“Would you do it again?” That question comes up now and then, and my answer is always, “Yes, I will do it again.” There is no doubt that more long-term travel is in my future. I do not know when, where, or how, but I do plan on doing it again.
Looking Back
Eighteen months ago I set goals for my round the world trip. I’ve decided, finally, to look back at those goals and reflect on what I might have achieved.
Immersing myself in other cultures for extended periods of time was one of my major goals, and I’m satisfied with how I did.
Exercise? Admittedly, my standards were low, but I’ll call this a success. I walked everywhere as expected and did some occasional hiking and swimming. I also spent much more time outside than I do at home.
Writing and photography. The gift of time was the best thing about traveling for a year. I could do the things I wanted to do and make my own schedule every day. This blog, and my followers, motivated me to keep writing and taking pictures. The photography workshops I took made a huge difference in my confidence and understanding of street photography and forced me to get closer to my subjects.
Reading. I did not do as much reading as I thought I would do. Actually, I think I read a lot, but it was a different kind of reading. I read the news, blogs and was introduced to Medium, which led to hours of additional reading some days. There were some books here and there, but most of my reading involved shorter pieces on my phone.
Setting goals for my future. On my last day of this year-long adventure, I sat reflecting with my friends and fellow travelers Maya and Tony. After admitting I still didn’t know what I was going to do with my future, Tony kindly reminded me, “You’ve had a whole year to figure this out.” Six months later, I’m still trying to figure it out. I do know I want to travel more and take time to pursue more interests, and I also know I want to be around for my grandkids. I’m looking for the right balance and the courage to let go of all the trappings of this culture I live in.
Looking Forward
Although I haven’t figured out how or when, I do know my tuk-tuk riding days are not over. Before I left Asia, I already started thinking about things I would do differently on my next travel adventure. Here are a few ideas.
More time in each place, and more time overall. A year of travel sounds like a long time, but it really isn’t. Three weeks in a refugee camp seemed endless at times, but it was really just enough time to fall in love with the place. I know that I’d like to spend longer in places I volunteer next time. Months, not weeks. And if I do that, I will probably need more than a year. Hmm.
Step outside my comfort zone more often. I know it seems like I might have done a lot of this, but I really played it safe most of the time. Yes, I met amazing people, but I know I missed many opportunities for even more incredible adventures. I turned down too many invitations, avoided lots of social situations, and chose comfort and familiarity more often than not.
Take more photos. Again, it seems like I took a lot to most people, but I took a fraction of the photos others take, especially the photographers I met and follow. Some of this is laziness – just not feeling like taking my camera out. Much of it is still fear. I’ve gotten braver in taking photos, but there is still that moment of hesitation I have before taking a shot, and too often I yield to it.
A student from Laos texted me a picture of his exam results recently, an A+. When I think of the hardworking people I met during my travels, I have no excuse not to continue to work towards my goals.
Maya
January 22, 2018 at 22:34
Loved the post. It is so funny to read what you wrote about what Tony “kindly “said. As I write this, we are still trying to figure out what is next for us. We are living day to day. I don’t know about you, but I find that my world has been blown open so much that deciding on what is next feels almost impossible; mainly because now I truly know anything is possible. Miss you Tim! Let’s catch up soon!
Tim Flanagan
January 26, 2018 at 11:41
You’re so right. Good to know I’m not the only one dealing with figuring out what to do next. Miss you guys!
Jean Ogilvie
January 23, 2018 at 00:16
I agree with Maya. The more you open yourself to different things and opportunities, the harder to get very definite on your future and goals. Anthony and I are going back to ‘normal life’ for a while now but we don’t know what we want to do when we grow up yet 🙂 I guess as long as we have fun and make a difference along the way, that’s ok! Thanks for the post.
Tim Flanagan
January 26, 2018 at 11:42
I agree. It’s important to have fun and make a difference. Nice to hear from you!
Marika
January 23, 2018 at 04:49
Can’t wait to see where your future adventures take you!
Tim Flanagan
January 26, 2018 at 11:43
Me, too!
Vicky Ann Deledda
January 23, 2018 at 09:45
There is a strong bond of “oneness” connecting again when I read your blog, and the constant reminder of our traveling, photographing, walking, eating, and living in the moment!
Tim Flanagan
January 26, 2018 at 11:44
It’s been fun reliving our adventures of a year ago through photos.
Alexa
January 23, 2018 at 19:30
Love this blog, and maybe this post especially. It makes the reader stop and think. Goals can give us a gentle nudge to get out of our comfort zone.
Tim Flanagan
January 26, 2018 at 11:45
Very true. Thanks for the comment, Alexa.
Susanne Murphy
January 24, 2018 at 21:32
How open and honest you are. You put so many of us to shame. Rock on, Tim!
Tim Flanagan
January 26, 2018 at 11:46
Thanks, Susanne. Hope all is well with you.
Lori Liguori
January 27, 2018 at 13:33
Wonderful reflections!!! I am in awe of your courage and determination. Of course, I love living vicariously through you as well!
Tim Flanagan
February 2, 2018 at 22:56
Thanks, Lori!