The Great Reset - Simplicity Living 2.0
In June 2015, I found myself standing at the edge of the Earth, half a world away from the place I called home. It was then, for the very first time, that I knew with absolute certainty what I wanted. Behind me lay the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile spiritual pilgrimage that had called out to me at the exact moment I needed it most.
My journey began just a few months prior, when I found myself at a crossroads of confusion and uncertainty. After years of unfulfilling relationships and nearly two decades of federal service, I knew that I needed a change, but I wasn't sure where to start. It was at the urging of a friend that I watched "The Way," a powerful film about the transformative Camino de Santiago. Moved by its message, I took the leap and arranged time off work, bought a plane ticket, and began preparing for my first solo backpacking adventure.
In my preparations, I came across "How to Travel the World With Just A 20lb Backpack" and embraced its minimalist philosophy. Already a volunteer for the simplicity movement, I took things to the extreme and whittled my pack down to a mere 17 pounds. After a week on the trail, I realized that even that was too much and mailed seven unnecessary pounds back home.
Sunshine Daydreams
My journey across Spain served as a powerful reminder of what truly matters in life: my physical and mental wellbeing, my connection to nature, and my loved ones. Additionally, it brought to light a long-held desire to become a writer and eventually relocate to Oregon, though I remained uncertain about how to make those dreams a reality.
However, only a week after returning home to Virginia, I was offered a writing position, which I quickly accepted. Not long after, I was lucky enough to meet a like-minded partner who shared my passion for simple living and off-grid travel. Together, we were inspired by the vanlife movement and decided to purchase and convert a school bus into our very own mobile home on wheels.
We lovingly named our skoolie "Sunshine," sending a request out to the Universe to always keep our solar panels fully charged. With its beautiful hardwood floors, cozy wood-burning stove, and eco-friendly composting toilet, Sunshine became our weekend sanctuary and a symbol of our shared values and aspirations.
Big Risk, Big Move
In 2018, my partner and I made a bold and difficult decision: we sold nearly all of our earthly possessions, pooled every penny we had, and made a down payment on a charming home in a small town an hour away from Portland, Oregon. I took a sabbatical from work, opened an Airbnb, and set out in search of a well-paying job to support our new life. However, despite my best efforts, I was unable to secure a position that met my financial needs close to home.
In a humbling turn of events, I took a full-time job at REI, earning just $11 per hour. Despite the low pay, I found a sense of empowerment and fulfillment in creating my own success, rather than being a cog in a government complex. However, the financial strain took its toll, and we found ourselves struggling to make ends meet. Our relationship was put to the test, and my sabbatical eventually came to an end.
With a heavy heart, I had to make a choice: return to work or resign. Following my intuition, I chose to return to my job, but I did so alone, heartbroken, and feeling lost once again.
The Great Reset - Simplicity Living 2.0
Upon my return to D.C., the world was suddenly plunged into a global pandemic, and life as we knew it ground to a halt. It was a time of unprecedented upheaval and uncertainty, and no one could have anticipated the profound impact COVID would have on the very fabric of our existence. For many people, the pandemic offered a chance to re-evaluate their priorities and rethink their approach to work and life.
The forced isolation and slowing of pace gave people the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, pursue creative endeavors, and rediscover forgotten passions. As of July 2022, a staggering 40% of American workers were considering leaving their jobs, giving rise to what has been dubbed the "Great Resignation." This phenomenon has sparked a massive reinvention of ideal careers and alternative lifestyles, as professionals seek new, sustainable ways to live with less.
By shedding the unnecessary and focusing on what truly matters, people are discovering a newfound sense of freedom and joy, and feeling more alive than ever before. It's a transformative moment in history, and one that has the potential to reshape our society for the better.
During the pandemic, I reflected on my life and processed a recent breakup. While my partner valued freedom and travel, I realized I valued financial security and stability. I shifted my mindset and viewed my day job as a means to pursue my heart's desires. I went back to school, worked abroad, and simplified my life. Debt-free and financially secure, I became a certified health and life coach with a focus on simplicity living. Now, I help people declutter their lives and develop a simplicity mindset for greater connection and fulfillment.
Linda Breen Pierce's book "Choosing Simplicity" defines simple living as a process where we let go of the pursuit of wealth, status, and power and instead embrace an authentic life of inner peace and fulfillment. For many, simple living is a soul-searching journey towards a better quality of life and deeper connection with nature. If you're ready to shed the stress and clutter of modern life, I invite you to schedule a Simplicity Living Breakthrough Session call with me. Let me support and guide you on your journey towards inner peace and fulfillment.