Expats hanging out for cocktail hour
As I have traveled the world for the past 22 months, I came to realize that I am not the typical expat retiree. I am not the International Living reader looking for the perfect place to settle down and replicate my old life…only somewhere cheaper with a bit of exotic thrown in. Even though I am in that age group, I am not of that mind set.
My friends whenever I talk to them always comment, “How brave you are or how adventuresome you are” but I think that is not the case. What moves me forward is the fear of living an unrealized life. Henry Thoreau talked about people living lives of quiet desperation in his book Walden and I have always tried to live my life deliberately and consciously in order to avoid that trap.
This week as I have been making plans to leave Chiang Mai for my next port-o-call, which is Turkey, I reflected on my new lifestyle. It occurred to me that instead of a belonging to the Expat Retiree group I gravitate more to the Digital Nomad set. That group of young people who are unafraid to move wherever or whenever an opportunity presents itself… as long as they can be connected to the digital world. Since I have been in Chiang Mai, I have been fortunate enough to meet travel bloggers, photographers, documentary filmmakers, teachers, web designers, internet entrepreneurs and many others who have reinforced my beliefs that one is never too old to embrace change.
Just as I sat down to write this I discovered a blog written by Leo Babauta entitled Zen Habits. He writes about living life in a mindful, minimal and measured way. His blog advocates a life where we clear away much of the clutter (mental & physical) so we can listen, observe and experience the life going on around us. The post of the week was “Finding Peace with Uncertainty” which was the perfect segue for my own blog this week.
The question asked was “how to be at peace with uncertainty, how to let go of fear of the future” which I think is at the crux of being a Digital Nomad…being at peace with uncertainty. I would suggest that you read his post and explore his site. He has over 250,000 subscribers and is on Time magazine’s Top 25 Blogs list so he must have something useful and relevant to say.
In the upcoming months, there will be post and photos on Where’s Bosco Now? from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Dubai and wherever else I visit on the way to Turkey. I am not brave or terribly adventuresome but I have Made Peace with Uncertainty…so off I go again.
I have a Buddhist motto that I try to live by… if I can fix it why worry and if I cannot fix it why worry. I do not worry about future misfortunes because I am confident that they will always be offset by new experiences and unknown adventures…besides if I cannot fix it why worry.
Hoping to see you on the open road!
14 Comments
I can certainly relate to what you have to say. Moving to Cuenca, getting into a restaurant are both new adventures for me. Travel is on my list for next year. Maybe I will follow in your footsteps and try Chaing Mai for a while
Dear Larry,
I liked reading your comment on the photo.
I went to Lea Babauta’s blog and subscribed for his post of week was great reading.
Did Derrylyn already arrive?
Warmest regards,
Frederick
Larry,
I love your new insight on life, hope I can do it one day!!
Take care on your journeys.
Love ya,
Leigh
I believe you have learned how to live your life and that is a great achievement. I’m enjoying the Zen blot.
Thanks Larry for your experiences and observations! Hopefully, run across you someday on the road. Enjoy your new adventures ahead and looking forward to hearing about Turkey.
I agree with your Buddhist motto. I have lived with some uncertainty in my life and I have learned to let it go and just live. However I have not moved to another country… yet. I know you are loving your adventures and I love it that you have embraced the digital age!
Hey! I thought Derrlynn was coming there thismonth? Does she know you´re leaving??? ha ha….are you leaving for good with only your backpack, again? Sheesh, I thought I got rid of everything while moving here to Sn Miguel and now I find that I´m buying the stuff I sold! I guess it´s easier for a guy….happy trails! Hugs..
Hip Hip Hooray! We are enjoying your pictures and blogs. Keep up the good work and happy travels.
could it be that you suffer from a diagnosable psychiatric condition and are simply trying to paint your chronic restlessness as a yen for adventure? Sort of like an alcoholic calling himself a bon vivant?
Dan, Anything is possible. However, this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black.
You are living proof that Yoda Lives! To quote him – ” Do or do not, there is no try.” This is what I know of Larry.
Larry — Turkey sounds exciting! Hope to visit you there.
Hola Larry, Heard you are on the move again…Daniel and I are envious as we are settling down and remodeling our house, which is a lot of work as you had warned us. We are building a “Zen” house, perhaps we can walk around it and find new meanings in a small place! Meet you someday in Spain perhaps??? You are getting closer…
Hey, I never hear from you anymore! I left an earlier post and reckon I´ll have to contact Derrlynn to see if you stayed in Chaing Mai long enuff to receive her visit! I´m happier than a hog in slop here in San Miguel de Allende, MX…things are great…I can be spontaneous for the first time in my life….sometimes even a bit irresponsible….email me! LindaRose