A NOMAD'S BIRTH
Image source:here
THE REQUEST
Ten years ago one of my friends sent me a link to a documentary that he had asked me to watch. He was serious when he told me that I had to watch it. Somehow that weekend I ended up being sick and stayed home with nothing to do other than read and watch stuff online.
Since I had time on my hands I remembered I had promised my friend I would check out the link he had sent me. Thus I set myself comfortable in front of the computer and started to watch the documentary that would literally change my life.
THE WAKE UP CALL
You are probably smiling now, thinking that I am exaggerating when I say that. Let me reassure you that I am not. After I saw it, I had a totally new perspective on life. On my life!
I started to question more things and because I was not convinced that everything I had seen in the documentary was true or even real. Thus I did my own research.
Did I get you intrigued by now? Are you curious to find out what was the name of that documentary? It's Zeitgeist Addendum. You may have heard about it or even seen by now. If you did not, I urge you to go check it out! Trust me, it is worth your time.
AN EYE-OPENER DOCUMENTARY
This documentary was the biggest eye-opener ever as it presented the monetary system we live. I liked it also because it offered a potential solution to our current problems.
Although some called it propaganda or conspiracy theory I couldn’t dismiss it because I was and still am convinced that creativity, technology and compassion can lead to a better future for all of us.
It made me see outside my 9am to 5pm bubble and understand who owned the money I thought I was making. In my case, it made me chart my course and it convinced me that I had to become a freelancer, hopefully working on a island somewhere or off the grid.
Image source: Wikimedia
ANY CHANGE STARTS WITH SELF
For the following year and a half, I looked for more information and sought of ways of making my dreams come true. I was still an employee at the time. It wasn't until in 2010 when I lost my job due to my illness, that I was forced into becoming a freelancer.
Then I reached the conclusion that I had to be part of the change initiated by Peter Joseph, the mind behind this mind-blowing documentary. I did not see myself as going and being actively involved in the movement. I saw the change at a more personal level. It had to start with my lifestyle.
A NEW LIFE STYLE
The first thing I did after seeing the documentary was downsizing. I went from 2,700 square feet duplex to a smaller house which turned out to be a terrific idea. Remember the crash in 2008? I do! Boy, was I glad to have downsized!
Then I looked into my monthly budget and tried to see what I could cut down. To my surprise, there were a lot of useless expenses. Yes, I was a compulsive shopper! But I recovered from it. Don't imagine that I felt deprived from any of the things that I really enjoyed.
I simply stopped wasting money on non-sense and focused more on a healthier lifestyle and leaving a smaller footprint. I learnt more about the 3 Rs (reuse, reduce, recycle) and incorporated it into my new lifestyle. I discovered that I can live on a smaller budget which allowed me to save more for my travels. I guess that's when the idea of becoming a nomad was born.
BECOMING A NOMAD
A few years down the road I had to downsize again, due to my Lyme disease and the medical expenses my treatment involved. Each time I did it, I felt more relieved, as if I had regained my freedom. Less I owned, happier I was.
In addition, it was much easier to travel for longer periods of time, when I did not have to worry about mortgage payments, tenants or any of the other things that I used to worry about.
Having adopted a minimalistic lifestyle and a different mindset allowed me to become a nomad and live the life I wanted to have, see my dreams come true. All this would not have been possible if ten years ago I hadn't watched Zeitgeist Addendum.
In case you were wondering, that is me in the photo above wearing my Zeitgeist Movement t-shirt. You should see what's written on the back of it! I'll tell you all about it in another post!
Unless stated otherwise, all photos used in this posts are taken and owned by myself. If you wish to use any of my images, please contact me!
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it! Please leave your feedback in the comments, I would love to hear your thoughts!
Well, society dictates the first years of our lives and sometimes people get stuck in biases and patterns established by others, forgetting about the most important things in life: being happy. When I was in India, I realized how many things we do not need. As you said, the less you own, more happier you will get. Very inspirational post!
I felt the same when I first visited Sri Lanka. I could not believe the conditions some people lived! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Thanks for this inspirational story. @lymepoet.
Thank you for stopping by!
What once has been seen cannot be unseen.
Chosing a lifestyle that you feel good about. That is worthy pursuit. With modern day consumerism in essence killing us we must choose to engage in minimalism for the survival of humanity.
We are living interesting times for sure. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!
Great post and now I have to go check the link, I have already done some of what you mention Down Sizing and cutting cost, in my case preparing for retirement but any info is always useful
I wanted to retire in my 30's somewhere on a island, but things did not worked out as planned. lol
LOL I would have loved to retire at 30, now somewhat hopeful I can do it at 60 LOL
That's a really interesting take, I feel inspired to downsize now... Until my daughters run into the room and I realize..gosh.. I need more space for them to run around..I will wait until they go off to college
You made me smile. Thank you! Yes, you do need to think of what works best for you. ;0)
I saw the movie, and it is great. I am glad that it made such a positive effect on you 💚💚💚
I am too! It all started from there ;0)
Wow, it's been 10 years already since that documentary came out.... mean we geting closer than ever to hit the wall. It's the first time since then that i'm half way sedentary... and I quite loving it. I've even study and draw plan and budget for a trailer tiny house but I figure I was still going to need the biggest jeep V8 to move my 5000 lbs home around... I work on my minimalist footprint everyday instead 😉
Glad to hear that you are on the good path!😉
Thank you for the recommendation of the documentary. From your description it seems that it is a must-watch; and from what you know about me, I can only think of how much you'd recommend it. I look forward to watching it.
Economic and material possessions might not be negative within themselves; however we tend to become enslaved to the idea of owning things. We tend to 'dream' or want things that are fed to us. This conformity does not always make us happier, especially if it goes against our intrinsic individual needs and desires. I consider myself luck to have met open-minded people such as you, who along the way of finding themselves also inspire others. Thank you!
Aww, now I want to give you a hug! Sending you a virtual one
omg that is such an adorable and huge hug!! <3 Returning the hug <3 <3 <3
We don’t really need all the things society makes us think we should have to be successful. Glad you found a life path that makes you happy. Lovely pic..by the way. 😊
Thank you! I try not to put too many photos of me, but once in a way I can't help it.
Awesome post! Good to hear, when someone actually acts on such insights as you had, because to often one gets drawn back into "babylons" comfort easily.
Looking forward to hear more about your nomad lifestlye :)
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! Yes, you are right, most of the people would have got back to the comfort zone.