Pacific Ocean from Barracuda in Playa Samara, Costa Rica |
Upstairs bar at Barracuda in Playa Samara, Costa Rica |
Up at Barracuda, I started thinking
about this freedom that I've scrimped and saved for. For six years,
I've put off living, and starting my own life in favor of working
stressful jobs, commuting long distances and living with my parents specifically so I could get out of debt as quickly as possible and put together
enough money to travel for a very long time. I have accomplished these things.
But here's the kicker: I didn't realize just how much I changed from my last trip through Playa Samara until I got back here. I see that I don't actually want to be a perpetual traveler anymore. I do still want the option to bail on a job whenever I desire and without financial concern, and I certainly want to be able to travel when I want. For the first time in my life, though, I feel like the next step for me is to set down roots, not collect passport stamps. I want to find a job that complements or serves my personal purpose rather than only putting money in my pocket. That might mean something corporate; it might mean a clean break from my corporate past. I also want to find a girlfriend who shares my values. I want to move out of my parents' house, and be a better friend to my friends by visiting them often.
Swimming pool at Barracuda in Playa Samara, Costa Rica |
Later that Saturday afternoon, I changed my flight home and shortened my trip by two weeks. That gives me over two and a half weeks to get into random adventures here, meet more people, and gain further insights while also moving me two weeks closer to building an awesome life at home. Shortening my trip also pulls some pressure off me here. Now that I'm just passing through, I can just have fun without worrying that I'm not making friends with other folks who'll stay for a while. That's liberating too.
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