Quit my job…
Left my husband…
Sold my house…
Got some vaccinations…
Bought a one way ticket to an island India…
(I doubt the marketing gurus will see my story fit for an inspirational T-shirt – Ha!)
And so it begins March 13th…
Life is just annoyingly unpredictable sometimes, isn’t it? Are you where you thought you’d be in your life? I am NOT, that’s for sure!! Never dreamt I’d be thirty-six, divorced (although it was my decision – for some reason I feel inclined to tell you that), no job (by default with the divorce), no relationship and no children… And I know there are plenty other, “should have” American stereotypes that this mid 30’s girl is surely missing… Eeeeks, gag!! What are you doing with your life Eryn??? Ok, ok, calm down, deep breaths… Things are looking pretty bleak, huh? Sigh…
I know this, no responsibilities stuff, is probably sounding pretty dreamy for all you stressed out moms/dads/workaholics/9 to 5’ers out there running feverish circles in the hamster wheel of life. It is a unique position to be in, I must say… Lots of possibilities with this newfound freedom.
Honestly though, it’s been really overwhelming and scary the majority of the time. Never before have I given up a stable relationship, house and job all at the same time! Where is my proverbial crutch to lean on??? Work? No… Promising new relationship?? Ummm, no… That’s no good for me right now, anyway. Dammit man, how did I get here?? Panic has set in…
Every now and then (and it’s finally starting to happen more frequently now), I feel as though I’m finally peeking through the clouds to see there is sunshine… There is great opportunity for growth… and change… and new experiences… and the promise of something amazing for the future! What to do, what to do??? And here I thought the decision to leave the husband and career was the hard part… That felt like I was at the edge of a cliff trying to convince myself to jump!!
After the split from my husband, I had my Plan A and the back up Plan B in place… I was a girl scout – I was prepared! But when neither of those were feeling right, and I was expressing my severe angst, a close friend said to me, “Eryn, don’t be so eager to put yourself in that box of the rigid Plan A or Plan B. Look at what a unique position you’re in! And you had a great experience when you went to India in 2012, what about traveling?”, Huh…. I hadn’t even considered anything so, outside the box… Brilliant, I thought!
And just like that, Plan C was born… Traveling – Yes! What better way to search my soul and reflect on the past, all while moving forward into the future? Who knows what the world will present to me while I’m out there? I’m gonna go find out!
So, clank a glass for me, wish me luck and send me all your positive energy, thoughts and prayers for a safe journey with positive experiences… And if your travels find you outside the U.S., do let me know. I’m sure I will be happy to see some familiar faces! We can meet up for a coffee or a cocktail – or maybe a quick jaunt to somewhere unforgettable!
Cheers!
Eryn … Thanks for sharing your opening salvo. If we remember and you’re okay with the idea, Franny and I will call sometime over this weekend. If you have a specific day and/or time, please share it. We have you in our thoughts and prayers. We hope and fervently pray that you’ll be safe, prudent, and cautious … in about that order. Meanwhile, if not mistaken, I believe that there were some things that you wanted us to safeguard. Please send them and your instructions to either Franny or me ASAP. Also, if you’re amenable, Franny and I’d like to review some practical matters regarding travel in or to remote corners of this here world with you. That may mean several e-mail or phone exchanges before you go “wheels up” on or about March 13th, now 29 days away and counting. You’re very special, darling! We don’t want to lose you. Much love … GOD bless!
Wow. All I can say is this is such an incredible beginning to a life-changing adventure about to begin! So so very excited and nervous for you, because I know this takes guts, lady…you are made of a special thread, and I think you’ll do just fine. 🙂 Love carefully, live freely (and solo haha) for a while, I think it will be the best therapy for your soul at this point in your life’s journey! Keep up updated on your expeditions and discoveries.
Lots of love and good vibes being sent your way~
Namaste,
Elise
Ha! Here she is 🙂
Where did you say we could order those T-shirts…?
Eryn, still getting used to your blog site. I’m thinking of you and will write much more. Do you still correspond on email? How exciting and liberating it is for you to be traveling…I’m envious…how do you know where to go and what to do? I love your blog site. xo
I follow your journey with interest and envy. Bon voyage! You are traveling with your best friend and the one who loves you most—-
Thank you honey… hope to see you out there in the world somewhere… we are kindred spirits… xoxo
And so it begins … You’re embedded in our thoughts and prayers. Please stay in touch as your itinerary, interest, and time permit. May GOD bless you richly throughout this adventurous, exciting journey of self-discovery!
A big hug and much love,
Charley
Dearest Eryn. I am responding to all of your blogs to the date of the 22 nd March. I had to get Dan to set me up.
I really am enjoying your blog. Your writing is wonderful. You should be starting a book. The blog is a book on its way. I am so proud of you Eryn and I love that you have found the same feelings I have for India. RM
sent me all the old blogs so I could catch up.
I got a nice cup of tea and read them over and over. I also really love the photos.
I love you so very much. You are the very best. You are my traveling Angel. My WOS.
Enjoy every SECOND WOS. A time may come that you cannot do this.
I am with you All the time and love you and send you positive energy and
Prayers. Laura
So glad you found my blog, I knew you’d like reading it… I miss you so much and think of you every day my WOS… oh, and I have your card I’m taking with me wherever I go… love and miss you… xo
As your odyssey continues, I’m amazed by your strength and your resolve. May GOD bless and keep you safe. Franny and I keep you in our prayers and thoughts. BTW, I sent an e-mail earlier this week with some information you may want to see and heed. Love … Charley
Hi honey just read ur blog. .so interesting love the pictures too l feel like l am there with you.Not sure about the monkeys. Your room looks like one of the treatment centers l was in for 30 days. Let me know if u get this l am not so go ok d with computer.. lovu
Got it honey…. love you… leaving this treatment center shortly 🙂
Ok….so you are in India. Good luck and watch out for those creepy snakes in baskets. I can’t imagine going there. You are a brave, crazy girl which is why we always loved you.
Stay safe.
Thanks Marianne… I guess I am brave and crazy… who knew? Ha… Hey, give Tim and Cherie Clark a hug for me ok? I know you don’t do hugs, but do it anyway… LOL
Hi there! I love your blog. I did something similar and am in Japan right now glad to know I’m not the only crazy one out there. Thank you for the inspiration:)
Wow Jenny! Hi! Good for you for taking the leap. I read a few of your posts and I can relate. The packing, vaccinations, storage unit. It’s scary to leave your life. But totally worth it! I’ve been gone 6 months now and having a great experience. Life changing. Just keep your wits about you, follow your instincts and you’ll be fine. Maybe we can meet up somewhere along the way 🙂 Thanks for checking in, I always love meeting fellow female solo travelers.
Meeting you would be amazing! Let’s see if our paths cross at some point. I’ll continue to follow your journey. I am determining where to go next and feeling a little skeptical about traveling to a few places alone which is how I stumbled across your blog. I googled “female traveling alone”, and eventually found you haha!
Jenny … I am Eryn’s uncle and her Abba. If you’re “…determining where to go next and feeling a little skeptical about traveling to a few places alone…”, please contact Eryn off-line and ask her to share my contact information. I’ll be happy to provide you with customized threat assessments to help fill in the blanks and guide your decision-making process.
Best,
Abba a/k/a Charles “Charley” Metcalf