Freedom Ain't Free: My Vacation Life!
Am I on a permanent vacation? Not according to me. But, according to most people, I am.
So, traditionally, everyone in my life knew what how to define my vacations. They knew I would be away for a set amount of time and that I likely did not want to be bothered. No texts, calls, or emails. My vacations, which I usually took around my birthday (#LibraSeason), were time for solitude and reflection. It was a simple concept and people had zero problems understanding it.
However, after returning home from a 9-month trek through South America, it seems my friends and family do not know how to define my life. They think I am on permanent vacation. Sounds dreamy but it is not my reality. To maintain this free and nomadic lifestyle I have to work, work, work, work, work like Rihanna. I will detail all of my workings in a video soon but understand that I do work.
Last week, one of my friends commented that I shouldn't be working on an assignment while in the U.S. because I was "on vacation." Um, excuse me? Vacation from what? Vacation from what he also deemed a vacation? WHAT? I know people frequently say, "I need a vacation from my vacation." Full disclosure, I was sometimes one of them. But, that stems from us trying to fit as much as possible into a tight vacation schedule. What happens when you live a life on the road? Well, the lines become a bit blurred.
So, a few points for clarity's sake:
- Although it may look like it, my life is not a vacation. It does feel like one sometimes, though! 😀
- I have to work to maintain this lifestyle. I am not financially wealthy, thus, dotting around the planet without would be extremely financially challenging.
- Yes, I do take vacations. There are times, like before when I need solitude and time alone, so I take it.
- Lastly, but most importantly, I unapologetically live the life I deserve. As such, I totally understand that may be a complete vacation to some people.
But yea. I work for this. Freedom ain't free.