In the journey of life, we often find ourselves at crossroads, making choices that diverge from the well – trodden paths. For those of us who embrace a life of long – term travel, these crossroads seem to be a constant presence, and with them comes a persistent question, or rather, an accusation: “Are you running away?”
When I first set out on my travels, my father’s inquisitive “What are you running away from?” echoed in my ears. Then, there was that brash commenter, scolding me to “stop running away from my problems” and “grow up.” Even the name of a blog, “Mom says I’m running away,” speaks volumes about the perception that lingers around long – term travelers.
There’s this curious assumption in society that if you’re on an extended travel spree, uninterested in settling down or taking up a conventional job, you must be fleeing from something. We’re labeled as irresponsible, as Peter Pans who refuse to embrace adulthood, running away from responsibilities, heartaches, and the so – called “real world.” In America, while travel is seen as a once – in – a – while indulgence, like a gap year after college or a short vacation, anything more than that is often met with raised eyebrows. The message seems clear: get your travel fix, then come back and rejoin the established order, the “Matrix” of daily life.
But let’s be clear. Yes, I am running away. But I’m not running away in the way people assume. I’m running away from the narrow definition of the “real world” that society has imposed. I’m avoiding a life that’s scripted, a life of endless office hours, soul – numbing commutes, and mindless weekend errands. I’m running towards a world full of wonder, towards exotic destinations, diverse cultures, and the freedom to define my own existence.
Most nomads I know embark on this lifestyle not to escape their problems, but to embrace life in all its glorious complexity. We’re running away from the monotony of the corporate 9 – to – 5, from the strict path that society has laid out as the only acceptable way to live. We’re like adventurers leaving behind the safety of the known to explore uncharted territories.
I dream of experiencing every culture, standing in awe at the sight of every majestic mountain, savoring the flavors of different cuisines, joining in the madness of unique festivals, making friends with people from all corners of the globe, and celebrating holidays in ways I never could in my hometown. I want to build a life that makes me truly happy, not one that conforms to someone else’s idea of success.
Life is fleeting, and we only have one chance to live it. I don’t want to look back and regret spending my days daydreaming about a different life during my lunch breaks. No one on their deathbed wishes they had spent more time in the office.
As an American, I’m acutely aware of the narrow path that society expects us to follow. College, job, marriage, house, kids, retirement – it’s a formula that boxes us in, restricting our movements and our thoughts. Any deviation from this path is often deemed abnormal and strange. People may express envy for my travels, but few have the courage to take that leap themselves. They’re intrigued by a lifestyle that defies the norm, yet they remain tethered to the safety of the familiar.
While social media and the rise of digital nomadism have made the idea of quitting your job to travel or teach English abroad a bit more acceptable, the underlying attitude of “follow the path to be normal” still persists. But I have no desire to be normal. I believe that the reason people accuse us of running away is that they can’t wrap their heads around the fact that we’ve broken free from the mold. They can’t fathom that someone would choose to live outside the established norms, so they assume there must be something wrong with us. Perhaps, deep down, there’s a tinge of jealousy too.
In the end, I’ll continue running away, not from my problems, but towards a life that’s rich in experiences, in self – discovery, and in the pursuit of true happiness. What about you? Have you ever felt the urge to break free from the norm and run towards a life less ordinary?
