The Fruits of Freedom

After several months of transition, I have finally settled into my new freedom. I know it sounds strange. It sounds strange to me. Who would have thought that when I finally achieved liberation from wage slavery, I would need an adjustment period.

I imagined myself immediately jetting off on exciting adventures. Instead, I continued to go about my daily routine in SF. Truth be told, I was kind of bored. Then Id think, "what the hell is wrong with me? How can I be bored? Im finally FREE!" But still, something was holding me back.

Looking back, I think it was a lack of faith. Put another way, I didn't quite believe it was real. I suppose I was waiting... waiting to see if it was all a short fluke... waiting to see if the rug would get pulled out.

Then slowly, week by week, it became more real.

And now, I have finally realized that Im free and its time to start the next phase of my life.

So, here I am in Guatemala, learning Spanish. The first thing I aim to do with my time-freedom is learn. Learn, learn, learn. I want to learn Spanish. I want to learn about other countries, people and cultures. I want to learn more about ecology. I want to learn more about sustainable economics-- so called "natural economics".

Along with this, I'll be doing a lot of playing-- starting next week with a 15 day SCUBA diving trip in Honduras. Ill be learning there too-- doing an advanced certification course and then diving, diving, diving...... soaking up the sun, sucking down pina coladas, hiking in the jungle, strolling on the beach, swimming with dolphins, visiting an iguana conservation center, and, of course, practicing Spanish.

To say that this beats wage slavery is the understatement of my life! I think back to a year ago... to the daily grind... the routine... the boss.... the boredom. I think back and I want to shout "Hallelujah" a million times!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Update From The Road

Hello from Guatemala. Its been a while since I updated this blog, so here's a quick summary.

After a few months of independence the reality of my new situation is finally sinking in,.... and Im finally starting to take advantage of it. Currently Im in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala-- studying Spanish. Ive been doing an intensive Spanish course for the last two weeks. Of course, two weeks isnt that long, but I have had a mini-breakthrough... Im no longer so nervous about speaking. I make mistakes in every sentence I speak, but Im really communicating in a foreign language for the first time, and it feels great.

Next week Im heading to a Honduran island for two weeks of diving. Ill be doing an advanced certification course and then diving, diving, diving like crazy. This is my long overdue celebration and "reward" for financial freedom-- two weeks of fun and hedonism!

After that its back to SF for a month or so. And then? Well, Im cooking up a whole series of trips and adventures. Nothing is definite yet, but at the moment Im thinking: Argentina in the Winter for Spanish study and general exploration (including some outdoor adventure), SE Asia (Thailand, S. India, Malaysia..) in the Spring to visit friends and have fun, a motorcycle tour around America in the Summer, and finally Spain in the Fall (for more Spanish and general exploration).

As always, these ideas are likely to change at my slightest whim. But I suppose thats the point-- spontaneity is entering my life again.... and I love it. This is what freedom is all about-- living according to your wishes, hopes, principles, and yes...even your whims.