BootsnAll Travel Community

Ah, I so appreciate the BNA forum! I've just discovered it and am feeling nourished by so much of what others write about.

I am on the threshold of big changes in my life. And as I sense big changes on the world horizon, I suspect the two are somehow connected. I'm being called to let go and to expand. For me, that means living intensely, letting go of my fears and doing only what brings me joy. That in itself a cosmic service to humanity. I'm not sure about what is beyond that other than my intention to be of service to others where ever I may go.

But alas, I have but one great concern/fear/doubt that is preventing me from taking the metaphorical leap of faith and perhaps it is faith itself. Or the lack of? I don't think it will take me much more than a few words of reassurance from other seasoned pilgrims who have taken on the Journey.

At the moment, I have very little money. Very little. And while I continue to nurture my faith in the abundance of the Uni[multi]verse, a (loud) part of myself continues to insist that I can't just up and leave.

And while rationally it makes no sense to just go on an extended hiatus (for who knows how long) without the funding to back such an excursion, the calling is so strong to just step into the unknown and stop asking too many questions, and trust that what I need will manifest as I need it in order to go the next step.

I know how big this step is for me to take and also know that I'd be more comfortable and ready had I the money pillow to cushion each step. But for now, I don't. But should that stop me from actually making this important transition?

I believe that, in our world as it is evolving today, those who are able to trust, be flexible, and step into the unkown are the ones that will succeed (or even survive).

Heck, in the end, it seems this may be all about life and death. Survival! I'd like to be out of the country. That's where I'm called. But what about health insurance? I can't afford all of that. Maybe I need to just let go in America, hit the road, see where it leads, and pray that I find myself abroad before long, doing more of the work that I aspire to be doing...helping, healing, teaching...

Financially speaking, have you had the experience of trusting the next step without knowing how it would all pan out?

Hi souldoctor. Welcome to the forum. I know exactly how you feel about money. It is actually a common topic on here. Many of us agonize about not having enough or compromising our beleifs to get money. We can't stand to be coroporate whores, but, we ask ourselves, what choice do we have? There are options. (I'm one to talk!)

First of all, if you haven't already, you must pick up a copy of Vagbonding by Rolf Potts. It is one of those books that will open your mind to the possibility of long-term travel without the money safety net.

Second, check out this site. You will find a ton of info on what you seek.

Third, just wait till oldhippy checks in. He is far more wise than I.

The truth is this. If you want something bad enough, you will find a way to get what you want. It's taken me awhile to figure this out, but opening yourself up to the possibilty of what you want, makes that choice real. Countless booties have found their focus by reading other's blogs, travel stories, posts, etc. If so-in-so can chuck the cube and live the dream, why can't I? It happens.

Money is money. Yes we need it to travel, but if you want to travel bad enough, you will find a way to get money. I've finally started getting rid of my debt, saving and living a more frugal life. Each step is a step in the direction of travel.

Jet

welcome aboard soul doctor!

and...Thanks for the kind words and intro. jet girl!

I see doc you have quite the delema to solve. Good for you! This is what life is all about...a testing ground for pushing our envelope!

logic vs. faith?

My feelings on it....Can't you have both?

Have you done everything possible to first build up your grub steak for your trek?

Example...Prior to taking off, I used to liquidate/sell everything that I owned in this world, that would not fit in my backpack.

If my backpack was ripped off, I would technically lose everything I owned in this world...but I also knew...wouldn't that just lighten my load....ie. my only real burden left in life?

I also knew...that all I really needed in the end was my wits...my faith, and my belief in the kindness of strangers, if I was ever to lose it all.

So guess what...I was never ripped off, as I just didn't need to experience that lesson of letting go of all my material possesions to feel at peace with our universe.

If it happened I knew it would just start a whole new adventure!

I also never even thought of travel insurance back then! My insurance was my faith that my lessons in life would be delt as needed.


So my tip to you...do everything possible to build your grub steak first...I'd even work an extra job just to get bucks ahead...stop buying anything but the basics to survive till then, and save all the rest...find a skill you can turn into cash on the road...by the way...do you happen to have anything like this?

Plan ahead...and your faith will get you through!

Remember: God helps those...that first help themselves!

This great! Thank you jet and oldhippy! Your words are music to my ears!

Since I last posted this message, I've been offered a scholarship (possibly including airfare) to volunteer in India doing some incredible work. So, holding the vision and having faith seems to be working. And if not now, then soon.

What are your feelings about travelling with electronics? Do you carry a laptop or paper journal? What about a cell phone?

Thanks again!
Jonathan

oh, by the way, oldhippy...

I do have many skills and I've often wondered how I could make money on the road to support myself. I'm a musician of sorts (didgeridoo, flutes, drums), artist (love arts and crafts and quite talented), I'm a psychotherapist/expressive arts therapist and breathwork practitioner.

From your experience, do you have some thought of how I might be able to "sell my wares" on the road?

Thanks again!

souldoctor

In case further encouragement needed --
I saved up my money, went on the road. Spent much of it much faster than expected. Then, unexpectedly, a job offer (about 3 months into trip). Now working in Indonesia a few months to save again, on a contract with an end date. I call it my "break from my sabbatical." Not sure when I'll get home . . . not that I have one at the moment . . .

Faith + planning + luck + skills = ready for anything!
After some rational period of contemplation, GO FOR IT.

Approximately 99.9% of the people in my life have said they wish they could do the same, but [fill in the blank with reason why not].

The best response -- my fashionista friend from New York said she'd rather have hot splinters driven underneath her nails. She gets points for honesty! (and for buying her backpacker friend drinks & dinner)

Thanks Sean!
This si the kind of encouragement that I need! I think it's great that you managed to find work when your funds got low. I wonder if that's possible to do in India. It probably more difficult in the more impoverished areas but likely in the wealthier areas.

Thanks again!

souldoctor

Souldoctor
Don't call playing the didgeridoo, flutes and drums "music of sorts" until you've checked out the music of Thom Jayne I've heard him play live many times before and he and his group are just great. They do a version of "2001: A Space Odessey" with didgeridoo, flutes and drums that will knock your socks off. Just incredible stuff.

Jet

My response to pros and cons of carring electronics....

There is an old line from the 60's that kind of sums it up:

"All your personal property is target for your enemy"

also...

"When you have nothing...you have nothing to lose!"

So guess what position I take on traveling with valuables?

Go with the written word via keeping a journal...you'll worry less...and still achieve your goal!

reponse to job skills used on the road...

Confidence is a key ingredient here.

Make a list of every possible skill you possess first.

example: I was totally inexperienced yet, I talked my way into a job as a local newspaper reporter in Am. Samoa...because I found out the publisher-owner hated to sell his own ad space...and I just happed to have "prior sales experience" that I could also bring to his party to help him out there as well.

...so you first find a need and figure out how you can fill it, with what you've got... and from any angle!