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Sandra Yvonne's avatar

“This fact I seared into my mind so I could remember the road to success can be navigated without changing zip codes.”

Happy I made my way to this essay. It’s something I think about a lot because I haven’t been traveling since I left my job, which feels like the expected and typical route. Surprised to hear this take! I like it.

Catalina Muñoz's avatar

Ahh knowing you liked it made my afternoon! Just trying to shake off common expectations

Kiera K's avatar

I really like this and feel that you're giving voice to the (likely) silent majority. I guess you don't need to be living out of a van to feel like you're living life to the fullest!

Catalina Muñoz's avatar

Exactly! Appreciate your comment Kiera, thank you

Alissa Mears's avatar

The honesty in that opening, Catalina! "As if the insecurities I already have are not enough, I collect a few more each week, given to me for free by strangers." Love, love , love. Also, "Location be damned." <3

Catalina Muñoz's avatar

Thank you, Alissa! I'm reaaaally happy you liked it!

Rick Lewis's avatar

Wow, this really hits home. "I am an expert at comparing myself with people I don’t know. As if the insecurities I already have are not enough, I collect a few more each week, given to me for free by strangers."

Jack Dixon's avatar

You instantly hooked me with this opener... "I am an expert at comparing myself with people I don’t know." I can certainly relate.

Tommy and I talk about this a lot. Should we plant roots or continue life on the road? Both lives have their own advantages and drawbacks, but as you so saliently point out, personal growth is not a 12-hour flight away. Our problems won't be solved by uprooting nor will our lives be instantly transformed by changing coordinates.

We're always missing out on what our life could be (the infinite possibilities) by choosing what our life is (the one reality). That's the beauty of commitment -- we rule out everything else for the one (person, place, job, etc.) we choose.

Catalina Muñoz's avatar

"We're always missing out on what our life could be by choosing what our life is." Love that. Thank you for sharing your point of view, Jack. So glad you liked the essay.

Tommy Dixon's avatar

Wow Catalina. I seriously loved this.

“I am an expert at comparing myself with people I don’t know. As if the insecurities I already have are not enough, I collect a few more each week, given to me for free by strangers.” So true.

This is something I’ve thought a ton about. I’ve been travelling and it’s nice to explore but I crave a sense of home, familiarity.

I have a deep felt sense that the true rewards in life come from commitment, sinking in. You’re not missing out on anything :)

Catalina Muñoz's avatar

Thank you so much, Tommy. Means a lot. I wondered about your point of view since you have been traveling for a while. Glad you liked it!

Tommy Dixon's avatar

Certainly not a utopia... just different.

Loved it!

Rose Marie's avatar

Well said, well thought and beautifully put into words. I agree with everything you wrote. All roads lead to Rome.