It’s funny how our priorities can change. And how quickly at that.
I left Japan 2.5 years ago and back then I was driven by a desire to help – to give back somehow. I also wanted to hit the road and see what the world had to offer.
And that’s just what I got. I learned a shitload along the way and though the diversity and length of the travel wasn’t how I’d had imagined, it was a superb time well spent.
Fundamentally, my intentions haven’t changed in terms of doing meaningful work, but experience has taught me how effective I can be without a healthy bank account.
Now, after spending the past 12-18 months living fairly stationary in Europe, my priorities have definitely shifted dramatically.
Going it alone gets old
The biggest change in priorities is a growing desire to not do it alone – simply put, I’m tired of living a life by myself.
I’m spending the last day of a week-long holiday in Thailand sitting in a hotel on my own. The feeling of isolation that follows an intense week spent with some of the best friends in my life, that I barely see once in a year is… overwhelming, if I’m to be completely honest.
In times like these the need to have a partner, a close companion, is felt most strongly.
For quite a long time, after I split with a long-term girlfriend, “doing it alone” was preferable. Sure, we’re all nearly always looking for a partner, and while I sometimes pursued this, I was generally happy enough to let it come to me.
Life is easier this way, in many respects. But I think it just isn’t as fun.
I’m a little surprised at myself for feeling so strongly about this. For so long I’ve maintained a strong notion of independence, and freedom from the drive of meeting that special someone and ultimately settling down.
Ultimately I guess that can only last for so long and it will eventually catch up on you.
Best not to fight it, eh…
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