Life Irks Me

Maybe it's because I've been reading Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, and maybe it's because of the conversation I had with my brother this morning, but I don't understand why we insist on spending our lives wasting time at jobs we hate to make money to keep up with people we don't care about in order to have possessions that are pointless. Not that I want to waste my education, but why spend the rest of my days doing something I find dull and tiresome? I wish there was a way to spend my days traveling, writing, and helping people, whether that be through disaster relief or sharing about the benefits of running. I've discovered that I'm quite the minimalist in life and would be perfectly content living out of my car bumming around the country. So why strive for a paycheck larger than what is necessary in order to live a conventional life? I feel like I'll miss out if I just stay in one spot. I'll end up doing something useless like constantly watching repeats of NCIS or Rizzoli & Isles just because I live in a house or apartment. Wouldn't my time be more well spent traveling around and sharing experiences with others, possibly writing about all of my adventures so others could live vicariously through me if they're stuck in the hubbub of daily life that is status quo America?
Why do we feel the need to torture ourselves in order to live up to supposed expectations or keep up with the people in our circle of friends? I know too many people who loathe what they're doing with their lives and it's all just to chase after the myth of the American Dream. There's no way to fill a void with possessions, friends, spouses, or children, if the root of the problem is that you aren't happy with how you conduct your life. My goal is to go against the grain and live my life to the fullest, which may not involve heaps of money. I've never been one to want much in the way of material things (except for books; I long to turn my habitat into a library), so why do I need to make six figures by working 14 hour days in the hopes that someone might look longingly at what I have? Seems like a giant circus. I'd much rather spend my time with people I love and care about than at a job I hate.

Take home points from my day:

• I have no idea why we spend time doing what we hate
• I might write a rambling book about my haphazard life
• I have no idea what to do with my life
• My brother and I are in the same boat in life

Wanderlust Isn't All It's Cracked Up To Be

Today is the first day I've actually been home in 2.5 weeks. I've spent much of the year on the road doing volunteer work, playing tourist, and checking in with friends since I have the time. Many people think it's awesome that I've been practically living out of my car (only had to sleep in it once thus far) and enjoying plenty of adventures. I won't deny that they're right in the fact that my life this year has been full of fun adventures and that living day by day provides excitement (I've been in 8 states in the past 2.5 weeks), but many don't realize what must be given up and sacrificed in the process. Any semblance of consistency or a place to call home goes right out the window. Also, though I've gotten to meet some amazing people in my travels, the issue arises that you miss these folks tremendously because they live anywhere from 2-12 hours away by car. I have no routine people in my life currently, and I kind of miss that. I miss having consistent lunch or dinner plans with particular people. My life now involves me driving to see people. I feel like I am constantly having to put forth a greater effort than usual because I'm not home to ensure that I'm not alone. I can't experience the joy of a surprise visit from a long lost friend showing up on my doorstep when I have no doorstep for them to arrive at.
On the flipside, though, time spent away has helped me appreciate the little things in life. Hugs from the waitress at the local pizzeria, sharing a meal with my parents, and laughing with old friends are definitely that much sweeter after weeks on the road. Not having to be concerned about whose couch or floor I'm going to sleep on also reduces any stress built up over time on the road. From being away I've concluded that being content with where you're at and who you are is the key to success and enjoying life. If time is spent wishing to be elsewhere or with other people, the present moment isn't appreciated. The present is meant to be enjoyed, not dreaded. Each day is different from the next and when time is spent focusing on what was or what could be, happiness fades to the background. Appreciate smiles that are exchanged, the ability to run, laughter, clean clothing, and homemade cooking. These things are never guaranteed and shouldn't be taken for granted.

Take home points from my day:

• Always give a 6 week old a mohawk
• When all else fails, run away! and quote Monty Python and the Holy Grail
• Some think it's funny that I could potentially catch on fire
• Target shooting is great stress relief
• Mud is indeed slippery
• Cat owners need cat-like reflexes to prevent felines from escaping to the outdoors