Don't be a barnacle.

Last year my friend Brad sent me a link to an article by John Gardner. It was a powerful article about self/personal renewal. It's a long read, but well worth it if you have the time I suggest it. Of the many things said in the article there is one thing that really stood out to me.

Don't be a barnacle. As the story is told, a barnacle "is confronted with an existential decision about where it's going to live. Once it decides.. . it spends the rest of its life with its head cemented to a rock.."  
- What does this mean exactly? Do you know of anyone living the life of a barnacle, if so are you doing anything about it? I know so many people who I feel are "barnacles". Though one can argue that there are barnacles that are more fortunate than others. Some make the right choice and plant on a beautiful coral reef and enjoy everything life can offer. Others plant themselves on the bottom of a trash rig. I guess the point is that you shouldn't be a barnacle because you always want to and should have the option to better your life/self. Which brings me to the question, am I a barnacle? I struggle with this from time to time. I was born in Mass, raised in Mass, went to college and grad school in Mass and now live in Mass while working. I've always wanted to move, sometimes to San Diego, sometimes to Seattle but I never go. I used to have a strong desire to leave but now my desires have shifted to traveling the world. I feel that at any given moment I'm going to quit my job and travel the world for a few years. I wish this was sustainable in terms of income (and paying student/car debt) but it isn't. That's my biggest obstacle. I do wonder if my lack of desire to leave the northeast is because I have made my choice (awww, shit). But the more I think of it, the more I am ok with my choice. Seems like I landed on the great barrier reef. Not too shabby if you ask me.

Whelps, thanks for reading my rambles. Just shit talk at the end of a long workday. It's probably not very reader friendly. I think I fell asleep twice writing this. Now time to go home and bust out a 2 hour workout. Hooray? Since when do barnacles workout?

Living in the moment or being irresponsible?

I know it's been a while since my last update but I've kinda been busy with stuff. You know, the stuff that makes an awesome person awesome. Like traveling, being outdoors, living the dream. At least that's what I tell myself.

For starters I had an amazing year in 2013. I pretty much spent every penny I made. I met tons of great folks, went away with close and new friends, lived at the edge of my means (but still within my means). I told myself that in 2014 I would buckle down, commit to saving for a down payment for my first piece of property and start living a bit more responsibly.

Here I am, 3 weeks into the 3rd month of 2014 and I have already been to Jamaica for a wedding, purchased a new car (which I have already put 5k miles on in under 6 weeks), gone ice climbing all but 2 weekends (ice climbing = eating out), heading to vegas in 3 weeks, booked trips to India for 11 days and Hong Kong for 11 days (in march and august respectively) and still have to book a hotel for an iron distance triathlon in Atlantic City in the end of June.

I find it hard to believe that I am "living in the moment" considering most of these trips are in the future. But that lead me to think. What is the "moment". There are folks that spontaneously agree to go on trips. I guess I am one of those, but I always leave enough room to plan for it. I wouldn't pick up and go tomorrow (maybe I would if I didn't have patients that I actually do care about), that would be irresponsible right?

Right or wrong, responsible or not I believe one should not be afraid to challenge themselves and travel outside of their means or comfort zones. I learned this from a dear friend who traveled the world for a year. I could buckle down, buy a starter home which will set me up for a real home for when I have a family or I can back those plans up a year and experience the world and perhaps have a better understanding of myself and gain a new perspective on life. I've never met a person that impressed me with things they've owned, folks who have impressed me in life are ones who share the most amazing stories about their lives and experiences. Live the life you respect and admire!

I'll be sure to post a few blogs about Jamaica and my awesome season of ice!