BootsnAll Travel Community

Hello to all. Thanks for all the inspiration and all the great advise that is posted here.
I turned 25 last month. I feel very trapped in the life I live. Stuck in the 9-5 routine, and have lost all passion and meaning. Everyday is just like the one that passed. I'm looking to travel and even more go on a spirtual quest that can help me find the meaning and passion I have lost. My first destination is Machu Pichu. Probably going to start my quest Mar/2006. Can anybody give some advise or shed some light on places in the world that helped other travelers find them selves. I'm planning on travelling for as long as I can. I would love to hear from all of you.
Peace and One Love.....
Nash...

Nash, I don't really think it's going to be particular places that shed light on your situation and give you miraculous insight; I think it's the act of traveling itself that'll potentially do that.

Any number of people could throw out tons of places that they absolutely loved, or that sparked something within them, but it doesn't mean you'd have the same response. Also, I think you should be careful going to a particular place with the expectation that you'll see the light..because it probably won't happen if you're trying to make it happen.

Just go where you really want to go, and just flow with the different experiences and the people you'll meet.

I completely agree, Lynn. It's the journey, not the destination.

Jet

I'll vouch for that. Places by themselves won't allow you to find your direction. Your experiences in those places will be more helpful to you in finding your inner/spiritual self.

For instance, say you go a place where you don't know the language or customs but you end up figuring out your way around and you manage to communicate with the locals. That'll go a long way to discovering your passion, your patience. Essentially showing you what your made of.

Doesn't matter where you go. It's the experiences.

It's all about the journey, Nash (I calmly say, as I sink back into my sage-like meditative pose...)

I've traveled the equivalent of going around the world...and didn't figure it all out till I got back... to exactly where I started!

You may think like I did.."if it's not happening here, then it just must be beyond that next horizon"...but in the end, you may find...that you actually can grow "any place" you are planted...and you may also find out...that you knew exactly what it was you wanted to find... before you even started out looking for it!

Enjoy the road...but you are already carring that which you seek to find!

That is why this forum's motos is: "Discover the last great frontier on Earth...Discover your self!"

being on the road never gives you the answer....only some more tools to help you come closer to an answer

" The only knowledge to found on the top of a mountain is the knoweldge you bring within you"

Yeah, Nash, it's all about the attitude you carry with you when you travel. You'll find what you're looking for wherever you end up going. Have faith.

And that "quarter-life crisis" is a beautiful thing; something odd happens when you turn 29 too. Great periods for learning, learning, learning and really memorable experiences.

It is all about the journey. And I don't just mean the trip your planning, but everyday of your life. I believe your attitude and perspective are more imporant than where you phyically are or go - although location is certainly influential.

i know it's tough to break out of a rut though -- i've discovered some "tools" that have helped me. I've subscribed to A New Adventure Everyday email newsletters - they are free and come about once a week. The author is a 'motivational coach,' - but these newsletters provide suggestions of how to alter your perspective and have little adventures in your everyday life while you are stuck in it. A great 'thinking outside the box' tool and sometimes a real jewel comes in the newsletter. perhaps give it a try.

I can forward you a little "best of" compilation of his newsletters - i have them all in my email still. PM me if you're interested.

Well nash you've been told that it's all about the journey. But just remember don't forget where you've been. Because thats what made you even if you don't like it.

E.

Hi there. I haven't begun my RTW trip yet(august 2005) but agree with most of what has been said. It's through being mindful of the experience that you obtain awareness. Maybe you would like to read 'Awareness' by Anthony De Mello? I highly recommend it. Simple and profound. Will change your way of looking at life!!Also anything by Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese nobel laureate. Again very profound and very simple. Like turning the task of washing the dishes into a meditation exercise!!! Or meditating while walking or stopped at red light(!!)Lots of short simple exercises to enjoy. (the miracle of mindfulness is a great read). Good luck. Regards Gerry

Once again. Thank you for all the postings/great advise. Made me realize to live in the moment. Enjoy today. Thanks for all the book/website suggestions. This site is such a great place. Its very cool that people can share great ideas/eperinces and advise. Thanks to all,
Peace and Love.
Nash

I had a quarter life crisis, abt 6 months after I turned 25. I was like, "What is the purpose? Why am I doing this? Life is so short..." I started getting super depressed, till I made my decision to travel. Now I'm focusing on personal growth and what's good for me. I've put a distance between my job and myself, and feeling emotionally detached is a better way for me to deal with it.

Tonight I told my mother, I'll never marry except to get a visa. I don't see the point, to be honest. That sounds cold, and no offense to married people.

Itoccurred to me that I am someone who can't sit still and always have been. I told myself that I think I made mistakes on my former trips but have since learned from them. Still, I thought to myself recently, the next time I leave it's for good. I realize there are certain things I'll always have to face no matter what or where I am.

I'll say this though, if you feel you're meant to go to a certain place or do a certain work, you probably are. So much happens that isn't always rational. Will it provide all your answers? No. But it means you should start
addressing your own needs. That at least is a step in the right direction.

me me

Laura, I used to say the same thing!! And then....I ended up finding someone completely compatible who happened to also come with the benefit of eligibility for another citizenship. Funny how those things work out!

I'm with you on the married thing though...the whole "institution" stands for so much bogus or negative stuff these days, that I don't even like to use the term. All the connotations that come with "husband" and "wife" don't fit my partner and I. We have a stronger relationship than any married couple I've ever known. When it comes down to it, I think steps like that should be made for practical reasons 'cause otherwise, the relationship is still the relationship, going in its own direction, good or bad, regardless of some legal status or the name you call it.

Smart girl!! Keep setting a good example for your fellow singles and especially, show the ladies that just "marriage" alone isn't something they have to have for happiness.