Reader Challenge: Pursuing Our Passions

Flipping the cover to my iPad mini closed, I realized that I’ve started a pattern (and sniffed a reader challenge). Since the beginning of 2016, I’ve read three travel books – Working on the Road by Nora Dunn, Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (affiliate link), and How to Travel Full-Time by Colin Wright (affiliate link). And these were all at the start of January! Which meant . . .

The wanderlust has thickened so much in my veins that the fire must be quenched.

I’ve always known that I love travel. From yearly visits to my hometown in the Philippines to my bestie trip to Korea in 2013 and the return trip in 2015, a lot of evidence speaks for my affinity of jetting to far off places.

Talking Travel Books

But reading these memoirs and guides on travel has made the fantasy into a true goal. No longer a fluid intention, but a solid destination. Along with this epiphany, of three things I am perfectly sure.

Moving to Oregon was the right choice. True, I could’ve read these books on Guam. And yes, I’ve definitely heard of these authors before and would have gotten to their books eventually. But I didn’t. Not then. And I probably would’ve waited another few years before finally deciding to crack open these books if I remained on island. By moving, my mind felt permission to actually explore outside of the norm because my new norm was forming. Everything was new, so everything was accepted.
My traveling lifestyle is on the horizon of 2017. Although I’ve started making plans to travel back to Guam in the summer of that year, I’ve made up my mind that going to places I’ve never gone is also in the cards. I could jump on a plane this year, but building a foundation (as mentioned in each of the books) is what will push me forward. Having an HQ will relieve many of the burdens.
Nothing will stop me from making this lifestyle happen. Sure, funds can be a major barrier if proper attention is not paid. And, of course, a foolish leap of faith with no safety net can throw a screw in the wrong cog. But when I set my mind on a goal, there’s no getting in my way. If fate led me to these books and life has allowed me to devour them in less than three weeks, then I think the time has come.

So, what exactly are we being challenged to do for March (or whichever month you stumble upon this post; I believe we all arrive at precisely the right time)? I’m glad you asked. Here’s the reader challenge:

Read books that fuel your passion.

That’s it. For the rest of this month, indulge in your passion by reading up on it.

If you’re passion is economics and its long-term effects, perhaps think of trying out Chris Anderson’s Free: The Future of a Radical Price (the audiobook on Audible is free! Seriously).

If you’re passion is memoirs and writing, read up on Stephen King’s On Writing (affiliate link). I highly recommend listening to the audiobook. King himself narrates the entire book. Best. Eight hours. Of my life!

If you have a particular fondness for Paris, check Esther’s favorites at Lattes & Layers by clicking here. (She’s got exquisite taste in literature and a beautiful blog. See for yourself.) Or perhaps, like me, your heart is set on one day visiting Italy. If that’s the case, I highly recommend one of my all-time favorite books Marlena de Blasi’s A Thousand Days in Venice (affiliate link).

Whatever you love the most, read at least 3 books on it. What if you don’t know what your passion is? Oh, but you do. Ask yourself, “If I could be anywhere doing anything right now, what and where would that be?” Voila! You have your answer and the permission to chase after it, lovely.

As for me, I will continue to drink in all the travel books I can as I make the necessary preparations to make traveling a full-time lifestyle. Whether I have to take on several odd jobs or work long, enjoyable hours to get Hint of Jam running to its fullest potential, I will do what it takes. Either that or let the burning desire consume me. Consider this #ChallengeAccepted.