Everyone thinks I’m running away from life. They tell me I need to go back to school, find a real job and settle down. They say I can’t keep running away forever.
I understand where they’re coming from. I really do. And considering I literally ran away from home at 16, I’m not surprised they’re telling me this either.
But it sure does drive me nuts sometimes. So nuts that I could indiscriminately fling my own…I won’t get into it but you get the point.
Admittedly, I may be running away from a couple of things, but I’m also running towards a few things as well.
I’m Running Away From The Lies Society Tells Us
From an early age we are told that there is only one road to success and a meaningful life. We are led like donkeys by iCraps on a string, believing that tomorrow, next week, or next year, if we work hard enough, we can finally get the greatest iCrap of them all, the iShitmypantsnowbecausei’mtooldtoholditinanymore and then, we’ll finally be happy.
In other words, this college-work-retirement path isn’t for everyone and not everyone needs to get on it. There are plenty of different ways to live a meaningful and successful life and that’s what I intend to do.
iShit coming soon!
I’m Running Towards My Own Destiny
If you ask me, it’s easy to become mesmerized by iCraps and get on board. But it’s much harder to deviate from the norm and travel a train without tracks. It requires cultivating self-discipline, positive thinking, and courage in the face of countless critics.
While at times I loose my focus, I always return to my goal. That being, to write a travel blog and memoir that is travel sustaining and has a meaningful impact on the lives of aspiring backpackers and would be runaways. This is my passion and this is what I continue to run towards.
I’m Running Towards Experience, Truth & Happiness
Travel is like life on a binge of Redbull and crack cocaine. Fortunately the hangover usually only consists of cursing in tongues or insatiable cravings for foreign foods.
The point is, travel forces you to live life to the fullest. You have no choice but interact with people and cultures, and in doing so you learn about yourself. This is my aim and the reason why I keep hitting the road.
That’s what’s up!
Conclusion
Yes, part of me is running away. I am running from the “Iron Cage,” the iCrap on a string, and from the one way train of college, work and retirement.
But I’m also running towards. I’m forging a new path through unchartered waters. And I’m doing all this while occasionally taking a break on the beach with a beer in hand.
It’s not people telling me that I’m running away that really bothers me. Instead, it’s the lack of support for what I’m running towards that’s agravating.
If you’re trying to tell me I can’t make it.
I say Obama!!!! Yes I can!
Thank you for the inspiration. I like your straight forward approach to explaining this ‘taboo’ subject of running away. It’s hard to explain the feeling to others when you say, “I want to run away”. For me, it’s such a strong feeling and I just want to burst. Thanks for the good read :)
Hey,
Thanks for posting here. You led me to know that the world isn’t going to hell like most say. That there is still plenty of people who find joy in their life around the word.
I just want to to ask you a few questions to help, but I don’t know if there is a specific place to ask or if I should just ask it here.
~Cat
Hey Cat, thanks! Yea, what do you want to know?
Great site, Leif!
You are a true inspiration, man, and I’ve been dreaming of have a nomade lifestyle for quite some time now. I currently go to University, which is fine to me, but I must admit that my dream is to travel the world like you do.
The day I feel ready, I might jump into it :)
Thank you for inspiring us all, Leif. A career-retiring path is still an option, but if I still feel like it in a few months or years I know I can become a traveller like you.
Everything is possible – Alt er muligt :D
De bedste hilsner –
a Danish admirer
Hei hei!
Thanks brother. Alt er muligt!
You should come on one of my tours one day.
Good luck with Uni!
I have spent the past 27 years serving Uncle Sam. Now that I am retired and all of our kids are grown I am trying to convince my wife that we should just run away. We’ve got my military pension and can take free flights on military aircraft so I don’t believe there is much holding us back. We simply need to get rid of our “stuff” and be free to roam the planet!
Go for it. Let me suggest Panajachel, Guatemala. There is a thriving expat community and it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to. Plus it’s easy to get to from the US.
great!
So true!
When I was in Fort Lauderdale slaving for The Man, working 100+ hour weeks (on Salary) I could hardly stay awake to do my laundry.
I looked down my nose on this tan young kid panhandling at the laundromat.
Looking back – he was probably spending his days on the beach hanging with happening hotties and having adventures while I risked my life driving to Miami for peanuts.
So- when I see young folks moving to Portland or wherever to enjoy the music scene and be part of something other than The Status Quo – my hat’s off to them.
Your redemption is not in a cubicle!
Amen! Love that! I can’t even imagine putting on those shakles, feeling claustrophobic just thinking of it. Cheers!
I’m gonna go and runaway too! Finally. Two days left and I fly out of the coop… Wish me luck. I’ll be constantly checking and going back to your blog again for in-the-moment advice and your opinions about certain stuff. (That’s if I get lucky with some internet connection.)
Hang loose!
That’s exciting, go for it! Glad to help, safe travels! Let me know if you ever need advice :)
I think this is the 3rd or 4th comment I’ve made on your blog. You’re awesome! I hate this box mentality that the sheeple follow. I ran away a little for a few months to Asia & South America, don’t regret it one bit. If you’re in Australia soon, would love to cross paths.
Hey Joshua! I know, thanks! I hear ya, it’s easy to fall into but I can’t let myself. I will, cheers!
Surfing the internet and found this blog!! Keep up the good work!! its inspiring.
Cheers Matt!
Hey Leif Harum,
I told you- if somebody makes you crazy–> Pie on them !
Its only soulutin not take it serious ! And while tehy say: aha…aha..you go back and wwsork because.. than you slowly unoack and..pie on them ! than you say: noooooooou, i dont think so, brother !
Stay tight and go on !
because one day i met you in kairo, in lousy hostel and had fun with you, and now you go on and make us all happy !
Haha, is that really you!?! I will Sacha, I will continue to urinate on my adversaries. :) I made a video about you, did you see it? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCfl7fx9UQY&list=TLmOgQJ6xTsFT9nqfjEX4fw9BCfMoeDpaA
Way to go mate. Just like you said, living the “typical route” society has paved for people isn’t for everyone. Sometime you just have to go with your heart and whatever makes you happy. I tire of coming home to find my same ole’ friends & family members doing the same ole’ thing and listening to the same ole’ complaints of how their life is shit while they simultaneously try to persuade me to do the same as they do. Following Uncle Sam isn’t for everyone, sometime you have to pave your own path and do what makes you happy. Keep going with what feels right bro, you’ve go my support!
They Ron, thanks bro, I appreciate the support. I’m tired of it too. This time, I’m going work hard on the blog and stay on the road indefinitely!
Yeah you are just making a new path for your life so others should support you
Thanks Sophie!
Your not running away, you’re doing what most people are afraid to do, taking risks and chasing the unknown! I’ve been follow your website for awhile now ever since I got into travel blogging and your definitely one of the reasons why my life took a 360 turn, Thank you.
I think this cartoon I found online definitely strikes home, hope you check it out!
http://zenpencils.com/comic/128-bill-watterson-a-cartoonists-advice/
Hey Eugene,
Thanks brother.
“For some odd reason, all my greatest adventures always happen while wearing Chuck Taylor Converses.”
Thanks really funny! Your blog looks great!
That’s a perfect cartoon,
Cheers
I get that same lecture from people when I tell them I plan to backpack the world as soon as I graduate highschool. And because of your posts and the fact your alive and healthy and happy proves it’s possible. I’m glad so many other people have the mentality that the normal life of “working all your life until you retire and sit on your front porch for the rest of your life” . Is not the way to go. Great post as always!
And is that thing in the bottom to stop dumb people from commenting? It’s freaking hilarious.
Hey Zach,
Thanks! Glad you can relate. Definitely do what you gotta do and don’t let people discourage you. Tell them to call me if they got any problems with it :)
The thing at the bottom is to stop spam but I guess it does prevent people who are innumerate from commenting too haha.
Aaaaah!! You seriusly give me hope in humanity again!!:):) don’t EVER stop doing what you do unless you’ve got a damn good reason to! The world desperately needs its eyes to be opened, and you’re doing it! And know that you’ll always have the full support of this little norwegian girl xD You just made my day:D
Therese!
Tusen Takk! I appreciate the support! Glad you liked it.
Hey did you ever get that package I sent you from Malaysia?