In January 2006, fresh off New Years celebrations, co-workers, friends, magazines and TV were, as usual, discussing the merits and trials of New Years resolutions. The air in conversation was full of doubt that anyone would accomplish all of their stated goals for the year. We decided it was time to tell some of our friends our goal - that we were leaving Seattle in December for a year-long trip around the world. Yes, it was almost a year away, but we wanted to share our excitement! Here’s what we heard:
“What? Wow! I hate that you’re going to be away for that long, but that’s really cool!”
“Seriously? Are you quitting your jobs? How is that going to work?”
“Why? Where are you going? To safe countries?”
“That’s awesome! You know, I know a few people you should talk to who have done something like that.”
“Nice - but what about Amos?”
We received so many different responses that I was sure a good portion doubted we would actually leave, or be away for that long. I think most of those folks thought we had too much going on in Seattle to just drop it all and leave.
This was all great input for us. Those that only had questions for us about what we would do with our lives in Seattle helped us make sure we had every house/car/dog question covered before we left. Those who thought it wasn’t safe, helped us keep in mind the best things/ways to keep safe. Those who doubted us only helped us keep our departure date firm.
But mostly, friends just wanted to help! Over the next 11 months we would hear innumerable suggestions of beaches to visit, things on sticks to eat, bungalows to rent and other travelers we should meet before we left like Matt and Rebecca who had done a nine month trip like this a few years earlier. What a resource!
Telling our friends was the biggest external motivator because we had self-imposed peer pressure to do everything we could to make it happen. We set the date, we told our friends, and then we began detailed plans and preparation, which meant - the Monetorium.
