Dreams –
Because staying still we would certainly regret. This dream feels exactly right, but also surreal – you sense the freedom and excitement, but have not necessarily fully understood what is about take place. Positive sensations, nevertheless. And timing couldn’t be better, since autumn is closing in and winter right around the corner.
It also seems that our plans have encouraged relatives and friends to fulfill their own dreams.
It feels as if the trip is no big deal – how hard can it be to make that decision? Easy, just make it. On the other hand, having set our minds on the journey, it’s always slightly startling to see peoples’ expressions when you tell them about your plans. In the end, the decision seems like a big deal.
Why, then, was it relatively effortless for us? Maybe all of it has not sunk in yet. Or, perhaps our lives were at such a stage that it truly is no big deal. Or then, this just is what we really want, whether we fully understand it or not.
Retain only the necessary –
Minimalism befits the wandering spirit. Anna is the one more bent on having as little as possible. Though, some it keeps rubbing off on to Tuomas, as well.
For him, the journey is also an experiment. The material mind of the surrounding society has made him think – what truly is meaningful?
Having gotten used to the material cycle, it’s time to take step in the other direction; time to see how much more can you have with how much less – or can you?
Anna, on the contrary, desired minimalism already at a young age. Minimally decorated room may have been to counteract the excess of parents born in the times of shortage. A short fling with materialism in early adulthood has long since faded. Need to characterize oneself or feel independent by buying and owning things is no more. Quite the contrary – the less I consume the more I feel like myself: joyous, free, energetic. Also, the less I own the less I have to lose. And how liberating does that feel! Security is not in stuff, but in freedom and the beloved one on your side.
Changing scenery
...refreshes the mind, teaches empathy and concretizes change. Change is an opportunity, but also a must. Surely, the familiar is more secure and comfortable – much like woollen socks: warm and cozy, but not very surprising. No grudge against sheep, wool or their socks. But, hopefully we dare to leave our feet as bare as possible. Might stump our toes or get splinters, but then so be it.
We are willing to give up and make an effort to experience another way of living. Getting settled is possible later. And if not, then not being able to buy a house is far less likely to cause remorse than having stayed still. Regular employment contract stipulated vacations to explore the world simply do not suffice.
One way tickets
Predetermined vacation requires planning. One way tickets and little knowledge of return is liberating and empowering.
"Why journey?" in pics here.
