Body Painting? Why Not?

How The Happy Nomad Tour Rolls – Asking “Why Not?”

How The Happy Nomad Tour Rolls

How The Happy Nomad Tour Rolls

Many people have asked me how I could just leave my job and seemingly travel perpetually. How can I afford it? How do you find places to stay for free all the time? How do you find places to volunteer? All questions I’ve received by email, and now I’m sharing the secrets in a series of posts about how The Happy Nomad Tour Rolls and what things are like behind the scenes.

Why Not?

It’s a phrase I’ll never forget thanks to Anibal in North Cyprus. He asked it with regards to a completely different topic, but it applies to everything.

Why not?

It’s the attitude adjustment I have acquired on this journey that has led me to so many great experiences.

Too often our world is clouded with invisible rules. You could call it a social contract, but it’s more a prison of our own making. Those who don’t live in such a prison are considered crazy, bad-mannered, maybe even dangerous. I think it’s something else though. They just choose to live by a different social contract, one without those oppressive walls that stifle our spirit – one that lets them approach life differently.

When traveling you are away from home. While for some this anonymous and unfettered freedom leads to making bad decisions. For others it’s a laboratory, an opportunity to approach life without those the restraints that hold you back in normal life. You can be whoever you want. You can largely do whatever you want. This freedom has a way of opening your mind and opening your soul.

While on the road I don’t hesitate in the slightest to approach random people and ask for advice, strike up a conversation, or just say hello. I don’t do this when I’m back in the U.S. though. I could. But I have very rigid restraints, legacy restraints you could say, that date back to the person I was when I lived there until I was 22 years old. It’s not impossible to get rid of those restraints and I’m sure I can do it when I get back. But it takes a lot of effort – effort I don’t think I’d invest in had I not traveled the world and seen how beautiful meaningful interaction between strangers can be.

While traveling I approach life with a passion I didn’t know I had. I wouldn’t say I’m fearless, but I don’t fear the same things. I don’t fear rejection or being judged. I’m only there for a short time and “this too shall pass” is always there. We have a habit of inventing the worst possible scenario when we fear doing something. It inhibits our growth and our spirit. But on the road, asking “what’s the worst that could happen?” or “why not?” always leads to something good.

I genuinely fear rejection. With girls, with people, etc. It may seem strange coming from someone who puts his life online the way I do, but it’s true. But again, “what’s the worst that could happen?” I don’t know, but I know sharing my story has caused positive ripples in the universe. Start asking “Why not?” in your life and see where it takes you. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the ride!

Why Not?

Why Not?

Why Not?

Why Not?

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Trackbacks & Pingbacks

  1. […] It’s always a privilege to share my story in any capacity. I hope to inspire others to push their limits, reach for the stars, help others, and ask “why not?” […]

  2. […] In this cafe, the people claiming a suspended item must take it to go. I suppose it is to avoid loitering and presumably some aspects of homeless life would bother the other patrons (smells, for example). I asked the owner how it got started. He said it read about it on Facebook and realized it would cost him nothing to facilitate, yet it would help the homeless population in the neighborhood. So, he asked “Why Not?” […]

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