On Fear: Part II

Just about 2 years ago now, I made a life-changing decision and a purchase: To buy and travel in/live out of, a 27 foot long RV. I had just finished grad school, and left the stability of a long term boyfriend, apartment, car, and job. And in the summer of 2016, began my nomad journey across 16 states, just me, my old RV, and my cat.

I will soon be writing much more on this topic, sharing my RV travels and roadtrips anecdotes right here, as I prepare for another trip in Francine my RV. For the past year, I have lived a pretty conventional lifestyle, settled far across the country from where I started off in Florida, but in another apartment with a permanent address and full sized shower.

I'm preparing this week to forgo that stability, yet again, pack my life, myself, and my cat into the RV, and push off--heading cross country yet again, to be at the mercy of coffee shop wifi and campground bathrooms, yet again. For now, heading back to the sunshine and family in Florida, both of which I've missed so much in the past 2 years of traveling, RV-ing, and life in Colorado.

For those of you wondering: no, this was not entirely my plan. When I left home 2 years ago I wasn't sure where I'd end up, or when. I wasn't sure I'd make it two weeks, to be honest, before returning home. I had no idea the people I'd meet or where I'd end up. And when I settled down in Colorado, I thought this was it. I wasn't sure I'd ever be back in the RV, and I swore to anyone who listen how I'd certainly never move back home to the sunshine state.

But as some very wise friends told me recently, your heart always knows where to go. And as another wise friend asked me: "you've always followed your gut. Why would you stop now?" So once a nomad, perhaps always a nomad.

I've stopped trying, as of late, to predict what I'll do. The world is wide open and big, there are so many adventures to be had, so many people to meet, and so many beautiful places to see. My business, my fitness routine, and my cat all travel with me, and so soon I'll be off. To chase new adventures, to sleep under the trees, to make coffee on my tiny stove in my miniature kitchen I love so much, and to drive across this country with my cat napping on the dashboard.

When I first left home 2 years ago, sobbing my way out of the driveway, terrified of the unknown, I was a much different person. As I return now to my home state, though still often terrified, still totally susceptible to crying fits, true, I'm coming back different. I know how much good there is out there, once you get out of your comfort zone. I know the magic that happens, if you open yourself up to it, and though still scared, my excitement now outweighs my fear.