These few months of minimalism have made me realize what is important to me.. what inspires me.. and what I’ve discovered about myself, stripped from the “surface” and the “stuff” I’ve built around and within me.
I haven’t shared this publicly on my blog yet but starting in June I’ll be traveling around the world (mainly Central America, South America and the islands. First country: Ecuador) with just a backpack filled with the bare minimum. No laptop. No luxuries. No “extras.” I’ll have my phone with me and I’ll be using that to update my blog with where I’m at and to keep in contact.
Why am I going to travel? I want to continue my journey of mimimalism and most importantly, to volunteer. Volunteer my time and effort to help others along this journey — learn to conserve the Amazon jungles, play and share joy with kids, build water systems for underprivileged villages, immerse in other cultures.
And for how long? That is something I don’t know myself and I don’t want to know. I want to be able to go without “plans” and see where it takes me. The unknown is what propels me…
and that is what leaves me how I am feeling now: I have fucking FEARS. (like everyone else)
Fears that have been built inside of me for years, growing and taking hold of my thoughts, actions and beliefs. These exact fears are what have made me fight back over the years and do exactly what I am afraid of. Then have my fears shaped who I am now? The more I resist my fears, isn’t that the opposite of what I am trying to achieve? Am I becoming who I am only because of my fears? But if I accept my fears, will I be complacent with them, staying still or will it somehow cause me to become full of decisions to continue with my plans of “un-plans?”
But then I sit. I sit and I listen. This is me. And that is all I truly know.
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strippedcanvas
I do envy you. You are so brave.
No one else can say what is right for you. I believe that some fears are legitimate since they exist to protect you. But unfortunately some or even many fears are blocking us as I guess you know by now. Otherwise you wouldn’t do what you do. Don’t let others fears stop you from experiencing life and it’s possibilities. At the same time be smart and be aware of people around you when you are abroad. Some risks are not worth taking.
If you ever decide to come to Stockholm you are very welcome. I can make some space for you if you are not too fussy about how you live.
Anyway, good luck with your travels. I’m looking forward to following your blog.
PS. I’ve heard that the mountain indians of Peru are a lovely people with much joy and love and very in touch with their emotions.
Sami (= light energy (Quechua))
Leonarde Brändström
Hi Leonarde,
Thanks for offering your place, that is so nice of you! What is Stockholm like?
It’s funny you mention Peru because I just secured my place in two volunteer organizations yesterday and the 2nd one is in Peru! I’m very excited
sounds like a beautiful place with beautiful people..
Thanks for visiting. Talk to you soon
You’re welcome.
Just let me know when your adventures takes through here.
Stockholm is beautiful from June to September. She is embraced by water. The orange sun reflects on the windows from the buildings of the old city and the water ripples beaks the orange light and sparkles in the sea when the sun goes to rest. People are walking along the water front under the shades of the willow trees. Everyone is outside and try to suck up all the sun they’ve been missing during the winter and autumn. She is beautiful and full of life and expectations. A beauty on water.
When you come to Peru. Make sure to meet a “paco” a priest from the Andean spiritual tradition. If you ask nicely they might be able to help you find what you are looking for. Or experience what you want to experience. The quechua indians live in harmony with Pacha Mama (mother earth), Wirakosha (father cosmos) and the nature spirits.
Amazing! I love your description — I can imagine it so vividly..
Wow, thanks for sharing about Peru. I wouldn’t even know where to begin but that sounds like it would be an awesome journey.. I will definitely keep that in mind. Peru would be a great place to explore (inside and out)!
This is really exciting, Nikki! I’m thrilled to hear about your next adventure and I’m pretty jealous. I know I could do the same thing, but I guess fear holds me back.
Good luck! I’ll be reading all of your updates!
Lacy
MakeupbyLacy.com
You’re so sweet! It’s always nice to have support. Thanks Lacy