I left for Montana in early July, and, at the time of writing this, it is late August. I’m well over halfway through my time in Bozeman.
I meant to spend my time here intentionally. I wanted to find a solution to years of a lackluster professional and personal life. I’ve always wondered if I could get more out of life than I was given, and this journey was the first step to that goal.
I’m a firm believer that there are no perfect times to take a risk, but there are definitely better times than others. I’m single, no kids, no pets, no lease, and I’m young. I tried hard, extremely hard, to realize how precious my situation was and not waste it. I had to do one of the scariest things I’ve done – trust myself completely. Trust myself enough to take a leap and know I’ll find a way to make it work.
I thank the universe for giving me all that freedom too because I would have been too scared to do this otherwise. But I’ve learned that my privilege is not necessary to do what I’m doing. In my time here, I’ve met people who were 18 and doing this, and people who were in their 40’s. I’ve met people with pets, people with full-time jobs, people with no job, people making well into the 90th percentile salary for their age range, and people who haven’t made a wage in months.
I’m trying to say that, yes, I had privilege and blessings going into this leap of faith. But I’ve learned it’s not necessary. A life that prioritizes whatever you find fulfilling is possible, and the people I’ve met through this journey are a testament to that fact.
What Were My Goals in Montana?
I wouldn’t say I’m a believer in manifestation, but I believe in something like it. I know from experience that something magical happens when you’re honest and outward with your dreams. If I never vocalized my desire to live in Montana, I never would have gotten all the help I did to make it happen. I wouldn’t know about nearly as many resources, I wouldn’t have my job in Aspen, and I wouldn’t have a stable career to fall back on if I ever choose to go back to the office.
It’s easier to achieve your goals when they become a part of your outward self. If you try to make it all on your own, you might not go anywhere, or at least not nearly as far. When I tell others about my aspirations, though, that’s when something amazing happens. And I credit a lot of my success in Montana to the way people helped me along the way.
I didn’t come to Bozeman expecting to have my entire life figured out by the time I left, I did it to realize what I really desire out of life… or at least get closer to it.
I wanted control over my life and my choices, and I was open to that solution coming in whatever form felt right to me. I trusted that, if I found a path I loved, I would find a way to make it work.
I knew that, if I had to choose between money and freedom, or money and happiness, then so be it. I also trusted that if there was a way to get all of the above, I would find it.
But am I Succeeding in Those Goals?
I’ve made a lot of progress since coming here. I started this blog and, even though it may not make me any money, I love it. It’s a reference point, a source of venting, a way to get my thoughts out, a time capsule, and a way to connect with others.
Even though revenue is not yet a part of this project, the people who have reached out to me seeking advice, comfort, and influence because of this project are rewarding enough. I have already helped more people in two months with fewer than 2,000 collective followers on social media than I did in years of corporate life. That’s a good feeling.
If I never took this leap – if I kept spending my time dreaming about the future rather than making my future – none of this could have happened. It’s what made this such a great chapter in my life. It’s what’s making me so excited for the next chapter as well.
I don’t feel I’m done in Bozeman yet, which I guess is good because I still have three more weeks here. But I am now genuinely excited for my next step forward. I can’t wait to keep expressing myself and advocate for the joy I feel in my life because I took an unconventional leap.
And that’s an amazing feeling – to know that I’m excited for my next chapter, and also feel a strong desire to make the most of the chapter I’m in.
So What's Next?
One of the next big leaps in my life is where I’m moving next. I recently got accepted to a position with the Aspen Ski Company to live on their resort for the winter and help with their ski and snowboarding school. That amazing opportunity will give me the ability to explore the outdoors, stay in the mountains, ski for free, and do so with a much bigger paycheck every week. It’s hard not to be excited about it, especially when I know I have friends going with me.
It feels nice to be excited for the winter season for reasons other than the holidays. Before, winter only offered the month of December for me to look forward to, and then I had to trudge through four more months before I got my life outside back. This time it’s different. I’ll spend each day skiing, snowboarding, and living on one of the most beautiful and sought-after resorts in America… and get paid to do it.
I think that’s a beautiful thing – to know that entire months out of the year that used to be hard for me are now going to be amazing.
I’m also looking forward to more privacy in my adventures. Although the hostel was amazing, I did have three roommates. Although I love each of them like family, I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t wish they slept in another room. I wish I didn’t have to shove all my belongings in a locker, under my bed, or in my car.
Aspen’s also exciting because it’s not just a vagabond adventure to experiment with my happiness like Montana was – it is a step in the right direction for a completely new career. Aspen will be a legitimate full-time job that will put me on a path to working seasonal jobs year-round.
That, mixed with The Otherwhere Project and as some other personal projects of mine, will hopefully keep me busy, earn me some extra income, and fulfill me while I spend my day-job skiing, snowboarding, and helping guests with their ski lessons.
I’m excited. I feel blessed.
Looking Behind, Looking Forward
Although this was a much-needed break from my career to figure out what I wanted out of life, I’m far enough now to take the next step and I’m excited to get going on it.
It’s hard for me to sit back and enjoy something. It betrays the busybody in me, but I want to enjoy the rest of my time in Montana, and I deserve it. I took the leap, and it’s working out. I have a life now that I’m proud of. Now I want to enjoy it.
I think a good way to measure a great life is in daydreams. In previous periods of my life, I’d constantly daydream about nature, mountains, and exploring beautiful places whenever possible. I daydreamed about working a job I liked, having the time to write, and living a creative life.
I don’t daydream about that anymore… I just do it. I go for that hike, swim in ice-cold alpine lakes, sleep under the stars, and create anytime I feel the spark.
My life’s not perfect yet, and it probably never will be. But I love the excitement I get when I pursue something better. I’m going to keep chasing that feeling.
