This summer, I’m embarking upon a solo cross-country road trip. I’ll be journaling along the way to document and share my experience.
After more than a year of virtual classes, Zoom hangouts with friends, and far too much time in one room, I’m ready for a change of pace. I’ve spent months dreaming of taking to the road, exploring the country and taking a breather from the stresses of normal life. Over time, and after countless hours of research, the dream slowly began to seem possible. Eventually, it evolved into a plan. There are only so many opportunities to drop everything and spend weeks on the road. I’m going to take this one.
“The open road is a beckoning, a strangeness, a place where a man can lose himself.”
– William Least Heat-Moon
This is the rough route I plan to follow. I have a budget and a list of the places I’d like to see, but I mostly plan to go where the road takes me.
WHY
There’s going to come a point when I’ll regret leaving. When the fear and stress overwhelm me and I long to be at home, sleeping in my own bed, cuddling my cats. Then, more than ever, I’ll need to remember why I’m embarking on this journey in the first place. This is my why:
- To be present and spontaneous. I enjoy the routine of daily life, but it can be difficult to truly take in my surroundings and enjoy the moment (particularly after such a tough year). I’m looking forwards to slowing down, reading, and spending time in nature, while also being able to take opportunities that present themselves.
- To challenge myself. This trip is far outside of my comfort zone and will force me to confront many of my fears. I’ll have to be independent and self-reliant. Ultimately, though, I think that this is how I’ll grow. Which brings me to…
- To grow into a better version of myself. Spending weeks on the road is a great way to have some time for reflection, and overcoming challenges is one of the fastest ways to grow.
- To have fun! Ultimately, I hope to enjoy the experience. I want to learn to find joy in the small moments of life and to take notice of the beauty around me.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified. But I’m equally excited. This is going to be a wonderful, challenging, frustrating, life-changing experience and I can’t wait to take you all with me.
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
– Marcel Proust
