As I previously blogged, I quit my job and needed to make some changes. Below is where I’ve landed.
GOING AWAY?
I am traveling around the world for a year, leaving May 24! I’m ridiculously excited about it. Especially as I’ve never been away from Atlanta for more than a month previously. (Yes, born and raised. IN the city.)
SOME BACKGROUND:
I was great on paper. I had a nice senior-level ad agency job that paid well and afforded me comforts in a city that loved me. I know who I am and what I believe in. I have energy, youth and drive.
I wasn’t happy so I am in the process of making some changes.
These changes include:
- Selling most of my physical possessions. Some of the items I am keeping are vinyl records, kitchen supplies, cameras, letters and postcards, and books.
- Putting the rest in storage
- Teaching myself Objective-C, HTML5 and French
- Cashing out my 401k
- Purchasing a Round the World plane fare and plotting my stops
- Leaving everywhere familiar for a year
- Growing my hair out
- Following my heart as much as my brain
What I hope to accomplish:
- Return (or stay) refreshed and less jaded
- Become bilingual, if not trilingual
- Meet amazing people and everything that comes with them
- Experience, learning, and the unexpected
I expect to be at points during the trip:
- In over my head
- Lonely
- Irrational
- Broke
- Uncomfortable
- Riding natural highs
- At peace
- Inspired
- Ambitious
- Impulsive
HELP A GAL OUT:
If you’re interested in making offers on CDs (yes, physical music), clothes, or my sexy 27″ iMac (2TB/8GB), iPad 2 (64GB wifi), MacBook Pro, or netbook, I will be putting up a blog post shortly with full details on each product and host a DIY bidding process there, as it’s proving too difficult to manage individually. All proceeds will be used to help purchase my Round The World plane fare!
Getting much of my stuff sold is really all I need. I’m bringing nothing but a backpack (pack) worth of stuff that I’m meticulously culling and practice packing before my departure. Help me get my stuff sold if you want to help! I’m working on trying to get a digital yard sale happening, otherwise, come by my messy apartment.
FOLLOW MY TRAVELS:
Blog: http://blog.tessah.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/viatessa
Dopplr: http://www.dopplr.com/traveller/driveafastercar/public
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stellarlux/I also set up the About Page on my blog to include my last Foursquare check-in should anyone need a quick update or to alleviate concern but may only be able to check-in when near internet.
Tessa,
This is a very courageous thing to do for yourself as well as for the world. It reminds me of the hero’s journey as described by Joseph Campbell. Here’s a thought from him:
“We have not even to risk the adventure alone, for the heroes of all time have gone before us — the labyrinth is thoroughly known. We have only to follow the thread of the hero path, and where we had thought to find an abomination, we shall find a god; where we had thought to slay another, we shall slay ourselves; where we had thought to travel outward, we shall come to the center of our own existence. And where we had thought to be alone, we shall be with all the world.”
I wish you all the best as you follow the thread of the hero path and embark on your adventure.
Rahim
p.s. humble suggestion for a book to take with you: Reflections on the Art of Living: A Joseph Campbell companion, edited by Diane Osbon.
Hi Tessa -
I wanted to reach out to you seeing that we share a lot of commonalities: friends, love of travel, Atlanta, etc. I guess our paths never crossed. I think you’re doing a great thing for yourself, and despite all the fears you’ll have to overcome, you’re actually doing it!
I hope that in the future, we’ll meet. Maybe in Atlanta, maybe somewhere else. You sound like a fascinating person, and your travels will help deepen your perspective on life. Or at least forever change it.
I wish you the best of luck and safe travels!
Jenny
Tessa
Good for you. Go out and experience the world..Please update and show some video of your travels. Video blog posts would be awesome. Good luck.
Doug