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As I waited for my final connecting flight to Vancouver after my one-year trip, a sense of dread washes over me. "This is it", I thought to myself. "My adventure is over...for now.
It's back to reality, back to work and back to living a 'normal' life".
It Doesn't Feel the Same to Be Home
Ever since travelling around the world for one year, things just don't feel the same anymore.
My first week upon returning back, I got really sick. I think my body finally realized it can rest. It took one week for me to get better.
Before flying back home, I also emailed all my previous employers to see if I can get my job back. I used to work for three different community centres in my home town of Richmond, BC. After shooting out several emails, one of the three centres hired me right away and I am now working part-time once more.
Over time, the two other community centres also rehired me and I now work for them on an "on-call" basis.
Looks like things are exactly the same as when I first left...
Because I am flat broke and in debt, I moved home for the time being. I will have to sacrifice my freedom in order to eliminate my debt, built up my savings before I move out again.
I'm not happy about moving home, but it's a short term sacrifice. At least I can reduce some of the financial pressure so I can better focus on my future plans.
I also work diligently at completing a music video of my one year trip around the world. I realize, I should not put off making the music video while the memories of travelling around the world is still fresh.
I realize that over time I may start forgetting some of the adventures I've had when I lived a life of freedom. Bouncing from one country to the next. Somehow life was so simple then.
All I had to worry about is where my next accommodation will be and how I will get myself there.
However, things are not all bad at home. Karen and I are able to spend more quality time together. I have also starting to spend more time catching up with my friends too. Though that made me think about the friends I made on the road, and will probably never see again.
As weeks go by, I ponder what has changed in me. And I realize, it's my relationship with uncertainty and fear that is now different.
While travelling, there were times I felt afraid being in a new country. I thought in my head if someone was out watching me getting ready to rob me or do harm to me. There were many times I was extremely confused as I tried navigating my way to my next accommodation in a new city.
However, every time, things worked out and I'm alive and well. I realize, a lot of the fears we have are irrational and at the end of the day, as long as you do some research and ask for help, you'll be okay.
I'm glad I learned this lesson as it has given me the courage to dive into my next project, which is to figure out how to earn location independent online passive income.
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