It just occurred to me that I’m sitting here, thinking about this big trip, and worrying about the “plan.” I was brought up to be a planner. Its in my blood. I’m trying to anticipate every item and scenario that could arise and how to prepare for it, when I have no more money and no more income, to fix the problem. I figure that right now is the perfect time to buy things or stock up on things that we may need during and/or after this big adventure.

Then I stopped and thought how silly that was. The whole point of this trip is to not worry and focus on what could maybe happen. The point is to just go and experience life. I know the bare-bones of what it will cost to make sure that we are taken care of in case something crazy happens – like a severe injury for example. But other than that, its food and its gas, and sometimes camping.  I know that on this trip it will simplify things so much, and while I want to be there in my mind and my heart, I am in the present society worrying about bills and jobs and crap that doesn’t even matter in the grand scheme of things. It just reminds me of how badly I will need this trip and how much I can’t wait for it.

- Jill

A lot of people say that they wish they could do something.  Sometimes its about taking vacations, changing their lifestyle, starting something new; the list goes on and on.  I find it interesting that people are so afraid to just do it.  Its okay to be afraid of change. I find that without change, I stop evolving as a human.  If I get too comfortable I lose the passion of life that I feel when discovering something new about myself or the world.  Its easy to get caught up in life around us, and to feel like that comfort and certainty brings a certain satisfaction and perceived happiness.  Unfortunately for me, I cannot just sit back and feel okay with standing still.  Right now in my life, I feel a very deep desire to explore other regions of myself. I don’t know if I am capable of living a truly free life, away from the creature comforts that I’ve grown fond of. I am anxious and nervous but extremely excited at the same time for the next year.