Why My Nomadic Lifestyle Comes To an End
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I stood at the little box that read “Applications and Deposits” and stared at it for a while. Am I really going to do this? Sometimes, all you need is a good slap in the face to remember not to spiral into an abyss of self-doubt. I’ve been on that edge of self-doubt, depression, and confusion for a long time now. Too long.
Then at the height of all of this spiraling out of control I saw it. A tweet I scheduled months ago that was posted today.
#TravelTip 93 of 99: Certainty is overrated https://t.co/dHrno4Cq9n pic.twitter.com/ITkd7Hjmjt
— Sherry Ott (@ottsworld) May 9, 2017
I have been in emotional hiding for the past year or two. Traveling to amazing places and putting out cookie cutter travel pieces. While in the background, far from the view of readers I have tried to sort a few things out; things that were making me unhappy. Sometimes I feel like I could write a whole novel on just my roller coaster of struggles and emotions. But I was never one to air all my dirty laundry in public – I just wasn’t brought up that way.
I would have loved to have help sorting out all of the indecision and doubt, but the thing about decisions is that YOU have to make them. You and you alone. And since I’ve spent a lifetime alone, I’m used to making big decisions on my own. I’m not necessarily good at it, but I’ve learned that it’s necessary.
Table of Contents
The Fear of Uncertainty
For some reason this decision was really hard because it has the possibility of completely throwing my life up in the air again. It made me question who I am and who others want me to be. Plus, it added a great deal of uncertainly to my life – and uncertainty is scary.
I know what you are thinking – Sherry – your nomadic lifestyle is already full of uncertainty; you don’t have a home, you travel full time, you live out of a suitcase, and you generally don’t know where your next paying gig is coming from. True, my life is not really stable. But at least there is some weird stability simply in the fact that I’ve been doing this for 10 years.
But now I stared at that tweet. Those were my words. Those are my thoughts. And yes, that is a tip I really believe down to the core of my heart and being; it’s not fluff.
Certainty is overrated.
Sometimes you need to take your own advice, I guess
Fear Coming Full Circle
I remember so well all of my fears, anxieties, and tears that engulfed me as I made what I thought was the biggest decision of my life – to quit my job and go travel in 2006 for a year. I cried in fear all the way to the airport with a one-way ticket. I was happy I was going, I was just scared and uncertain of what the next year held and what the repercussions of my decision would be.
Then came the decision to live abroad and give up everything I had accumulated to remain on the road. Both of these decisions at the time were so radical and so out of the norm, it plagued me with fears and doubt. I was giving up the American dream and certainty to embrace the unknown and a path I was making up as I went along.
But ultimately, those decisions were successful. I’ve been homeless and living on the road for so long now that constant movement and living out of a suitcase has become my norm. I’ve done the nomadic travel thing longer than I ever lived in one place and longer than I’ve ever stayed in one job. I have seen practically every corner of the world and have amassed friendships from nearly every country I’ve visited. I do believe having a nomadic lifestyle is one of the things that make me interested; it’s a core trait I have identified with for a decade. I believe it to be akin to being ‘married’ or a ‘mom’; I’m a nomad.
However, for the past 2 years, in some weird and cruel twist of fate, I found myself going through all of this fear, anxiety, and tears again as I tried to make a decision to slow down, get a home base, and simply have a more normal life again. This means I would no longer be Nomadic, and my ‘superpower’ would be gone.
I am just as scared now to go back to a somewhat normal life as I was to leave it.
How the hell did that happen?
Fears of Leaving the Nomadic Lifestyle
The fears are many. Will having a home make me feel more rooted? Will I feel less isolated? Will I be able to meet people? Will I still be able to travel? Will I become boring and predictable? Will I start to accumulate too much stuff again? Will I get bored? And the big fear – will I be able to afford paying rent on my blogging living?
The reason I ended up nomadic in the first place was because I knew I couldn’t afford to pay rent and all of the associated expenses of a home if I were going to blog and do travel writing. Back in 2008 no one was getting paid to blog! So I found other ways to make money and live extremely cheaply without a home.
Why I Need to Put in Roots
But there are good reasons why I have been thinking about making this change and facing these fears. For a few years now, I have felt more and more isolated and unsettled. Sure, it’s cool and exciting to have the freedom of not having a home – but with a home also normally comes a community – and that’s what I miss. I miss having a few roots in somewhere. I miss a place to feel grounded and friends who are around to talk to. I miss a small semblance of routine because as evil and boring as routine can be, it’s also calming. And sometimes I need calm.
I also miss little things, like hangers and a place to put my toothbrush on the sink. I’m tired of having to pack every single thing up and take it with me every time I leave a place. I’m tired of constantly dealing with the logistics of where I will sleep next. I miss relationships…like REAL relationships – ones you can count on to know you. Those kinds of relationships are hard to grow on the road where you are in and out of people’s lives for only a week or two at a time. I’m tired of the guilt associated with always having to rely on others in my life. I’m tired of being a guest every night in a new bed.
These feeling have not always been there, they have just been creeping up the last 2 years. And I’ve been trying to sort them out. But it’s hard to make big decisions and turn your life upside down again.
Certainty is Overrated
All of those fears I listed are constantly swimming through my mind; there are so many unknowns. It would be so easy to just continue what I’ve been doing for the last decade. But then I’m reminded of it; certainty is overrated.
Just like 10 years ago, when I decided to quit my job and cast off the social norms, I found myself at the same tipping point of change.
Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change – and that balance officially has switched.
It’s time for change.
It’s time for a home again.
I stood at the little box that read “Applications and Deposits” and stared at it for a while. “Am I really going to do this?” I thought to myself. And in a giant leap of faith, I took a deep breath, I put the envelope in the slot, and heard it hit the bottom of the metal box.
It’s official – I have a home base in Denver, Colorado.
Very cool. I thought for sure it would be Alaska. But Denver is awesome, too. And easier for me to meet up with you…maybe some day.
Good luck on your new life.
Oh…Alaska would have been fun too! 🙂
I wish you all the very best in the next chapter of your life. I hope you find as much joy in your new “normal” life as you have over the past ten years. Don’t throw away your suitcase though. I bet you’ll have it packed and ready to go very soon!
Oh yes – I’m still traveling! However I do need to replace my suitcase! 🙂
“To everything there is a season…..”
I’ve never managed to be nomadic for more than 8 months before those feelings kicked in, but I get it. You will not become boring because you are open minded and curious about life!
Will be interested to read about why you chose Colorado when you write that piece. Lots of luck with this new phase of life!
The main reason was becuase it was new to me and I thought it would still satisfy my sense of exploration. Plus – I love the mountains! But I’ll be writing much more about it no doubt!
Congratulations Sherry! I think that any kind of big change is really scary, but it’s important to listen to what your heart and mind and body are telling you.
When we moved to Seattle I felt a weird shame about settling down- kind of like we had failed somehow? I realize now that this was silly- live is just a series of evolutions and this was the next one. We felt a lot of the same things you do now. It turned out to be a very positive decision for us, and I think it will be for you too.
Also Denver is awesome!
Great to hear it’s worked for you guys Steph! And now you are off on another big change! Best of luck on yours!
Fantastic read. And something I can very much relate to. I just take life one day at a time and stay open to all possibilities. Letting the universe guide me to my next step. A little easier said then done sometimes.
I wish you peace and happiness on your new adventure!!
Thanks Sue!
Bravo!
I totally get it! We just bought a house (gasp!) in the Superstition Mountains in AZ. People said – “What?! Have you actually settled down?”. As if we “gave up” or something. We all need a home base, especially those of us who like to do art and crafts (me) and make music and build things out of found “stuff” (hubby). Of course we still travel! Going to Peru next week, in fact. But now there will be a balance. Being 52 and living out of boxes is hard. You will still be nomadic in many ways, but your toothbrush will have a home. You will no doubt find that the travel you do, you will do with renewed vigor and fresh eyes. It won’t seem chore-like, as it probably is now. Enjoy your latest adventure!
Thank you!!
I have enjoyed reading your blog very much. But if you have to give it up, there is no lovelier place to call home than Colorado. Put on a little John Denver and feel the sense of peace wash over you.
I love John Denver! 🙂 I’m not giving up blogging – just the nomadic part! I have a ton of trips planned this summer so stay tuned!
Oh my, the journey you have been on, and the places you have taken us. We thank you and wish you well. And, we know that you will be heading out that door again, but just in a different way. Good luck girl.
Absolutely…have tons of travel projects planned this summer! But so excited to have a place to come home to!
Wow
Kudos for your courage! We have a “home base” as well and travel for 6-8 months each year…or whatever feels right at that time. The two most exciting times are coming back home and heading back out again. Two times the fun ?
I do look forward to that feeling of ‘coming home’…:)
I travel with 3 hangars so that is solved. I sort of go into a panic at the thought of, ‘But what will I do if I don’t want to travel anymore’. I don’t have a clue. So that is why I keep traveling.
Some of my favorite sayings:
You can’t make a decision before its time.
And
You can’t buy a ticket if you don’t know where you’re going.
I love that you travel with hangers…I never even once considered that! 🙂
Someone once said to me, “There are no right or wrong decisions. You make the decision and then you make it right!” This has really helped me in my decision making. Which I still find difficult. I had the same feelings when we moved to Spain. But I eventually made it right. Enjoy your home, always nice to have a place to come back to. No doubt we will be seeing pictures soon.
Oh yes – you’ll be seeing pictures and videos of the move-in process! Great quote about decisions – and generally that’s how I live my life…just take whatever it throws at you and make the best of it! Thanks for the encouragement!
Congratulations Sherry! Forward!
I’ve loved your blog these last couple of years, and I’m sure it was a wrenching and difficult decision to quit the nomadic lifestyle, but I certainly understand your reasons. I can’t imagine you’ll ever be bored! You have chosen a wonderful city too. I love Denver! My son lives there, and we drive through twice a year on our way to the mountains. I do hope we can connect for coffee, lunch or dinner some time, and share old growing up in Illinois stories.
Tricia – YES – please let me know when you are driving through! Would love to meet up!
Our life is a book with several chapters in it. Some are short chapters, and some are long ones. This is a new chapter in your life. You’re wonderful at writing, so I know this new chapter in your life will still be full of meeting new people, going new places and experiencing new thing even if it is centered in Denver. wish I lived in Denver because I know we would have some fun together. Have fun unpacking and hanging pictures in the wall. Congratulation.
Thanks Kristy! Unpacking is going to be a hoot…may even do it on Facebook Live – I have no idea what I even have had in storage for 10 years any longer!! Thanks for the encouragement!
The people of Denver shall be lucky to call you neighbour. I wish you every happiness in this new stage of your journey Sherry. You’re one of a kind and that’s what we all love about you. Xo
Thanks Raymond for the kind words. It’s been a long time in coming – and I’m really excited about it. Let me know when you roll through Colorado so I can repay your lovely hospitality from Oman!!
You are a fantastic lady and I wish you all the best!
I”m so happy for you Sherry! This absolutely sounds like the right thing to do. I also have struggled with the same choices, and while having a home, still do. You asked a lot of questions in the post, please allow me to answer based on my own experience:
Will having a home make me feel more rooted?
Not necessarily – it’s *staying* home and building a routine that will
Will I feel less isolated?
Only if you connect with people on a regular basis.
Will I be able to meet people?
Yes of course! You’re an expert at that! you always meet new people and are good at it, this is no different in meeting. The difference is in the depth of conversation – at home it takes lot longer than those instant travel connections. but that’s good too, that’s how the roots grow.
Will I still be able to travel?
Yes, of course, but take care on why you travel and make sure it’s not out of habit, as travel when you are trying to grow roots and make home is truly disruptive.
Will I become boring and predictable?
Maybe, but it sounds like your nomadic life had the same curse and it really wore on you. If you do become boring and predictable, that’s OK, that’s what your friends can count on then.
Will I start to accumulate too much stuff again?
Maybe in the beginning – Target has many shiny objects, but trust yourself to be judicious. I never accumulated as much stuff as a I had and I’m diligent now about clearing things out on a regular basis.
Will I get bored?
Maybe, but sit with that boredom and stillness. Let the itch come and go and see what happens. Boredom won’t kill you. It may be good to try face this big fear and see what happens.
And the big fear – will I be able to afford paying rent on my blogging living?
You are incredibly resourceful. Staying in one place means that you can focus on one big project with a big payoff vs. lots of little ones.
Thanks so much Kristin – you always have such an amazing way of putting things in perspective. I know we talked about all of this last year when I saw you…I’ve been sitting in this indecision for too long – so it’s nice to just have a direction again. And what you say about habit is so true…I have already found that just by trying to cut back on only 1 trip per month it has been really hard to break the habit of saying yes to everything. Hope to see you again soon – and know that you are welcome any time in Denver!
I’ve enjoyed reading of your travels, of your decision to be a nomad….no way did I think you must always be this one type of person though. People change, as their desires change. Good luck on this new path. I hope you keep blogging.
Thanks Thea! I will definitely keep blogging and traveling! I have about 5 more trips planned this summer already! I’ll also be blogging about this transition back into ‘home’ life too! So please keep following along and offering advice!
Having made the decision to put down roots for myself, I know how hard / weird this transition is. BUT, this new chapter will fill your soul in surprising ways. I have faith that you will find the right balance for you and will relish in this new adventure. Denver is a great choice!! Congratulations on making the leap, Sherry.
Now you have another place to come visit! 🙂 Thanks Jannell!
Hey, welcome to Denver! I’ve only been following your blog for a short time, but have enjoyed your writing. You’ll love it here…I’ve made it my own home base for the past 7 years and love it. At least we’ve got some pretty good international flight connections, so it won’t be too tough to get out when the wanderlust strikes. 🙂
Hey Henry – we’ll have to get together and you can share your best Denver tips! I’m a complete newbie! It will be fun to learn a new city and state…especially one so beautiful!
Sherry, dear…
I’m not shocked. I’m not surprised. We’ve talked about this for years; at some point the compass shifts. And even stops. As one presently living with more Uncertainty than I’ve ‘known’ in my adult life, I commend and hug you for turning away from it. Because you can. And not to worry: ?s will keep chasing you. Wanderlust will follow. And Uncertainty will knock at your new door, just in different forms, faces, and places. But Denver? Some here in God’s Frozen Tundra are, to be blunt, disappointed. But we understand. We might choose Denver too, given a chance to start over.
You have that. Welcome home. Do keep traveling enough to visit us one day soon though, eh?
With love,
*kirk
Yes – it’s been a long time in coming…not sure why I sat on it so long. But it feels good to make a decision finally. Minneapolis was a close 2nd…but felt like I needed a new place. You know you are always welcome!! And I”ll be coming back to msp soon!
What an honest post. You have been an inspiration to so many and even with roots in Denver, I know you will continue to be inspiring. Thank you for letting us follow along with your decade of travel. I look forward to seeing what is next for you. Best of luck and congratulations.
Thanks Erin!
Sherry! This is so aweeome! It feels just like yesterday that we met with you to talk about our own break and full term travel. But it’s been two years now. This is a hard life. Colorado will be hard. Settling down will be hard. But anything that is difficult is worth it. You won’t be boring there for the same reasons you weren’t boring in Mongolia or NZ. Because you aren’t boring! I’m so happy for you. ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Zac! Yes – times flies doesn’t it! I still remember talking to you guys about your pending trip…I hope it has been great! Where are you now?
Totally understandable. It is interesting, and somewhat ironic, how making a change can be so intimidating, even though your life has involved constant change for over a decade. We only did the backpacking around-the-world for 14 months and now that we’ve been nomadic for about 18 months once again we are finding it so much different because we’re living in our truck camper. It is so great to have a continuous adrenaline rush of new places and new experiences, but having a “home base”, albeit one that comes with us, really does make for a different journey. Best of luck in Denver and, lol, never fear… you may very well change again one of these days.
I think that’s why I had so much trouble with this decision – I was freaked out about the change – and even more freaked out that I was scared of change! Thanks for your kinds words! Maybe a camper van is my next chapter after this! 🙂
I’ve learned for me it doesn’t have to be one or the other, that I can still travel for extended periods of time and have a base. I miss being a nomad, but it sure is nice to come home from 6 weeks or 6 months abroad and see family and friends, sleep in my own bed, and just be.
Here’s a poem I found that explains it pretty well! (Except that I’m a woman):
The Double Life
How very simple life would be
If only there were two of me
A Restless Me to drift and roam
A Quiet Me to stay at home.
A Searching One to find his fill
Of varied skies and newfound thrill.
While sane and homely things are done
By the domestic Other One.
And that’s just where the trouble lies;
There is a Restless Me that cries
For chancy risks and changing scene,
For arctic blue and tropic green,
For deserts with their mystic spell,
For lusty fun and raising Hell,
But shackled to that Restless Me
My Other Self rebelliously
Resists the frantic urge to move.
It seeks the old familiar groove
That habits make. It finds content
With hearth and home dear prisonment,
With candlelight and well love books
And treasured loot in dusty nooks,
With puttering and garden things
And dreaming while a cricket sings
And all the while the Restless One
Insists on more exciting fun,
It wants to go with every tide,
No matter where…just for the ride.
Like yowling cats the two selves brawl
Until I have no peace at all.
One eye turns to the forward track,
The other eye looks sadly back,
I’m getting wall-eyed from the strain,
(It’s tough to have an idle brain).
But One says “Stay” and One says “Go”
And One says “Yes” and One says “No”,
And One Self wants a home and wife
And One Self craves the drifter’s life.
The Restless Fellow always wins
I wish my folks had made me twins.
This is absolutely beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing it!!
Congratulations! I am at the other end of the journey – about to take that leap into the unknown. In 56 days. I, too, am planning for a year but I am just thrilled at the uncertainty of it all – not knowing where I’ll be this time next year is so weird.
It’s such a high isn’t it?! Embrace it – it will be life changing! Best of luck and let me know if I can be of any help!
I think it sounds tremendously exciting, to make such a big change. You’ve given yourself an incredible experience, lived your life in a way that few could, or would. I hope you’re really proud. I’d never be tired of hearing about it, and I’m sure you have enough stories for a lifetime. But it is a powerful human urge, to put down roots. And you’re giving yourself a different experience, a new perspective. Now when you travel, you’ll be a person away from home. That can be a great story too.
Its funny that I just started following you, just as you’re trading one kind of uncertainty for another.
I’m also making big changes. “Certainty is overrated” is something I really need to embrace. I’ve had the same job–career–for decades, with a nauseating degree of certainty. It was soul-crushing after a while. I recently had to leave that job, and decided not to go and find a similar one, which I could have done. No more putting on a suit and riding a train to work every day. You only get to go around once, and I am tired of going in circles.
I don’t know exactly what I’m doing next, and ‘m both scared and excited. All I know is that I will try and figure out a way to help support my family doing things I love, like writing, and traveling. I’ll have more time, but less money.
The nomadic life has always been a fantasy for me–a fantasy for an alternate universe. I started following you to live vicariously. But I have lots and lots of material yet to read, and I’m also fascinated to read about the next part of your story. I hope you share it.
One thing I know for certain Jean – more time and less money is what most people need deep down. We are held hostage by our stuff and our careers/salaries sometimes. Your journey will be wonderful and you will figure it out. And yes – you have 10 years of stuff to ready about mine! 🙂 In the meantime – please let me know if I can be of any help! And I”ll still be traveling and writing…so there’s much more to come!
I have to remind myself when I am stressed over where to live next, that nothing has to be permanent. This will just be a new journey. You can change anything whenever you want, you’ve done it many times, and this is no different. Follow your heart, and right now, it loves a home in Denver. Bravo.
So true – I looked at this as simply signing a lease for a year…a year moves really fast! Thanks for the encouragement!
When I left The Alaskan bush, it was time…. but I felt like I was casting off my identity. Then I left Alaska altogether and I wasn’t even an Alaskan…. who am I? What am I? I’m not where I live or what I do, but… but…. but….
I’ve done that a number of other times in life, too…. it’s odd how quickly we think we are all this add on fluff: the job, the location, the jean wearing, the mom, the wife, the too smart not to have the degree they all think you do person (but then you break down and get one)…. and you find out that wasn’t really you — not the REAL definition of you — after all (and you tell yourself you’ll never make that mistake again…. until you do…)
So true…sometimes I think life if just a giant hamster wheel! Thanks for the encouragement Annika!
Denver is an excellent place … been thinking of doing the same in Canada by moving back to Calgary. I’m on one of my last really long trips right now, and after this, I’ll be spending more time in my home country, with shorter trips to satisfy my travel addiction (no more than 2 months max, but probably shorter than that).
Good luck on the phase of your life!
Thanks Cam! I love Calgary…if I could’ve moved to Canmore I would have…but would’ve been hard as an American! Good luck with your decisions. I’ve enjoyed spending more time in my home country the past few years – I hope you do too!
Congratulations! You are about to find out you are more than a lifestyle.
You are following your heart for a reason. Stick with it. You’ve had incredible experiences which you will always benefit from. Now you are 10 years older and your mind is telling you that you need something else. Listen to it. It will take you to incredible places. Kudos for being brave!!
Thanks Evelyn! It’s the right move for me – I know it. At least it is for now…and then we’ll see where life takes me! Love this travel community!!
Congratulations! Ciber consulting has a base there and they would be lucky to have you. You got this! If you want mountain adventure my nephew is in aspen and works on a small private mountain you can connect. Let us know what you need. Welcome back.
Thanks Diane! It means a lot that people are all gung ho to help! I hope to get some time to explore parts of Colorado too – so I’ll let you know when I’m in Aspen! And do let me know if you guys ever come through Denver!
Few big life decisions are ever easy but you’re now past the most difficult part. It’s the ‘right’ decision because you made it!
Few people have the guts to leave their job and travel and fewer have the sensibility to realize when it’s time for a change.
Oh and I’m in Denver as I write this and can say you couldn’t have picked a better spot to ‘settle.’
Thanks Jared! Coming from the guy who just made some big life decisions! 🙂 Good luck on yours!!
Yes, kudos, it’s that time! (and you/we saw it coming.) Rest easy with your decision. Ottsworld remains with you wherever you are and this is not a halt, just part of the continuum.
Thanks Kris! My place is a little smaller than you and Tom’s! But you guys are welcome any time in Denver!
Best wishes on the next part of Life’s big adventure. Make it wonderful whether you are mobile or settled. Mel
Thanks!!
Way to spill your guts Sherry and to have had the courage to jump without a net! 😉 I can so relate to your journey as I did the same thing eight years ago. Time to rejuvenate, re-boot and set down some roots for me too. Feels amazing for now and our gypsy souls will stir again. Enjoy nesting up in Colorado! xo
I love the concept of gypsy souls. Take a look in the comments here…a reader left an awesome poem I’m sure you an relate to also! Great meeting you Barb and hope our gypsy paths cross again!
Thank You! For reminding me about what I faced back in 2013… after travelling for 6 years nonstop I was sick physically and mentally and looking back I felt something similar to what you feel but I couldn’t put it to words. It was hard for me, not just traveling but the job I choose to sustain my travels gave deeper meaning and 200% load on me… I must say two things bothered me in my journey, being lonely having no friends that are friends not just for 1 week, it’s hard to start a relationship over again every day, sometimes I felt so sick of it I would just not talk to people for days only basics. And second was having a house, “my space” where I set my rules and my own comfort. Looking back I didn’t know what I want, I still don’t have a home but that proved not as important because when I have solved loneliness problem it didn’t matter. I needed a soulmate and when I found one I was ready to go for another trip. We have agreed not to travel constantly but to do only 6 months a year. And we have found a remote job (both me and my husband) to sustain our travels and more. Yet we plan to find a “base” where we plan have family, to have kids and after maybe travel, maybe not. I gave up long ago the Identity problem it solves nothing, I just think for next step, we discuss it and think how to make it happen. It works, focus on what you want to feel, that was the words of my friend when I was feeling what you felt, and that transformed my life. Now I have a husband my soulmate, I have travelling when I want and I have home when I need it… And I feel happy and less lost.
Yes – the loneliness and isolation is probably the biggest issue in this lifestyle – especially when you are doing it completely on your own. I wish I could solve the ‘soulmate’ problem – but always easier said than done! Thanks for all of the feedback…I totally agree with the feeling that the travel lifestyle is conducive to tons of friendships – but it’s like ground hog day…a weird repeating loop. I’ve become more hermit like due to that. Hoping to get out of that cycle now! Best of luck on your exciting journey and thanks for following along!
Good luck Sherry! This new chapter in your life will be so much richer because of all the experiences you are bringing with you and I am really looking forward to reading about it all. Your new community is very lucky that you are moving into the neighbourhood!
Thanks for all of the encouragement Annie! I often forget about all of the experiences I bring to the table…thanks for reminding me!
Wonderful Sherry!!! I wish you all the best in your new home. :). ❤️❤️
I predict you will last six months before wanderlust returns (that’s based purely on my own experience so take with a pinch of salt!). Good luck anyway.
Ha! Well, I’m still traveling so it’s not like I’m sitting still. I told myself I would do one trip a month – so hopefully that will feed my interest to explore but also have a home to come back to! Thanks!!
Sherry, you’re taking as big a leap now as you did when you began your “nomadic” life. In both cases, self-preserving gut instinct prompts you to change (or abandon) your routine. I’m amazed you were able to make a routine of the last ten years of living adventurously out of a suitcase. Not an easy lifestyle to routinize, I should think. Now that you’re breaking that routine by “settling down” in Denver, can you imagine a less-routinized future? In any case, I wish you the best of luck. Keep posting! Maybe I’ll see you in Canmore again some day. Cheers, Dianne
Thanks Diane! Yes – you caught me on the end of this decision making process a few months ago – I knew I needed a change, but finally had the power to pull the trigger. Right or wrong – I’m in it now and will make the best of whatever comes! And YES…I do hope to get to Canmore – maybe even this summer! I’ll keep you posted as I’d love to see you again!
Hey Sherry! Oh man…another one of us bites the dust! Lol!
Seriously though, having been on the road as long as you have, a lot of what you wrote resonates with me. Having traveled at a snails pace and with a few home bases along the way (which ultimately didn’t work out for one reason or another), I have acknowledged that I’m now traveling in search of my next home.
So I’m thrilled that you found yours! And remember- in the name of certainty being overrated – this place doesn’t have to be written in stone for you either. Xo
So true – I’m looking at it as a year expiriment…it will be interesting to see how it goes as I’ve never really had a home base since I started traveling. I suppose Vietnam – was the closest. I hope you find your ‘next home’…I think it’s important for all of us nomads to go through these ebbs and flows! Hope we run into each other again soon!
Hi Sherry – we were so pleased that your nomadic lifestyle crossed our path – in Antarctica of all places! There is always a base for you if you decide to come and explore West Oz. Good luck with the same but different approach. We hope to get to Denver one day so maybe our pathways will cross again! Leanne & Steve
Thanks Leanne! So lovely to meet you too and yes – if you end up in Colorado let me know. I’m still really hoping to get to western Australia…that’s the only place in Oz I have left!
Your identity isn’t about where you are but rather who you are. You are an independent traveler, an intrepid soul and a super-duper Auntie. Having a address in Colorado won’t change that.
PS- After mentioning the Niece Project to my cheeky 13 year old grand-niece, I am now, apparently, taking her to Tanzania. So, umm, thanks for that??
Ha! Smart niece to grab that opportunity!! Thanks Carol for the encouragement about the move. I’m looking forward to it! And keep me updated on your niece project – I love to hear how they go!!
We’ll be coming through Denver the last week in June this year. It’ll will be a quick pit stop to see our son, then on to Park City, Utah. Would love to meet up! Email me and we’ll have coffee or lunch or something!
Also: in your many adventures out of Denver, consider Park City! Great hiking and mountains. Nifty place.
I should be around the last week of June – probably still trying to put together furniture purchased at Ikea! I’ll send you an email and we’ll work it out!
What an amazing read Sherry! Oh how this resonates with me in so many ways. Colorado, eh? A pretty fine state indeed. We need to schedule a call and catch, I have time at the end of the month.
I’m around at the end of the month so yes…let’s figure out a time to catch up! I’m excited about Colorado – and exploring it, but most of all I’m excited to get a little bit of normalcy back into my life…not too much…but a little. 🙂
I am happy for you Sherry. Perhaps this is another step on the nomadic road to finding peace.
As always, thank-you for sharing.
Thanks Sean…been something I’ve struggled with for a long time…so at least I”m finally making some steps in a direction! Hope you are well
Happy for you – good luck on your new adventures Sherry <3
Our digital nomad, almost 30 year old son just bought a place in Mexico City, but he’s in Malaysia at the moment. He has only been “homeless” for a few years, but he finally felt a yearning to have a base—-and plants. I think he inherited his wanderlust from me. I have no idea where the plant thing came from. His father and I are hopeless at keeping plants alive—but we’ve had the dog for 12 years, so at least there’s that. If he decides that this “having a base” thing is overrated, maybe you can rent his place in Mexico City. The altitude of Mexico City is 7,382 feet, so you will have already partially acclimatized by living in Denver. 😉
Wishing you courage and peace.
Hmmm – hadn’t even considered plants yet! My first priority is a couch and bed! 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement and keep me update on if the MX city apartment and plants free up! 🙂
You are following your heart and it takes courage to do that. This transition sounds like a morphing, both an ending and a new beginning and all part of the Sherry that you are and the journey of life that you are on.! Enjoy it and good luck. Have you ever read John O’Donohue’s poem ‘For the Traveler’? It is a lovely poem that I’m sure you will enjoy. My husband and I are part-time travellers living in Nova Scotia the other part. Come visit us!
Thanks Donna! I’ll check out the poem – I’m not familiar with it. And I may be coming to Nova Scotia for a quick trip this summer! I’ll keep you posted – or if you get my newsletter I normally update it in there too! Thanks for all of the encouragement and following along!
I can really understand needing a place to call home and a more settled life. I have been a nomad for 4 years now and think either the end of this year or the next I will find a place to call home. I am just curious why you decided on the U.S? I plan to settle in a country where my money will go a bit further than the U.S.
Good luck with the change in your life and you know you can also go back to being a nomad after a while of a normal life.
Congratulations — and NOW is when the REAL work begins.
As someone who went through this whole thing 16 months ago, settling down in NYC after 5+ years of travel, I thought I might share a bit of my own experience.
Settling down in New York was something that I wanted so badly for so long — but as soon as I settled in, I was plagued with panic. I was no longer traveling as much as my blogging colleagues. I was missing out on travel opportunities. And I had spent so much money on furniture and settling-in costs that I didn’t have money to travel unless it was sponsored.
I felt like I had gone from an expert traveler to the biggest amateur in the blink of an eye. It wasn’t true at all, but it hit hard.
My career was wrapped around my identity. My income was tied to my travels. And I had immediately reduced my travels and began a much more expensive lifestyle simultaneously. Shit.
The first year was rough, and I did not expect it to be as difficult a transition as I expected. Oh, and it’s going to be SO MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN YOU THINK (sad but true). I agonized on a constant basis that I wasn’t doing right by my readers. That wasn’t the truth, but it was what it felt like.
Just be prepared for it to take time to feel normal and in a good spot. It’s okay not to be okay, and it will get better. I have faith in you and know you’ll do great. But don’t beat yourself up if it’s more of a struggle than you expect.
Kate – thanks so much for this. I do think I’m expecting there to be some type of fallout from all of this…and hearing how your road to ‘home’ went is useful. I’m still worried that I”m trying to do too much…yet it’s just my personality to do so. One would think that at 47 I would finally learn! the income piece being tied to travel is probably my biggest fear – and I’ve tried to take some initial steps to make that less so – but not sure if they will work of not! In the meantime I’m enjoying the weirdness of buying furniture…that is until I get my first credit card bill!
Let me know when you are coming out to Colorado this summer! You may have to talk me off a ledge about that time! Thanks so much!!
Welcome “back”! Regardless of your lifestyle choice, YOU as a person are so interesting and inspiring (and I’m so excited to hear more about this new adventure in your life). About a year ago in Philly, you gave me great advice that made me sit down and think about who I genuinely am and who I want to be… cheers to you for listening to what your heart needed. Enjoy your new home in Denver. If I’m ever in town, I’ll let you know! 🙂
-Amanda
Thanks so much Amanda! I’m really excited about the change…and of course a little nervous too! I think I’ll be able to make it work though! Hope you are well, and that your new site is going great!
A very honest and open post – thank you for sharing.
Sherry, I only met you today via your writings, you you are so expressive that I feel I already know you. I hope you enjoy the now semi-nomadic life it seems you have chosen. My wife and I lived in
Denver in 1969/70 and enjoyed it well. (I remember a small river valley to the West of Mt Evans where we would camp.) In our fifty years of life together, we have lived all over the USA, usually only five years in any one location, and now are at home in Cuenca, Ecuador, in the Andes. I have lived in over 20 different USA zip codes, but now it is “01-01”.
Welcome Warren – and fellow wanderer! It’s in us – isn’t it. I’m always amazed how some people have the desire to wander and experience new things and some just want routine. Both are fine – the important thing is to know which one you are! I hope you keep following…I may have a home now but I’m still wandering!
Hi Sherry,
We can so relate to you. Tony and I have the same fears and the same doubts. And strangely, for the last two years we’ve been toying with the idea of getting a home base as well. We miss our friends and our family. And we just experienced how important that is. We are in Berlin at the moment, and Tony fractured his hip three weeks ago. We were lucky enough that we could extend our Airbnb apartment, but only until August. Having to figure out where to live is the last thing we need to be worried about. Change is coming for us as well. It’s the next chapter in our lives, Sherry, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Hope everything turns out the way you want it. We are looking forward to seeing you again at some point in the future.
Thomas and Tony
Funny – I always thought that you had a homebase in Berlin! Not sure why I thought that. But yes – everything has it’s time – and my nomadic time just sort of fizzled on me and I’m really excited to see what this new phase will be like. I can’t believe Tony fractured his hip!!! How on earth did he do that? One of the main reasons I started to want a home base again is also medical. As we get older it is actually a good idea to have some regular doctors. 🙂 Keep me updated on what your decisions are – and let me know if I can ever be of any help!
I really admire the depth of your self-reflection and the courage it must have taken to be so honest with yourself about how you’ve been feeling when the consequences fly in the face of the identity you built for yourself. That is not easy! For three years, my husband and I were never in the same country for longer than three months, but we always had a small home base somewhere in the world that we could return to when necessary. I think having such a repository for the unique and wonderful things you find while travelling, and for regrouping before planning and tackling another big trip, is very important in the long term. Congratulations! 🙂
Sherry,
I’ve got an eco-tourist spot on an island of 80 folks–mainly lobster and crab fishers, and retired people.
It’s in the N. Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Nova Scotia…with an oyster farm in the backyard and a brewery just up the road a bit.
If you’d like to visit during your trip to NS for the 150th B-day–PLEASE let me know. I’ve been using my Emmy-earning talents to tell stories of True North for the past 40 seasons! Including ice-wines, fishing adventures and even tales of murder.
Best,
Bill F. LaPlante II
Exec. Dir.
Media Alliance
(239) 652-1010
Well said Sherry. You have captured some of the same observations and feelings our family had when we returned after a year on the road in 2013. The mix of emotions, major life decisions, expectations, and personal energy all culminated around our return and our reboot of surburbia. Personally, it helped to think of the adjustment in terms of the stages of mourning a loss and adjusting to a new normal. I found that mourning the completion of such a wonderful and meaningful life-goal required me to move from denial to acceptance. It was much harder than I exected, and I even felt a little guilty that I enjoyed sitting in my backyard for whole weekends at a time without planning or executiing adventures and new travels. Was I becoming a homebody? Were we keeping up with our “image” of family world traveller? After 4 years, I can tell you that some of these thoughts and questions still surface – and I don’t have it all figured out yet. I can also tell you that it got a lot easier for me after about 4-6 months and I got closer to the acceptance of a new normal. My opinion right now is that Life is Good, and it gets better with every new experience and relationship, as long as I stay present and appreciate it all – no matter where on the globe I hapen to be standing. Live and Be well. Denver is a great place.
Les – thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Most of the time I just walk around and see things and how people live and wonder how they do it. I know that’s strange – but I was out of that part of society for so long that I’m sort of in shock on how people live and how much stuff they have. I feel like I’ve been sleeping for 10 years in a way. But all is good so far. Plus – I have a lot of travel projects planned this summer – so I don’t lack for adventure right now. But I’m sure there will be many stages to this change…
Great post Sherry. Beautifully honest. I was a full-time travel writer for 20 years and although I didn’t totally cut the home-base cord like you did (very brave!) the feeling of constant movement definitely started to wear on me. I’m sure you will thrive in your new situation and continue to write and travel — just on a more selective basis like Im doing now — and find new adventures right outside your door…
Thanks Eric – great to hear from you. So far I’m loving having a home again – now the hard part will be getting used to balancing traveling and time and life at home! Hope you are doing well and will run into you again soon!
I love this 🙂 Even more so that you continue to travel! I’m sure you’ll have lots of new adventures building your nest in Denver. Enjoy HOME and thank you for sharing, Sherry
Thanks for sharing the information. it was nice experience reading this blog.
“Certainty is Overrated” Indeed. Would you mind if I put that on a shirt? Haha
But seriously, great post! I know you’ll keep finding more and more adventures and tell us all about them.
Thanks Hank!
I should make a shirt out of that!!
Thanks for sharing your experience.