Sort of.
I guess it kind of depends on when you have talked to me over these past few weeks. Looking back to the weeks leading up to making “the decision,” it was so hard for the pleaser in me to hear harsh feedback and concerns. If you spoke to me the night I quit my surgical device sales job (a job that I actually like), you would have seen a girl who was questioning whether taking a career break was the craziest thing she could have ever done. If you would have called me the moment I learned that Mike had to go to the ER for a health scare just days before our departure, you might have thought that my head was going to spin around on its axis a la Regan McNeil in the movie the Exorcist. (minus the projectile pea soup). Despite all these bumps in the road, I am still confident that I have chosen the right path because I have listened to my heart and followed my gut.
Yes, I would be lying if I told you that it had been all roses and butterflies during the process of deciding to resign from my job and pursue a lifelong dream of traveling the world and volunteering. There have certainly been ups and downs, emotional highs and lows, a lot of chocolate consumed, and hours on the phone weighing “pros” and “cons” until my voice grows hoarse. But, in the end, I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised at how seamless this life transition has been.
After I cut through all of my fears and reservations about making this major decision, I have discovered that life is simply what you make of it. Once I freed myself of having to be the perfect employee, friend, daughter, sibling, wife…and just allowed myself to “be”, the world seemed much simpler. All of those titles and obligations are not to be taken lightly. But they are not everything. Others will accept whatever you choose to do with your life as long as your convictions are pure and you are driven by passion.
We have not even left for our trip yet and I already feel that I have learned a few life lessons:
- Trust your gut. That little voice in the back of your head and at the depth of your heart knows what you really want. Listen to it every once in a while.
- Your family and friends love you and WILL support you. Despite my wildest fears that the people closest to me in my life simply wouldn’t “get it,” I have been amazed by the outpouring of support.
- Life goes on….with and without you. Your company and colleagues will function at the same level if you take some time off. Your friends will still plan parties. Your family will still have dinners together once a month. Life goes on without you….and that is OK.
As this is my inaugural blog post, I feel that I need to start it out honestly and authentically and attempt to avoid the hyperbole that my husband claims I am so prone to. (Even though that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard in my whole life!!) So I will end this post with a promise. In the next few months, I pledge to report on what I see, describe how I feel, and bring you along with Mike and I on a trip around the globe.
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Giving Back
A huge part of our journey is about giving back. While the personal travel is sure to dazzle, we are confident that it will be the volunteer experiences that will show us the most about the world and touch our souls. Read more...
I loved reading this blog post and am loving your stories. So proud to call you and Mike friends! Thanks For your honesty Kat! Love, Amy
K&M, what a life changing journey you both have begun. An amazing, courageous decision to give back and get down to the basics of giving and receiving. Love to you both. Take care of each other and be safe!
Enjoy my second home during your first stop in the New Zealand! It could not have been a more appropriate stop as you mentioned in your post about simplicity and life is what you make of it! I look forward to hearing your feedback on the modern day culture of the kiwi simplisitic lifestyle – and more importantly if you need anything while you are there – please let us know.
Mike and Kat,I am so excited you included me in those who can follow your journey.
I look forward to hearing and seeing the world thru you. Have the time of your life!
K&M: Even though I was probably the last to know of your expedition, I was so thrilled to hear of it. I’m sure it will be everything you imagine it will be and much more. God Bless you both on this journey. I will follow along via this blog, which I think is fantastic. Love to you both.
Love to my favorite daughter in law!!! Enjoy every moment just living and being. Remember your journal. Can’t wait for pics of you and Mike. All my love, Marilynn
Mike & Kat – I just subscribed to the blog! Safe travels, take lots of pictures, and enjoy the ride. Sisto
Wow!! I’m so proud of you and happy you are doing what you love.
I guess you can make dreams come true. Enjoy the adventure and I’ll be following you around the world while you leave a little Pisco here and there.
I am so excited for you and I can’t wait to follow your travels over the next 9 months. You are inspiring Chris and I to think more seriously about round 2. Who knows, maybe we will all just end up taking turns as world travelers 🙂
Love following your grand adventure! Hope this experience is all you want it to be and more!
Love the blog! I look forward to following you on your adventure. Congratulations on a wonderful, truly life-changing decision.
We’re so excited for both of you! We’ll be following along as you travel the world, have fun!
Wonderful post Kat! Enjoy every moment and we look forward to following along as you experience this amazing journey!
Xoxo-Tony & Lauren
You’ve probably heard this a thousand times…but this is, Awesome!! (not a hyperbole).
Godspeed!
Looking forward to reading and hearing all about your travels! Have fun and be safe!! xoxo Katherine
KP I can’t wait to follow your adventure! Your decision truly shows how big your heart is! I’m proud to have you as a friend!
First of all…… You both totally suck!!!! Second of all…… Great first blog post. I can’t wait to hear more about your journey and want to wish you and Mike the very best during your trip. And third……. You both totally suck!!!!
All the best from NC,
AM
Kat – awesome post. Pretty accurately describes how Tess and I felt as we made this choice last summer, which (in retrospect) was one of the best decisions of our lives . Excited for the two of you!
And if you end up coming through CO sometime in the next few months, do stop by & visit!
What amazing words. Our entire family just read this message and plan to keep reading about your awesome journey. The kids are excited to track your travels throughout the world. With all of our own life changes ahead it is such an inspiration to read your thoughts and follow your dreams with you. We will continue to pray for your safety. God Bless you both on this amazing journey ahead!
Love,
Matt, Melissa and the Kids
Well said, Kat. Even though you guys just left (and I only see you a handful of times throughout the year), I miss you guys already. I am so happy for (and jealous of) both of you as you begin this life changing venture. You are two amazing people doing an amazing thing and I can’t wait to hear all about it! Best of luck, and please, please, (please !!!!) keep us up-to-date! Feel free to FaceTime at any moment no matter what time it is in the states. I will wake up from a dead sleep on a random week night (or perhaps while I am still awake on a late Saturday night) to talk with you guys!
Go get ’em!!!
Can’t wait to follow along on your adventure you guys! So excited for you, xxoo
Of you go!
I whole-heartedly appreciated your honest blog. Most notable, “once I freed myself from having to be the perfect…..” So true. We do it to ourselves! You inspired me.. Keep it up. I am looking forward to learning through you two as you go through this incredible life experience. Cheers to courage!
Kitty, can’t wait to hear all about your experiences! Hope you are safely in NZ! Pictures ASAP please! Xoxo
Love the blog guys!!! I can’t wait to live vicariously through you. Jack, Rich, Brady and I will miss you but can’t wait to read about your adventures. Remember, just “be” 🙂