We’re not running away
Since the time that we first shared the idea that we wanted to head out cruising, we have had the occasional person express the idea that they too want to run away and leave it all behind. I hadn’t really given this a lot of thought until recently, simply accepting their words as an accurate description of what we were doing. I may have even used those words myself once or twice. The other day though, I realized that, even if we’re happy to live without the hustle and bustle and clutter and stuff and…, you know what I mean, we aren’t really running away from anything. In fact, the opposite is true.
In my opinion, we’re running towards something. We’re not sure exactly what that something is mind you. Fun, excitement, new experiences, new people, new places… all of the above. And yes, we’re RUNNING towards these things, not walking. We’re trying to soak up as much LIVING as we can, not content to sit by in a house and wait for it to maybe someday come to us. I think that’s a more accurate description of what we’re doing as opposed to running away. I just wanted to set the record straight. 🙂
This morning we’re going to take a walk (or a bus, or hitchhike) over to the windward side of the island in search of something. We don’t know what specifically, but we’ll let you know when we find it.
Perhaps if we were to get up high like this guy we’d be better able to see that “something” that we’re looking for!
I think ultimately, all anyone wants, is to be happy, no matter what form that takes. In my case, since being back in Kingston, I run toward the knit shop, buy a fabulous yarn, with no expectation of what it might become. I totally enjoyed our time on the boat and will again, but its important to enjoy the day you are in, thats all we really have anyway.
Well said, Jennifer.
Beautifully said!
What concerns me in our possible future is the distance from children and grandchildren.
They will have the lives of their own and maybe don’t even want me/us fussing around them anymore.
But how much will there be need to be available, when they are full grown? And how to deal with it if I’m miles away. Children are the ones who should be leaving, not parents?
Ok, there is skype and planes do fly. And the need of hugs will be provided by their significant others if there is. But how to cope with the need to be physically close to grand children?
Choices of life? Anyway it is good to live Your own life, not through the children.
Only you can make decisions about that, Tytti. In our families cases, even though most everyone was still in Canada, some were still 2000 miles away. Not much different than being down here. As you said, planes do fly, and they fly from the islands too.
Sometimes the best navigators don’t know where they’re going until they get there. You two qualify as great navigators with an unknown destination. Keep on inspiring us!
🙂
Thanks!
A great description of the lifestyle and an important distinction, Mike. I have only commented a couple of times on your blog but am really enjoying your writing and observations. I started at the beginning am truthfully only in August of 2010 with my back reading. I know, get reading! My wife and I enjoy the Caribbean most in all of our travels mostly because of the sentiment expressed in this post. I am looking forward to a time when we may follow in your foot steps. For now it’s just a thought we are turning around in our heads and I don’t know if we will ever take the first step, but we enjoy reading the exploits of Zero to Cruising. Thank you for painting such vivid pictures for the mind.
Thanks for the nice comment, David. We sincerely appreciate you following along with us!
Such a great way to think about cruising. Running towards puts the intent squarely in front of you, and has a much more deliberate sense. It’s positive. Running *away* sounds maybe fed-up, or reactive – not wearing a smile. Your built-in compass is very wise. 🙂
It’s like the compass that Capt. Jack Sparrow has in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series. 🙂
In case you aren’t familiar with the movies, his compass points to what he wants most!
Great post … well said!
Thank you!
Love it! That’s our feelings exactly..We don’t know where we are headed, but we are going to go! Go explore and take it as it comes.
I rather love my job and my life on land. It’s all sunny skies here. But it’s also sunny skies out there too! I want to experience the world outside before I am not able to..What better time than soon (for us anyways).
I wonder where you two will end up 5 years from now??
Dani
I wonder where we will end up next week! 🙂
Ok, you have been to the Wild West side of the Island.
You have walked, hitched and bussed.
But did you find “IT”?
Mike
Of course we did! 😉
Good!
What when where how why ????
Wot no pics 🙁
Mike
We’re going to post them “jus now.”
😉
Well said, love it when you put things in perspective. My thoughts on your adventure exactly.
Thanks, Randall. I’m happy so many people could relate to my ramblings. 🙂
“In my opinion, we’re running towards something. We’re not sure exactly what that something is mind you. ”
Very nicely put. The rest is explaination and filler. This is the way I feel about adventures. All of life, actually.
I believe you.
Very profound. You can add that to conservative, restrained, adventurous and daring!!
I love that… I have been accused of just wanting to ‘run away’. Now I know EXACTLY what my reply will be.
I’ll add profound to my resume.
🙂
Ditto and AMEN !! Well said guys, our thoughts exactly (and we haven’t even begun our travels yet).
🙂