A Reactionary Or Intentional Life?

Over the last few months after reading "
Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life By Bill Burnett" I have really been intentional in how I spend my time, effort, and the purpose behind it. I was what I call a Gypsy before Nomads were a thing. I was offered a job and I hit the road! California, Alaska, Texas, and all parts in between. With my Dodge 1500, dogs, parakeets and a UHaul there was no end to my adventures. When I came back to Michigan in 2010 I was in survival mode. Or what I call reactionary survival. Take a job doing whatever to pay the bills. But in doing that you become complacent. I went from being the foot loose and fancy free Gypsy to afraid, and struggling to survive. Now back then everyone was trying to survive so I don't beat myself up about it but as humans we will always go with what is safe and the least path of resistance. I have seen so many in my life just go day to day, in a job they hate, to pay the bills, to rinse and repeat.

The most exhilarating time in my life was on the Alaskan Highway with the old Dodge, a UHaul, 2 dogs, 2 parakeets, in the Yukon Territory headed to Alaska with no cell signal for 3 days. Scared out of my mind, but feeling more free than I have ever felt! (By the way I'm pretty sure I know where Big Foot lives!) I was sleeping a few hours at a time at pull offs or if I did hit a town by a business that looked safe. Keeping the engine running so we all could stay warm.

Now I am not so footloose anymore but more mapping out where I want to go and be. I'm not letting life dictate who I am or my life. I encourage you to be more intentional with your life and map it out. Trust me you will be far happier.