The older I get, and the more I travel, the more I appreciate having somewhere I can always come back to (that’s not my parent’s apt). While the “liberating” feeling of only owning a laptop, small suit case and some shit clothes from Target is cool for a while, but, it starts to get old and in reality, having a few roots or material things (in moderation) ain’t so bad.
Post college, I really wanted to strip myself of all things tangible (my clothes especially)((I mean literally…I didn’t have that many clothes))(((I wanted to have as much sex as possible post a dumb break up))). What did I need a car for? Why did I need all the latest tech crap? All I wanted to do was travel as much as possible with no tie-downs holding me back. Raw freedom.
Well, that was definitely cool for a while even though I never completely succeeded, but nowadays, I appreciate (and accept) having my condo to come back to, just the way I left it. It’s not overdone, but it has the stuff I like when I’m around. A decent sized TV, HD DVR, good Wi-Fi, a firm queen size bed and a life I can pick up and start again right away.
Did I mention that my home base is also in Miami? I think this plays a huge role in why I have a home base in the first place. If I had to go back to Saint Louis or Baltimore in winter every time I came back from an amazing trip, I’d probably stay nomadic forever. Good weather is paramount for me, it’s reviving. Anytime I get back to sunny South Florida, I can really get my life straight again as I’m in a good mood, the days are long and warm, and life is good. Also helps that I don’t need to waste my time (and money) on all-inclusive family resorts when I have them right outside my door. Coming home almost feels like I’m getting to go on holiday again before even finishing the one I’m on!
I think a semi-nomadic life is the way to go for getting things done work wise as well, as while you can definitely work these days remotely (as I do when on the road), having your own space, a routine, and serious objectives can help you not lose time in the long run (as in your life) and not end up like that 40 year old vagabond with nothing to his name besides his rucksack. You don’t want to be that guy!
