This is a daily documentation of my adventure from Hillsboro, Oregon to Cape Town, South Africa on September 16th, 2017.
Day 30, so thankful for these opportunities!
I’m going to structure this like a giant dedication page. Without all of these people and places and things, I would not be the person I am today. And I love the person I am today.
I love what I’ve become and who I’m becoming!
I will begin with the people. Obviously, my girlfriend Jess deserves the most praise. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be on this crazy ass journey. So thanks gorgeous; you make my life so much better times infinity!
Then there’s my parents and sister. One keeps me feeling positive, one keeps me grounded, and one keeps me motivated for big things. (You know who you are.) My deepest gratitude for your help in shaping me into the man I am.
My boss deserves praise. Without him, I would’ve never explored my passion. I write and have the ability to pursue my dreams because of the time he gave me. Nothing can repay that.
My friends get some recognition too. While most of them didn’t know my plans until recently, when we would hang out they always lightened my spirit and helped me relax. (Plus they kick my butt in basketball from time to time.) Thank you for the good times.
“Good people don’t have to say they’re good people, it just shows.” -Shauna Parker
As for places that hold a special place in my heart, I only have a few that made a tremendous impact in my decision to go live in a new country.
My apartment gave me creative space and a healthy environment. It put me in a position to figure out my WHY and develop my skills as a writer. Plus it gave me a chance to live with the love of my life, giving us the ability to find out what we want. Even though it wasn’t for long, thanks for being wonderful.
The office cultivated my creativity. Since October, I’ve practiced numerous skills to become financially independent or work remotely. When I finally decided to write — my ultimate passion — the office served as a personal writing studio. So grateful for this I can’t even describe the feeling.
My hometown never let me forget where I come from. If on my road of exploration something goes awry, I know that I have a home to go back to. The little town of Banks, Oregon will never escape my memory, and I know that no matter where I go, wherever I call home, there will always be one original root. Many thanks to Main Street and the town that started it all.
“Some people look for a beautiful place; others make a place beautiful.” -Hazrat Inayat Khan
Other things played a role in creating my ideal lifestyle. While some of it might sound like I’m tooting my own horn, I don’t see why I shouldn’t be immensely grateful for my talents, genetics, and hard work.
Since I found my passion and began writing, my work ethic has been so powerful. I am excited — more like super f*cking stoked — to wake up and create posts like these. I just hope other people find this type of bliss. I thank my passion and my consistency for being ever-present.
Technology is HUGE when it comes to what I do. Give me the same desires back in 2010 and I wouldn’t be as far along as I am now. Medium has given me the opportunity to share my work and voice to the world, which is crazy. And I’m just starting on Instagram, but I am ready to see what it has to offer. Platforms are really useful and we take them for granted — but I’m thankful.
My love for the process is pivotal. I could hate writing, and this would NOT be going smoothly. Instead, I love coming to work, busting out an article, and engaging with other people through the written word. Because of this love, I’ll succeed no matter how much money I make or how many people read my content. Loving the grind is so important, and I’m very glad that I have that.
“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” -John Wooden
All in all, I’m grateful beyond measure for the people, places, and things in my life. I’m hyped for what lies ahead of me, glad for what has happened, and grateful for the present moment, the one point of time I can truly live in. I promise to everyone, everywhere, and everything above that I won’t squander this opportunity; I’m going to crush my goals and achieve my dreams.
Ready to join me?
“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” -Arthur Ashe
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If you want to see my adventure in travel and fitness, follow me on Medium and Instagram. To see Jess’ virtual assistant and digital marketing business, Genuine Conversations Media, click here. More content soon!
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