But wanderlust? Although it can be extremely personal, it is something recognized by all who share the affliction.
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| That powerful spark |
I have described myself as "obsessed" about our plans, almost as a defense against those who would so judge me. There are other things in life after all. There are other things in our lives, in my life! They are blessings, things we cherish and enjoy. Comfortable and familiar things. Not just material things, but life things. Things we love.
Why would we leave such things?
Lust.
Wanderlust.
Most "experts" would say that lust is not sustainable. The flame eventually flickers and dies. For some, that lust transforms to love. For some, there is regret. Certainly the responsibilities of home and family and career can temper lust until it is just a memory. Sometimes it's a choice. Often it isn't. For most, lust is "just passing through".
I don't see (feel, experience, read about) wanderlust the same way. Not all who know it's power are born with it (I might have been). But once you "catch it" you don't grow out of it.
Not only is wanderlust sustainable, but it continues to exist as it develops love, regret, memories - even responsibilities. In the last decade, wanderlust has created it's own unique community. More and more people are taking their home, family and career with them, on the road, with no permanent address. It's not "the norm". It's daring and risky.
You don't do that for comfort. You don't do that for love. That is the stuff inspired by lust.
What is most telling for me when reading others' blogs is that regardless of the amount of time, the logging of miles, and the number of returns to an "area" - the wanderlust is still strong. Health issues, rig issues, route issues, weather issues - nothing is stronger than the desire and joy of what's still to be discovered!
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| Over every hill, around every corner..... |
Those few who have been dealt life-altering changes that leave no option of continued travels satisfy their wanderlust through the blogs and photos and videos of others, remaining "active" members of the community. That lust will not be denied!
At the "front end" many of us who are preparing for the life also participate in that community. I continue to enjoy my morning coffee traveling around the country, hiking, kayaking, seeing wonderful vistas and wildlife. I find support and encouragement from others who are ready but not quite able yet.
This is not something I'm seeking a cure for. And I'm no longer referring to it as "obsession".
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I'm just caught up in the powerful joy of lust.
Well said Jodee. Its different for everyone yet the same in many ways and no its not an affliction although Pete and I get tongue tied at times when trying to explain it to others!
ReplyDeleteMaura
Ah yes.....the fun of explaining to someone who doesn't "have it" :-) !
DeleteSome people are happy staying home and sitting in that rocking chair. Those folks get old fast. Others see retirement as an opportunity to do the things they've always dreamed of doing, of going places they've never been or taking the time to do something different. Good luck with your wanderlust.
ReplyDeleteFor me that rocking chair would be like being shackled, but I know others who think it's heaven. Go figure :-). We're planning to "wander" up the coast next weekend for a quick "fix".
DeleteEven though John is unable to do much, (like walk a distance), I still love our travel. When the weather cooperates and the humidity is not at 100% as it has been for days, I can get out, walk and explore. It is times like this week that just drives me crazy.
ReplyDeleteI imagine it is just as strong when you're already on the road and still have some restrictions! Hope you'll be moving out of the yucky humidity soon - we had our first cooler day today and it makes such a difference :-).
DeleteI just laughed out loud at your title. I thought boy they will get them reading! I have had the wanderlust all my life. I left my hometown at 18 for college and never went back. I lived in 7 different places in less than 12 years. Even when I "settled down" to raise a family, it never left me and I spent from one vacation to the next planning. I love the planning almost as much as the doing. Wanderlust are I for sure! A most interesting subject. What's the count down for you now? I remember having it on my desktop as a count down clock.
ReplyDelete9 months until we hit the road....Bill has 162 work days left until he retires on April 3......not really the "forever" it feels like most days :-). Yep! My longest address was 9 years since birth, but always in California! We are a wonderful breed :-))))).
DeleteI share your lust for exploring Jodee... We have been on the road for alittle over 3 years. What a " trip " it has turned out to be!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your planning...and changing your mind!
Seems the more we plan, the more those plans change! How great to already have 3 years of wandering - I hope you have many, many more :-).
DeleteAs a teenager I went RVing with my family at least once a month. Ron and I tent camped as a couple and later with our children. We definitely have the wanderlust obsession. If we could, we would pack up and hit the road immediately.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy hiking, kayaking and exploring from the comfort of my computer chair. But I know it's only temporary.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks for visiting! We have not camped together, but Bill and I love to travel together. Both of us prefer less planning and being spontaneous - we "just go" whenever we can :-). We too would be out of here permanently tomorrow without those last few life "things" !
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