It was a tough choice of choosing between my favorite nighttime activities of reading or writing. I opened up a blank document on my computer and let the rambling and thoughts of wanderlust consume me.

I have recently been having the same conversation with people. How is it that we can be so inspired by the world around us, and everything that we want to accomplish, that we become uninspired in a way? Now, more than ever, we live in a world of exposure. The internet and social media opens up the world in such an enticing way. Of course I want to see everything, go everywhere, experience all the things, and feel all the feels.

Our generation gets a lot of crap about “wanting too much”. Travel becomes this forbidden fruit. You need to go to school to make money to travel, but then you have no time to travel and a devastating amount of student debt. It starts to feel out of reach, and as you see so many other people experiencing the world, you become uninspired due to the fact that it seems intangible. Should that stop you?

I should not complain. I’ve been to 19 states in the last 5 years. It is just hard for me to accept the concept of working to make enough money to eventually be able to enjoy free time. Maybe it’s because in my line of work I see people in a vulnerable state. People trying to regain their independence in their daily activities. One of my clients went from planning the itinerary on her cruise to having a goal of putting on her socks independently. And if only I had a dime for every client that looked me in the eyes with such intensity and stated, “do NOT wait until you retire to travel, because you may not have the chance.”  

So, I feel like we have things backwards. I am not exempt. It has been almost a year of the 9-5 grind in Washington. I preach about travel and the importance of cultural experience, but I’m stuck too. It is tiring always looking for the loophole. Maybe I am crazy for wanting more, for dreaming about what-ifs, but I can’t stop fantasizing about a life of adventure. I’ll admit, I go through my “gemini” phases. I get restless and I dabble in everything, but one thing that has remained consistent through all my phases is my passion for travel. Not only is my lust remaining consistent, but growing stronger.

No one should know exactly what their future holds. I feel some exhilarating changes coming in the next year. I’m thrilled to be going to the Grand Canyon next month to relieve some of this pent up wanderlust. Thanks for listening (I’m talking to you Dad – the only one that reads my rants).