Letting Go of Ideals

Hey again!  It's been less than 24 hours since my last post and I'm on here again, but I love it!  Making a blog is super awesome and inspiring to not only others, but myself.  I've been searching the internet for traveling tips and WWOOFing packing lists, and during this process I've come to realize this-

Even though I can see right through it, walking away from the ideals created by our normal ways of life is tough.

I've not only had to defend my choice to take the semester off to people who are curious about my life decisions but also to myself, more than anything.  I have second-guessed this choice so many times but I feel that I am being called to another place in this world, another lifestyle.  I went through a pretty tough time at the end of this past semester and during the beginning of the summer as I struggled with anxiety and depression.  At times it was really debilitating and I couldn't even leave the house.  I lost my place in life and, ever since then, I have been following my gut and chasing my passions, which has led me to where I am now.  I felt that working 50 hours a week was not something I could handle at the time and man, has that realization changed my life.  I have opened myself up to another lifestyle, one that is more relaxed and free-flowing.  

I now have more time to enjoy the environment and take in society without being tied down by consumerism, corporations, and other distractions.  I have been following my own path and am slowly beginning to live my life and follow my instincts rather than getting as sucked into everyday routines and 9-5 jobs as I used to.  I have been designing and selling my handmade jewelry at local farmer's markets and First Friday events and, in the meantime, have met some pretty rocking artsy folks in Portland.  I went from having no income whatsoever to making the same amount of money I made when I worked 40 hours a week.  

I never saw this coming, that's for sure.  I didn't think I could be so successful!  It only took a ton of courage on my part and some confidence in myself.  I put all of my energy into this business and it has given me so much in return, for which I am very grateful.  Realizing that I am capable of so much in my life, I am off to Nepal to continue my journey of self-discovery and I hope that when I come back, I will be transformed.  

I will be taking everything I have learned about myself to Nepal, along with confidence, hope, and a HUGE grin.  My life is revolutionizing; I can feel it.  I'm excited to see where it will take me. 

I'll leave you with this favorite quote of mine ~