’m more afraid of being stuck where I’ve been.

These days, when people ask those questions, I give my nebulous answers. And every time, I remind myself of two things:

1. My dream has been to travel and move to Australia. I’m doing that. No matter what happens once I get there–even if I end up working odd jobs to pay the bills, or coming home after a few months–I’ve succeeded. I left my job to follow my dream, and it’s happening.

2. I have many homes, and I’m choosing not to live in them right now. One of my greatest fears is that I will end up running out of money with no place to live. That will never happen, because I have friends who will always, no matter what, let me spend weeks–or even months–on their couches or air mattresses or spare beds until I figure things out. I will always have a home–many homes–to return to.

Even though the answers aren’t always complete enough for most people, they’re perfect for me.

[photo credit: me!]

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Comments (18)

18 Responses to “Quo Vadimus- Where Are We Going?”

  • OhMyLaskmy Says:
    October 2nd, 2011 at 9:40 am

    This is amazing. People like you always manage to astonish; you're brave, curious, and ready to take the bull by its horn. Congratulations on your big move and globetrotting adventure. Can't wait to hear more about it. Safe Journey lady!

  • laurenne_s Says:
    October 2nd, 2011 at 10:31 am

    YAY! No plan sounds like the best plan right now. I really really really hope to get to this point one day. I'm jealous you've gotten there. I have every minute of today planned right now. Blech.
    I see a really fantastic year for you. At least you can plan on that!
    SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!

  • Arbie Says:
    October 2nd, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    We of course wish you the best of success, and wish you had time for a side trip to see us while you are on the west coast. But hey, another reason for us to visit Australia! Bonus!

    I’m not going to ask you *if* you have checked out Australia’s rules about foreigners working (I’m betting you have) but I am curious about what you found out.

    Anyway. All our love and best wishes go with you always.

    ~A

  • KristenCF Says:
    October 2nd, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    I have such an immense admiration for you and what you're doing. The thought of moving away from all that is familiar and throwing caution and plans into the wind is so alluring and frightening to me– not a week goes by that I am not thinking about going on a grand adventure or leap of life. You are such a rock star for making it happen and knowing that even if you don't know where you will be in a month, you're going to be doing what you want and loving any minute. Safe travels and fun times ahead to you!

  • Steph Says:
    October 2nd, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    I LOVE this soooo much! Following your dream, no matter what, is the best thing anyone can do for themselves. I'm so happy that you are stepping over all the questions, potential doubts and fears to live out what you have always wanted to. I can't wait to hear all about it!
    (And thanks for giving me that little push I need to live out my own dreams– it really is an amazing thing)

  • Stephany Says:
    October 2nd, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    I think this sounds amazing. So many people dream of doing this, but let their fears stand in the way of getting out and DOING IT. (Me being one of those people.) I have a good feeling about this for you. I think it's going to be an amazing, eye-opening experience and I can't wait to see how it changes you. :)

  • erinmakesitwork Says:
    October 2nd, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    I think the dream of traveling and moving around the world to live life completely on your terms is something many of us share. I love that you're brave enough to just go for it and relish the fact that you don't have all the answers. I think trying to plant out every aspect of the trip, as well as what happens after you arrive down under would only make it feel just like every other, structured area of your life. It wouldn't be nearly as freeing. You. Kick. Ass! Plain and simple. Spread your wings and fly, girl. Just don't forget to share all the awesomeness with us.

  • Ag Says:
    October 2nd, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    Kat, I feel it. I feel you are SO focused on YOU. Only wonderful things can come of this. We are all rooting for you. Go get 'em girl. <3 Ag

  • Kate Says:
    October 4th, 2011 at 5:37 pm

    I found that a lot of people didn't know how to react when I told them that I would be moving to Prague… and then teaching in Thailand… and then moving to Australia for a year. Truthfully, unless you've been in that situation or have lived abroad, you aren't going to understand someone else's desire/passion for wanderlust. To them, it just seems batshit crazy, ya know?

    Regardless, I'm looking forward to hearing all about your travels and hope that we can meet for coffee when you arrive in Australia soon!

  • Kat Says:
    October 9th, 2011 at 5:18 am

    Thank you so much. I'm excited to share it, and it's just what I need to do, you know? :)

  • Kat Says:
    October 9th, 2011 at 5:19 am

    I've gotten there as much as I'm comfortable with! I'm still pretty meticulous about making sure I have a roof over my head… ;) You'll get there!

    And thank you!!! We've both got great things ahead. I can feel it.

  • Kat Says:
    October 27th, 2011 at 4:29 am

    I've been researching Australia's rules about foreigners working for YEARS. In fact, Americans between 18-30 (inclusive) used to only be able to get a working holiday visa for four months, and now it's a year. ;)

    I've still never been to your neck of the woods – someday! Hope all's well with you.

  • Kat Says:
    October 27th, 2011 at 4:30 am

    Thanks, Kristen! First you'll pull through your current stuff, and then who knows what might happen? :) It's funny, even as I'm doing this I think that I might want to switch it up. Only time will tell!

  • Kat Says:
    October 27th, 2011 at 4:31 am

    Thanks, Steph!! I'd love to hear from you again as you go through the process of living out your own dreams – it's thrilling and a little terrifying, yeah? I think once you get that taste of what life could be, it's hard to go back…

  • Kat Says:
    October 27th, 2011 at 4:34 am

    Thanks, Stephany! I think you're right about it being an amazing, eye-opening experience, and I can't wait to live it. I think that even if you take a small step toward living your dreams, you'll start to be able to move past the fear. Don't let fear stop you! :)

  • Kat Says:
    October 27th, 2011 at 4:35 am

    Thanks, Ag! I can't believe I'm already almost a month into traveling. It's been so different and so much more amazing than I ever could have expected. I hope you're making your plans… <3

  • Kat Says:
    October 27th, 2011 at 4:40 am

    Thanks, girl! It's an interesting challenge to not have all the answer, and it's still really amazing and fun. It's allowed me to be more flexible about plans even in these first few weeks, and to be comfortable really being IN this. I'm excited to keep sharing the awesomeness, and thanks so much for commenting. <3

  • Kat Says:
    October 27th, 2011 at 4:41 am

    Yes, we definitely need to meet up once I arrive in Australia! I think you're right about that – my friends who have the travel bug get it, and my friends who know me and my wanderlust get it, and the rest…eh. There really is something alluring about travel, though, and once you're hooked…

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