• 64
  • comments
Post Image

One of my favorite career design questions is, “What would you do if you won the lottery?”

I don’t want to know how you’ll spend your money.  I want to know how you’ll spend your time.

People usually tell me that given enough money to alleviate the need for work, they would spend their time traveling the world.  They think money can bring them exotic locales, unusual cuisine, and stories that will inspire envy in all their friends.

And of course, that’s true, money can bring you those things.

What most people don’t seem to understand is that you don’t need a pile of cash to do that right now.

Here’s how to live the lottery lifestyle, without the lottery.

What’s really holding you back?

I used to tell people that I worked in order to travel.  Like you, I enjoy experiencing exotic locales and the creative shift that often accompanies new surroundings. The friendships I’ve made on travel have been surprisingly rich considering how much time we actually spent together.

The problem was, I only took about one trip a year, if that.  I had my reasons of course.  Trips were expensive, I couldn’t take time off work, and who would take care of the cats?

Last year I had the pleasure of meeting Farnoosh Brock, author of the blog Prolific Living.  What’s extraordinary about Farnoosh is that, despite a full time job, a busy blog, and a rather ordinary paycheck, she was always jetting off somewhere.

Berlin.  Los Angeles.  Hawaii.

And that was just in the space of a few months!  Clearly I was missing something.

Farnoosh is kind, but she’ll call it the way she sees it.  I was forced to admit that what stood between me and my world travel fantasies was … fear.

In some ways, that makes total sense.  After all, if I’m afraid to invite myself to parties, arranging to go where people don’t speak my language and where I don’t know a soul can rightly feel scary.

So I was relieved to learn that my globe trotting friend had once felt the same way.  That she too had previously setttled for comfort over courage and experience.  As she says in her new Fear Crushing Travel Guide

I had every plan to visit a long list of countries and yet I was never quite ready to go for it. I always had excuses. Excuses made me feel safe and comfortable, even if a bit regretful. Excuses were an escape from taking my dreams seriously. Excuses were easy and convenient. It was time to stop the fear and to begin to live the dream of traveling.

I felt like she was talking about me.  And I’m guessing she’s probably talking about you too.

She covers about every fear imaginable: not having enough money, safety concerns, not having a travel partner, a fear of flying, traveling with children, and the nebulous fear of leaving it all behind. 

And best of all, she tells you how to get over it and get out the door.

It wasn’t until I read Farnoosh’s book and listened to the accompanying interviews that I understood what my real barriers to travel were.  I thought that because I had ridden camels in Giza and trekked through the mist at Machu Picchu, I was fairly intrepid.

But I was nearly in tears when I read the section on traveling alone (bear in mind, this guide is not intended to be a tear jerker).

There were fears lurking inside of me I’d never really given voice to.  And here was someone finally giving me permission to set those fears aside and realize my dreams.

The timing of Farnoosh’s book couldn’t be better.  Here’s the news I’ve been holding back: my family and I are moving to London this summer.

Living overseas has been a life long dream of mine and I’m thrilled we’re finally going to live it.  Travel is a big part of that dream.  I don’t just want to visit the Roman ruins in Bath.  I want to see wild tigers in India, cruise the fjords in Norway, and explore the medieval town of Split, Croatia.

I intend to take Farnoosh’s lessons with me.  No more excuses.  As she says

Travel does not discriminate; people do. Travel is not reserved for the young and unattached; travel is not set aside for the rich or retired. Travel embraces people from all walks of life. Travel can begin anytime and need not stop until you and only you decide it needs to stop. Travel is open and accessible to anyone willing and desirous of it. Travel only asks that you give it a chance and in order to take a chance, you must first crush the fears and overcome the anxieties weighing you down.

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of being weighed down.  I’m ready to fly.

No, seriously, what about the money?

Some will argue, loudly, that money is the reason they can’t travel, not fear.  Farnoosh has a whole section on this, so I won’t belabor it.

Let me just say there are people, such as Karol Gajda and Jeanie Witcraft, who travel extensively on very little income.  If travel is your priority, it can be done on almost any budget.

Only interested in first class travel?  Then you might appreciate the Travel Hacking Cartel, founded by author and world traveler Chris Guillebeau.

Chris has a goal of visiting every country in the world in 5 years and usually visits about 25 countries a year.  Since he’s frequently on long flights and living out of hotels, he’s learned how to hack the reward systems offered by the airlines and hotels.

And by the way, Chris makes his living as an author and blogger.  He’s not insanely wealthy either.

Essentially, Chris shows you how to earn hundreds of thousands of miles without ever getting on a plane.  I’ve been using this service since February and since that time, I’ve earned some impressive rewards

  • Earned roughly 220,000 miles with various airlines without taking a single trip
  • Free silver status with Hilton Honors
  • Free Gold status with Hertz rental company

Yes, many of those miles came from credit cards.  I use credit cards anyway, so it seemed to make sense to get miles while doing it.  And it does take a bit of time to follow up on the promotions to get all the benefits.

But free business class tickets seemed like a great way to start our adventure.

I certainly don’t intend to wait for that winning lottery ticket to get started.

Editor’s Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliates links, which means if you click on them and buy a product, I may earn enough money to buy a new electric toothbrush. I only endorse products that I have used myself and feel would benefit my readers.

  • Liked this post? Click here to subscribe to
  • Everyday Bright Logo
  • Add Comment
  • A Chance to
  • Speak Your Mind

64 Responses to How To Live A Lottery Lifestyle

  1. Awesome Jen! How cool is this? I am proud that you are stepping out and doing what you want and not waiting for a winning lottery ticket!
    Many people use circumstances as their reason for not living their dream, when in reality it is more fear than anything else. Fear of the unknown.
    I can’t wait to read more about your move!
    Bernice
    3 gifts to give yourself this Mothers Day

    • Thanks, Bernice. Even though I’m literally in a state of near panic all the time right now (how do I get a bank account! how do I choose a neighborhood! ack! drive on the other side of the road?!!), I’m really excited about it. Should make for some great posts, I think!

        • On
        • May 3, 2011 at 11:51 am
        • K00kyKelly
        • Said...

        You can likely defer more choices than you realize. I know it makes a big difference for me when I write it all down and consciously decide to worry about certain things later. For example go without a car and plan to re-evaluate after you’ve been there two weeks or a month. London has public transit and car sharing services (think: zipcar). Be sure to pick a specific date to re-evaluate though… it keeps the worry from creeping back!

        • You’re totally right, of course, Kelly, but I’m a planner by nature and so this has me in a tizzy. We’re going neighborhood hunting later this month, and are making plans for temporary housing once we get there. I’m hoping very much we find a place we like in the city so we can forgo a car all together. I’ve actually always wanted to try that experience in the States, but it’s just not as accepted here. I think this would be a great first step. Thanks for the encouragement!

    • On
    • May 3, 2011 at 8:28 am
    • Farnoosh
    • Said...

    Jen, this is the *best* review on the book so far and I am very touched. So, so happy that I have helped allay your fears, even though you looked like one fearless woman to me when I met you. I think it’s very humbling to admit those fears and decide to do something about them. Your move to London is extremely exciting and I am very happy for you. I shall miss you in NY but we shall meet in London. Thank you again for the shout-out on my first product.

    • I’m delighted to give this a raving review. You’ve honestly helped me in this area so much. What a gift to give: the gift of travel. I’m gonna make you proud!

      Yes, will miss you in NY, but we’ll make sure to have a room for you in London. Come see us soon!

        • On
        • May 3, 2011 at 1:53 pm
        • Farnoosh
        • Said...

        Well, thank you again and I’ve already told Andy that between you and Arvind, we’ll have a whole dinner party planned and we will have a lot of fun. All the best in your exciting move to London, Jen!

        • My pleasure! And yes, a dinner with Arvind sounds ideal. He’s trying to talk me into looking for flats in his neighborhood, so who knows, maybe a block party? Do they have those in England?

    • On
    • May 3, 2011 at 8:37 am
    • Benny
    • Said...

    Exciting news for you! What a wonderful thing to do!

    Definitely fear gets in the way. Traveling sounds like something people do after they retire. There’s so many reasons they can’t do it. Sounds like Farnoosh’s book really gets rid of those fears.

    Is this a permanent move to London or temporary?

    • I think the biggest thing is, like Farnoosh says, you don’t even realize how much fear is holding you back. It’s silent, but powerful. It disguises itself as something reasonable. So you have to be really vigilant about it and also commit to living boldly. Hard to do, but man does it pay off!

      Move to London is temporary, but we expect to be there 3 years. I’ve dreamed about it all my life. Still pinching myself it’s really going to happen. Thanks for sharing in my good news!

        • On
        • May 3, 2011 at 1:54 pm
        • Farnoosh
        • Said...

        Exactly, you don’t even realize it – that’s the worst part. And you’re lucky if you realize it when you still have time and it’s not too late.
        Benny, no way I am waiting to travel til I retire. Are you kidding? :) ! Now is the time!!

    • On
    • May 3, 2011 at 9:04 am
    • Lance
    • Said...

    Jen,
    What a great review of a completely wonderful book!! Here’s to travel, the adventure of really living, and of the journey we are each on!

    And…so, so awesome, Jen!! YOUR coming move to London!! I’m sure this will be filled with very meaningful experiences for you!

    • Lance,
      What a delight to see you here. Yes, hard to believe I’m making a leap across the pond just a year after my big career leap. Life becomes so exciting when you let it.

    • On
    • May 3, 2011 at 9:28 am
    • Linda
    • Said...

    Lovely article, Jen. I had to laugh as you described some of the exotic locales you’ve traveled, and hope to travel; yesterday I was feeling scared about attending Chris G.’s blog conference next month in Portland:

    ~”What if nobody talks to me?”
    ~”Will I be the loser dining alone?”
    ~”What if I ask a stupid question at a seminar?”

    Yes, totally wasted energy based on fear that has no merit.I am happy to report that the plane fare was purchased via VISA miles–sweet!

    How exciting your move to London–can’t wait to read the blog posts and live vicariously:).

    • Ah, you’re going to the World Domination Summit? You have nothing to be afraid of at all. In fact, I’m insanely jealous. Many of my best internet friends will be there…I guarantee you’ll have an amazing time. And you know how I met them? At the first BlogWorld, which I almost didn’t attend b/c I kept asking myself the same kinds of questions. I’m so glad you’re going…I predict it will change your life!

        • On
        • May 5, 2011 at 8:45 am
        • Linda
        • Said...

        Thanks for the encouragement, Jen! I could use some life-changing inspiration:).

    • On
    • May 3, 2011 at 9:44 am
    • ayngelina
    • Said...

    I’ve been traveling the last year on 1000/month, although Argentina is certainly challenging that budget. If you really want it you can make it work!

      • On
      • May 3, 2011 at 1:55 pm
      • Farnoosh
      • Said...

      Beautiful. I love the attitude, Ayngelina and I loved Buenos Aires… I have to go back to explore the rest of the country!

    • I really should have included a link to your blog. You know this all too well! Of course, you’re doing it based on a savings you accumulated before you left. Do you think it could be done if you had to earn as you went?

    • On
    • May 3, 2011 at 9:57 am
    • Stacey
    • Said...

    I love this post and I’m so glad to be introduced to Farnoosh and her book!

    Before my son was born (6 years ago this Thursday!), I traveled extensively on a tiny budget. When I was pregnant people seemed compelled to say some version of, “Now that you’ll have a kid, you won’t be able to travel.” I thought, “Watch me.”

    When our son was two I started planning a month-long visit to Guatemala. I had to field A LOT of fears from well-meaning family and friends. Luckily I’d spent a lot of time in the country, so I knew their fears were unfounded, but still it was quite challenging to address their concerns and not let them derail my positive expectations for the trip.

    Of course, we had a wonderful time. We stayed with a local family for most of our stay and their children became beloved playmates for my son. We’ll never forget playing soccer in the courtyard with them or watching bootlegged copies of Toy Story and Cars, dubbed in Spanish.

    Once, we took a boat across Lago Atitlan – my son’s first trip on a motor boat – and he called out “Al Infinito y Mas Alla!” (Which is is the Spanish translation of “To infinity and Beyond!”) The Guatemaltecos in the boat cheered and shouted the phrase back, much to my son’s delight. Oh my goodness, I have so many priceless memories that may never have happened if I had let fear rein.

    So, thank you Farnoosh (and Jen) for encouraging more people to stop making excuses and start having adventures! Helen Keller said it best, “Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”

      • On
      • May 3, 2011 at 1:57 pm
      • Farnoosh
      • Said...

      Dear Stacey, YOU have no issues with fear. I should’ve interviewed you for my product! So so great to know that you still went on your journey even with all the worries and anxieties. And thank you for the Helen Keller quote! :) Happy travels to you always.

        • On
        • May 3, 2011 at 2:15 pm
        • Stacey
        • Said...

        Hello again, Farnoosh!

        It’s so funny: Later this month I’ll make the cross-country trip to California from North Carolina and back. It will be the first time I travel with my son in tow – but sans husband.

        A few days ago I told my son I was a *tiny* bit nervous about being completely responsible for him (he likes to run ahead and go up and down the escalators and moving sidewalks, etc.) and he said, “When I think about it, it feels like an animal bit me in the heart.” which means (I think!) that he must have some anxiety, too.

        Any suggestions for calming the nerves of a 6 year-old (and his mom) in transit? :-)

          • On
          • May 3, 2011 at 7:44 pm
          • Farnoosh
          • Said...

          Stacey, I am in NC and I’ve made the trip to San Jose (Northern CA) and LA (Southern) many times. Of course, sans kids and sometimes even sans hubby. You know I don’t have children BUT for the guide, as part of the interview process, I interviewed 5 world travelers with children and small babies, one single Mom, one Scandinavian couple, one French Mom with 3 children, one young Mom in Dubai with a toddler… you name it. They had great suggestions… I think making it fun for your kid, preparing them in advance, talking to them, making it a project to learn the whole process (security, flight, getting in the airplane, getting situated) and just giving them little responsibilities so they are part of the process sand not being dragged into it (not that you would drag your lil one :) ) and also making sure that they have their favorite game with them as well as some favorite snacks. But I am no Mom :) I am repeating some of the stuff I learned! Bon voyage, you will be fine!

            Stacey, my daughter is 4 and we are starting to travel with her more and more. I second Farnoosh’s advice here. I find that explaining how everything will work in advance, in intricate detail and even practicing through pretend play beforehand is invaluable. I can remember the time I prepped my daughter by pretending we were going through security. She had to take off her shoes, we pretended there was a conveyor belt and she had to put her backpack on it, and my husband was the security guard who told her to step through the metal detector. She loved it! And when we got to the airport, she wasn’t the least bit scared.

            It’s no harder than going to Target by yourself with your son. After everything you’ve done, this will be potatoes!

            • On
            • May 3, 2011 at 8:57 pm
            • Stacey
            • Said...

            Hello Farnoosh and Jennifer!

            Thanks so much for responding to my question! I love the idea of giving little responsibilities to my son because I think that will help him stay “a part of the process” – which is putting it so well.

            He is so familiar and comfortable with airports that he loves to run down the moving sidewalks, one after another. In the past Daddy has been the mule carrying the heavy bags so I could keep up with him. (There’s really nothing better than a kid who happily collapses in his window seat because he’s been running for an hour in the airport.) I’m hoping that carrying his own pack might slow him down a bit. :-)

            I agree with both of you that making a “game plan” and going over it frequently will help a lot. And, of course, having a positive expectation for a bon voyage is the best plan of all. Thanks again!

    • Every time I hear more of your story, I become a bigger fan. I completely agree with you-the unknown appears scary at first, until it morphs into the known, when it become completely unscary. It’s why driving seems safe and to many, Guatemala is scary. But there’s no correlation at all.

      Love the Al Infinito y Mas Alla story. I’m trying, rather poorly, to teach my daughter Spanish. Sounds like I’d be better off going to a live in a village in Guatemala. :)

        • On
        • May 3, 2011 at 9:16 pm
        • Stacey
        • Said...

        Thanks so much of for your kind comment, Jen!

        Yes, I highly recommend an extended stay in a Spanish-speaking country if you’d like your daughter to speak Spanish. And you don’t need to live in a village (which connotes a rural setting). If you were to stay in Antigua, like we did, your family will enjoy all the amenities of a modern, cosmopolitan setting.

        (My husband may disagree about the amenities: our host family provided us with a private room that had a comfy double bed and a petate (a straw mat with lots of blankets) assuming, I think, that our child would sleep on the mat, like their children do. My son took one look at the petate and said, “That’s your bed, Daddy.” :-) )

        On a side note: I asked Jon Morrow when he was going to host a blogging conference in Mexico where he lives and he said, “I would if I could convince anyone they wouldn’t be kidnapped if they came here.” Again, I understand the fears, but he lives in a place as safe as any retirement community in Boca Raton, FL!

        “Bad” things can happen anywhere. It really does come down to whether or not you really want something.

        Again, it sounds like Farnoosh’s book is great because it helps you get to the bottom of what’s *really* holding you back, and how to break free if you really want it enough.

    • On
    • May 3, 2011 at 10:08 am
    • barbara
    • Said...

    Very exciting news Jen. I would rather visit you in London than Montgomery… no slam on Montgomery but I’ve been there before, never to London.

    I’ve never had a huge desire to travel extensively. I’m pretty much a home body at heart. I do love a great vacation once in a while, though.

    When we bought a house at the shore it was a conscious choice of that over travel. I’ve never regretted the decision. It comes back to doing what you truly love.

    I can’t wait to read your adventures in London.
    best always! b

    • LOL–no offense on wanting to visit me in London as opposed to Montgomery. I take a visit from you wherever I can get it!

      It’s an excellent point you make that not everyone wants to travel the world. That’s so true. I struggle a lot with the tug of war between my homebody tendencies and travel bug. That’s why I think London will be so perfect, because the places I haven’t seen yet will be a lot closer.

      It’s also true that we tend to undervalue what’s close to us. There’s nothing wrong with traveling and vacationing in your own country!

  9. Jen, thank you so much for writing this. I’m often amazed and awed by how pervasive the fear of travel is. Or really, the fear of making any life change or pursuing one’s dreams. It often springs from having tried once before and failed–perhaps being rejected, or losing money.

    This type of fear is like scar tissue, preventing a wound from fully healing. It’s hard to beat.

    I had no idea about Farnoosh’s book and I fully intend to purchase it. Thanks for letting me know about it!

      • On
      • May 3, 2011 at 1:59 pm
      • Farnoosh
      • Said...

      I am taking over her comments so I hope she doesn’t come back to chase me away ;) ! Just kidding. Jen is so generous here with her review and Drew, I have no doubt you can set all your fears aside. Believe me, I just set aside a big one when I quit my very lucrative job just 2 weeks ago to pursue the rest of my dreams. So yes, travel – and let me know what you think if you get the product….! I’d love a testimonial. :)

    • Hi Drew! So good to see you here. What we know is that fear was once part of our survival–it runs deep. It’s just that it often doesn’t serve us so well in modern society. It sees wolves where there are none.

      I love the analogy to scar tissue though–I agree with you.

      • Thanks Jen & Farnoush. I believe fear does continue to play an important role in modern society, but perhaps that’s because I’m a martial artist, a traceur and an adventurer. I do a lot of risky things and have to listen to that fear from time to time!

        But I agree with your point. The funny thing is that fear of travel is a social construct. Our natural way is to be far-ranging hunter-gatherers. To travel and explore is in our blood. I love the thrill of embarking on a journey far more than I fear the risk of being in a strange place. It’s just how I’m programmed :)

    • On
    • May 3, 2011 at 10:39 am
    • Tess
    • Said...

    All too true, i have pretty much stuck to “safe” travel. I have been to London but then i do only live 30 miles outside London any way and i’m pretty sure most tourists have seen more of London than i have. My daughter is at University in Bath at the moment. So if you have any questions on either i will try and get some answers for you.

    • Tess,
      As I said to Barbara, I think it’s actually pretty common that we under-appreciate what’s under our noses. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve only experienced the sights of the city I’m living in due to guests coming into town.

      I’m lucky in that I have some very good friends in London who are helping me figure out neighborhoods and all my other little questions. It’s just overwhelming me with newness. But I do hope to have a blog meet up in London once I get there and I really hope you’ll come. I’m excited to integrate into British culture. :)

  11. Sounds so nice, but my concerns about money do not seem addressed. I really think that those who make “modest” money can can do this really are actually upper middle class to most people like me, who struggle to pay bills.

    I love the positive nature of such people, and wish I could share but the truth is, fear has zero to do with it for us. It literally it we don’t have a dime to our name, and there is nothing, nothing that can be done about it until our income improves.

    But best of luck to you in your new life in London. Sounds rather wild.

    • Ty, it’s usually more a question of priorities than money. I can assure you that Jeanne is not upper middle class. She sold nearly everything she owns and embraced a nomadic lifestyle to make her travel dreams possible. If you’re honestly interested in how to make it work, I’d recommend talking to her or to Ayngelina (see previous comments).

      On the other hand, as Barbara points out, there’s nothing saying that travel is the be all, end all goal. I honestly tend to think that many people romanticize travel because they’re unhappy where they are and don’t know what else to do. But if you’d honestly be happy dedicating your time to travel if money were no object, then I would say it’s worth it to make your travel dreams a reality sooner rather than later (or never at all).

  12. Loved reading this Jen. I’ve made travel a priority in my life and although I’ve slowed down now I have a lot of extra baggage (3 kids + hubby:

    I really do live the lotto lifestyle because I get to live and work in the most gorgeous place in the world. And I’m determined not to take that for granted or waste it either.

    Just back from my early morning walk on the beach and hoping to get some work done quick so I can play more with the kids after school. And if the work doesn’t get done I think I’ll just flag it and enjoy what I’ve got instead:)

    But what I really want to know is how on earth you got 200,000 airmiles from Travel Hacking. I started in Feb too and have been going hard and getting nowhere!

    • Annabel, as I mentioned in my post, many of my miles have come through credit card deals that THC alerted me to. I signed up for one card that got me 75,000 bonus miles after spending something like $3000! Now that’s a deal! But the other deals add up slowly. I find the harder part is knowing how to spend the miles wisely. I need to go back and rewatch the videos on that. I’m hoping that all these miles I’m accruing now will serve me well when I want to move about Europe on partner airlines, because I have a hard time making them do much for US flights!

    • On
    • May 3, 2011 at 6:32 pm
    • Heather
    • Said...

    hi Jen! What a great post! I’m going to have to check out the book too. I’m determined to get back to the world. I was very lucky to grow up military, and so got to travel the world (well, Europe anyway) courtesy of Dad’s job. :) When I was doing field work, I travelled by working. Each season I decided where I wanted to go, and then looked for field jobs there. Working 10 days on, 4 days off allowed for plenty of exploring.

    My parents put off their serious travel until retirement, and they ran out of time. They only managed one trip (Brazil!) before my Mom’s final cancer. Sadly they had to cancel their big 3-week Alaska tour last summer.

    What I have learned is that I am not waiting! Part of my giddiness about finishing my military time is the freedom to hop the country at a moment’s notice. No more 60-90 days notice and a personnel recovery plan! Bring on the last-minute airfare deal!

    I can’t wait to hear about your London adventure!

    • Very interesting on the field work. I didn’t know that about you. Sounds terrific!

      My mom worked as a nurse, and she told me SO many of her terminal patients were recent retirees. It was just so sad. They’d waited their whole lives to live it up, and as soon as they were ready, they spent all their time at the hospital. My mother herself died at a young age, as you know, and I’m sure that’s part of my desire to see and do the things I want to now. I’m doing pretty well (Galapagos! Egypt!), but there’s still so many places on my list. Off I go then! :)

  14. G’Day Jennifer,
    When I first started my business over 30 tears ago, I was discussing the move with my Acccountant, a wealthy man,

    He asked,”Leon, why are you going into business?”
    I replied, “To make money.”
    He said,”Leon, anyone can make money. That’s no reason to set up a business. Think of something you’d really like to do that you can’t do now”
    I thought for a moment.”I’d really like to become knowledgeable about Australian wine.”
    “OK” he said,”do it for that reason.” Incidentally, he was a teetotaller.

    It stands as about the best advice I ever received about business. Even when things have been very tough, I can still look back on great holidays and lots of excellent food and wine.

    It mightn’t be to everyone’s taste, but it’s served me very well.

    Getting rich has to have a purpose beyond the accumulation of wealth, property, shares and whatever.

    Make sure you have fun.

    Best Wishes

    Leon

    • I love that story, Leon, and the “moral” you add at the end. Getting rich doesn’t help you live a meaningful life, in fact quite the opposite. The meaningful life has to come first if the money is to do any good.

  15. Jennifer, You certainly touched a nerve here. My fear of doing anything that will take me out of my comfort zone. Especially when you mentioned Chris Guillebeau’s Travel Hacking Cartel. I signed up for it, and signed up with three airlines, and then backed out. My excuses: I don’t have the money or time to travel as I have to keep my focus on more important matters, such as my writing and finding work, and my life has been completely disrupted, etc.etc.etc. Then I read that you have 220,000 miles already without taking a single trip and I thought what I was missing out on.

    Congrats on your move to London. I’m sure you’ll love it though you may find certain aspects about it daunting at first. I’m English, but after many years away, when I returned, I found living there rather difficult mainly because it was not what I’d expected. And then, after a long hard winter, when spring came, I fell in love with the city, and became a full-fledged Londoner. While I no longer live there, it was such a wonderful experience that I’d love to go back – if only for a few months as the climate is terrible for people with arthritis.

    • Oh, I’m excited to hear I have some Londoners already there to help me assimilate! Expect me to be back in touch as our move gets closer! :)

      Listen, if you want to write then you need to make travel a priority. You need something to write about. You can just talk about the walls of your office. And more importantly, you have to conquer your external fears before you can touch the internal ones, and those are the ones that will really impede your writing. Good writing reveals something deep about humankind. You have to be willing to touch it to write about it. So if you won’t do it for yourself, do it for your writing.

      (That’s a little confidence trick, by the way. We often have a very difficult time doing something scary just for our own good, but if we do it for someone or something outside ourselves, it is much easier. So imagine your future reader, wide eyed and waiting to hear about your adventures, and do it for them. You can do it!)

  16. That’s amazing. I’m happy for your move. I hope the best for you. I’m sure it will be a very special 3 years.

    • On
    • May 4, 2011 at 11:19 am
    • Dan
    • Said...

    Wonderful and inspiring article Jen!

    I think we all have our excuses – before I went into private practice, mine was always “work” and “only 2 weeks of vacation each year”. It’s strange how after leaving all that behind to open my own business, I can still find myself working too hard, and vacationing too little!

    Of course, I can always use the excuse of “kids”. But instead of allowing that to be an excuse, we use it as a reason to travel more as a family, but also individually. My wife gets her “girls weekends” (whatever those are, I’m not sure) and I get camping and hiking with the guys. Of course, we try to takes several trips each year as a couple as well.

    Travel is such an amazing experience – we only havea limited amount of time to get it all in and see it all; so there really is no excuse not to start now!

    Thanks for the motivation!

    • Thanks Dan! Yes, I often struggled to make time for travel. I still do, although I’m getting better at it. It was like I thought the whole office would fall apart if I went away!

      Of course, most offices don’t make it easy. It always felt like there was something urgent going on. I remember when my boss starting canceling my work trips because he felt he needed me back at the office! American culture does itself no favors sometimes.

      I agree though–so much to see, so little time. We have to make the most of it.

  18. Jen, Yay for you! I had the good fortune to live overseas for 7 years on three different continents–different countries, languages, weather, culture, food, ethnicities. It was such a life changing period. You and your family will have a wonderful adventure. Congratulations!

    • Galen,

      I didn’t realize you’d spent 7 years away on three different continents. How fascinating! What was your favorite place? Maybe I should add it to our travel list! :)

  19. Another amazing post Jen. Thank you!

  20. Great points as always, Jen! This reminds me of the famous story of the guy who wanted to be a millionaire, but when someone asked him what he would do if he was, it turned out what he really wanted was to go fishing! Once he realized you can do that for way less than a million dollars, he was good to go.

    One of my favorite trips ever was when I went to Puerto Vallarta by myself. I was definitely scared, going to Mexico all alone, but I desperately needed a vacation, and nobody else was up for going, so I just went. It was absolutely incredible.

    I’m an introvert, too, bigtime, so it actually worked great for me to go by myself. I was afraid my mostly-forgotten high school Spanish would be hopelessly inadequate, but it started coming back to me, and anyway, Puerto Vallarta is kind of a resort town, so everyone spoke English. To my surprise, I had a burst of outgoingness and befriended (or at least be-acquaintanced!) a bunch of people while I was there. I also went whale-watching, did a zip line through the jungle canopy, did a lot of wandering around the city, and watched the sun set over the ocean every night.

    I definitely need to do that again. I’d book it right now for next winter, but if my internet tycoon business takes off well enough, I may pull a Corbett Barr and spend the whole winter down there instead. :)

    Anyway, I hope you have a blast in London–it is definitely one of the coolest places anywhere! But I also hope I get to see you before you go.

    • I know I’ll get over my fear of traveling alone, and I think London will be just the place to do it. The ease and relatively low cost of just taking the train somewhere cool for the day will hopefully outweigh the mean little voices in my head. :)

      Puerto Vallarta is nice. Definitely hope the tycooning goes well enough for you to stay. I have very fond memories of nearby Ixtapa, where I spent one Spring Break. Maybe then I’ll come see you when England gets frigid!

    • On
    • May 12, 2011 at 11:20 am
    • Susana
    • Said...

    Hello Jen,

    Way to make a girl dream of a free, colorful and exotic life :D ..
    I have read some blogs of amazing people who took that step into the unknown.. Location independent lifestyle, wow! Maybe one day ;)

    Great post,

    Keep smiling,

    Susana

    • Do it, Susana. Go get that dreamy, exotic lifestyle before it slips away from you. And then come back to tell us all about your adventures! :)

  22. Pingback: Writing to Attract, Retain and Engage

  23. Pingback: Writing to Attract, Retain and Engage | Bloggers Pointe

  24. Pingback: Writing to Attract, Retain and Engage | Get More Likes

  25. Pingback: Elionstar » Blog Archive » Writing to Attract, Retain and Engage

  26. Pingback: Success In Life: Focus On The Core Human Drives...Deane T. Rimerman

  27. Pingback: allonlinework.com » Blog Archive » Writing to Attract, Retain and Engage

  28. Pingback: Writing to Attract, Retain and Engage | Blogging

  29. Pingback: Mid-Week Balance: 4 May 2011