Trading my Briefcase for a Backpack... sheriffben: After my discovery of my ex's affair and the separation I was just totally on the verge of disaster. My realization was that I had become so numb and without an identity. My whole identity as an individual was null.
I realized I needed to rediscover who I was and regain my independence. As crazy as everyone told me I was, I wrote down 4 places I always wanted to see, each on an individual card, and put them in a hat. The places I wrote down:
1)Ireland
2)Western Europe
3)Thailand
4)New Zealand
I then made a self-commitment to go to whatever place I drew - ASAP and spend at least 4 weeks there. I drew New Zealand! I went online, found a ticket special on Qantas for $900 r/t and booked it. I drew the destination on Wednesday, I flew out on Saturday...
I will never regret this decision. All in all, I spent 6 weeks backpacking New Zealand. I joined up with an incredible group of people from around the world and just let go of all my past problems. I just got to be me. No one there knew my past, knew about my marriage and issues - they all knew me as me, no more, no less. I really got to experience a new life and a new beginning. My realization was that my life was all wrong, not just my marriage. The marriage failed, yes; but I was miserable long before my wife's affair. My life as a greedy executive chasing money and things was empty. Everything I did had little meaning of substance - it was almost purely for material gain.
When I traded my coat and tie, and briefcase for a t-shirt and jeans, and a backpack - I realized how little importance things are. I realized that every material item I truly need in this world can fit in a backpack and what matters most is stopping to enjoy the moment, not the future! Stopping to appreciate living for right now, collecting memories and friendships - not artifacts.
When I returned a few weeks ago, I was very much a changed person - for the better. My therapist was very surprised and commented that what I did in 6 weeks takes most of her patients 2-3 years to accomplish. With this in mind, I see it as a calling to share this with anyone out there who is going through this. There are many ways to heal - I just wanted to share my experience with anyone who may be considering a fresh perspective on life. I would like your feedback, if you feel inclined to do so, and I will share more details about my adventures soon...
Re: Trading my Briefcase for a Backpack... goldman: What a fantastic experience that must have been! Congratulations on your swift progress and your ability to look at your life honestly and make the changes you want to make.
:)
Re: Trading my Briefcase for a Backpack... johnnzd: That is the most uplifting story I have read!
Way to grab life by the balls!
Re: Trading my Briefcase for a Backpack... MadorSad: Good show Ben
Re: Trading my Briefcase for a Backpack... 2be: Sounds like the experience of a lifetime and I'm glad you found yourself out there in the world. I wish all of us had the means to just drop our lives and book a 6-week vacation. (Not giving you a hard time at all...) just a bit jealous, I guess! ;D
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