On travel and satisfaction (or lack thereof)
I’ve had some observations for what feels like a satisfying day to me over the last few weeks
Even deep in the throes of my “freedom” from employment - It’s funny that a satisfying day for me ends up having a lot of the same things that i used to have before.
Spending 2-3 hours doing something productive/creative (ideally hard), spending a couple of hours on fitness, eating some good food and spending time with people i like.
These factors have been constant for me, i think this is also why traveling hasn’t been a massive part of my plan as i navigate unemployment. I’ve rarely been struck by wanderlust - and most travel plans i agree to with the enthusiasm of taking bitter medicine. I know on the whole it’s probably good for me but i really wouldn’t do it unless i had to. Occasionally i’ll want to go somewhere but rarely for more than a handful of days.
I generally start craving my routine around day 4 or 5 and unless i know i’m on the road for a few weeks longer, i can’t wait to get home for the rest of it.
Because like i mentioned, my ideal and most satisfying day works best at home and i am most satisfied with life when i do those things (nearly) every day. I do enjoy my travels to a certain degree, but the best days spend traveling are at best close to my good days at home and i think that is what makes the difference.
I did finish a little stretch of traveling recently to LA and then Mexico City (and will be in San Diego and then Seattle later this month). I was particularly impressed by Mexico City - i’d heard great things but seeing how modern, clean and impressive it is in person was a trip. I have also completed my conversion from a burrito guy to a taco guy - never again will i eat a burrito unless convenience is the call.
Anyways, a short one this week, i’ve been helping a friend by building a *********** for his project - i think it’s been good for me because i’ve been able to experience doing something new and hard and productive again. It’s also reaffirmed the idea that i’m not currently in the headspace to work on something long and hard for an extended period of time right now - maybe in a few weeks. Till then, i’ll continue to build small projects here and there.
Yours,
H