“Are you going to travel forever?”

This question has been repeatedly asked over the last year by other travellers who have heard that my business allows me to continue travelling indefinitely.

I’ve been on the roads for last 10 months now and I’m obviously living, not only my dream, but also a one many others have. Travelling is a very pleasurable thing to do and definitely a big passion of mine. It has actually been non-stop travelling for me since I remember myself – my dad used to work on a ship, so I spent at least 3-4 months overseas every year during my schooling time. Travelling is in my blood you could say.

I feel there is another side though, a side that I got to see more clearly in the last few months. For me, travelling can also be a form of escapism (and provided it is not overdone, there is little harm in that), once it’s indulged a little further, one starts withdrawing from an active role in life.
I remember that long time ago after my military service and whilst lying on the beach of this perfect Thailand island, I said to myself: “I’m not going to leave this place, I’m going to build myself a house here and drink daiquiri coconut cocktails all day long for the rest of my life”. 4 weeks later I went back home and registered myself to a university. Yes I was quite young and naïve back then, but the point is still valid and in any stage of life – One needs to find meaning in what he does.

Meaning Vs. Pleasure

Some people take the other extreme and completely trade pleasure for meaning; they are willing to work, for example, in an unenjoyable job just because this type of job is more meaningful. Some will even be willing to sacrifice their life for the right cause. In the past, I’ve been in both sides of the scale, but now I know that my aim is to find an optimal balance.

In 2009 I derived an immense amount of pleasure out of my RTW trip, especially from experiencing freedom in its most absolute form. Quitting the 9 to 5 routine, becoming completely in charge of my life, has been a very meaningful event for me.
Although it’s quite tempting for me to continue in this route, choose myself an exotic beach that has a satellite internet connection, keep developing internet businesses, and “retire” from the affairs of this world, I’ve decided to take a different path this year.

Adding more meaning

I’ve spent quite a lot of time in the last month thinking of what my primary focus in 2010 would be. In recent years, I established myself a tradition of choosing one primary focus for the upcoming year. It has been quite an effective tool as I was able to immerse myself in one main area, extracting more wisdom out of it.
While thinking I have realized that if I had the choice (and which I have) I would like to help more. It also became clear to me that that one my biggest enjoyments and excitements in life, is turning dreams into reality, sometimes, even more than the dream itself.

I decided to combine both this year and set myself an objective to be of assistance to those who seek help, and in the same time, develop intellectually & professionally in the area of personal coaching.

Law of attraction

It is funny how the universe conspires in helping you to achieve what you want when you put an intension out there. The right opportunities and the right people seem to appear almost immediately.

Last week I was offered a 2 months volunteering program in a US institute that specializes in coaching, starting early May. I already had travel plans for Central America but I felt immediate clarity, especially after my latest reflection process, and few hours later I had a flight ticket to New York.
The very same week, another opportunity presented itself when fellow traveller has asked me to mentor him for one year in Business. Before this month, I would probably have postponed it, but I said yes and it looks like we are going to learn quite a lot from each other.
Another project that I always wanted to take on but kept on delaying for some reason was in the area of Internet Marketing. I always wanted to use my professional skills and build an online platform that promotes organizations which help those in need. It now feels like the right time so yesterday I purchased a domain name and the project is officially underway.
In between, and while I’m in South America, I plan to volunteer in either Bolivia or Peru. I’ve got few volunteering recommendations but I guess I’ll choose when I get there.

So seems I’ll be on the roads for at least another half a year and probably a bit more but I’m starting to feel ready to get back to Australia. Once I get back, I will continue my commitment to help others while developing in the area of coaching.

Well I guess that’s how 2010 is going to look like for me, but first there is a Carnival in Rio in couple of week to celebrate!

Much love from Brasil
Tal