... the "real world" seemed less real?

"So... what's next?" Seems to be the first question I'm receiving these days. Before asking about the last six months, or what I learned about life or about myself. Before asking about the people I met or the challenges I encountered, people want to know how I'm going to readjust to "the real world." A phrase that is always dripping in contempt and served with an eye roll or two. If the real world is so unpleasant, why have we all come to accept it as the norm? Shouldn't we do something about it instead of treating our lives like passive passengers in a train that's moving full force ahead towards materialism and a "bigger is better" mentality? What's next for me is rethinking what is really important, what makes me happy, and how I can find a middle ground between the freedom and joy I experienced traveling and pair it with a career or means to support myself financially. I don't want to jump right back on the track because having been off of it was the most exhilarating experience of my life. Life is short and unpredictable, and I'm ready to rethink my own. 

This isn't as easy as it sounds. I met so many travelers who lived a vagabond life - working in a cafe or hostel for a few months in order to continue traveling. At first I have to admit I judged these people a bit - "shouldn't they get a real job? How are they ever going to get one when they get back to wherever they're from? They must be running away from something... avoiding reality." But as I got to know more of these people, I realized that while some may be running away or avoiding the norm, most were sublimely happy. Some of the most blissful, relaxed and open people I've ever met. Not stressed, not attached to their cell phones and rushing around constantly, not obsessing over relationships or difficult coworkers or any of the other things I know I felt back in the "real world." So why would I judge that? Maybe we judge because they are doing something that feeds into our own insecurities. Society has made it seem scary and impossible to jump off the track by imposing fear tactics. Retirement savings, investments, insurance, security... these are all important things but are they the only things? Should they dictate how we choose to live our un-guaranteed 90-some years?

I know I may sound like a converted hippie (so what maybe I am?), and none of what I'm saying is necessarily new, but I finally gained an understanding that there are broader paths to choose and it's making me rethink my own. Nothing is wrong with working in the corporate world or placing emphasis on a successful career - I will probably get back into both. I enjoy work and excelling at it, but I want to remember what I've learned and ensure that my happiness is a priority. So cheers to hoping to find the balance - I'm open and optimistic (and a tad overwhelmed).

All for now...

This photo reminds me of what makes me happy - no makeup, damp from a 6 hour hike in the rain, but thriving in nature and new things. Loved Inle Lake in Burma - thanks to Shasta for the photo.