Lessons from the Road 3/31

It’s almost been a year since I set off on a trip. It was one of those trips where you don’t realize how formative it was until you sift through the memories. At that time and in the moment, though, I was just living my life day-to-day, with some semblance of a routine in each new place we stayed.

Each day was a new experience, providing a new lesson. All of the lessons haven’t risen to the surface yet, but here are a few I learned quickly — and I’m confident I’ll never forget them.

1. If you feel like you’ve overstayed your welcome, leave. That’s what got you out of Minnesota in the first place.

2. Don’t get your heart broken — again.

3. Don’t have expectations of other people. It’s not fair to you. It’s not fair to them.

4. Whether it’s about a person, place, or decision — trust your gut.

5. Have as much fun as you can.

I’m 35. No wife, no kids, and my family is all over the country. I came to terms with being alone long ago, and there’s some freedom in that. In a way, returning to these lessons helps me feel less alone.

Like my past self is watching out for my future self, with my present self being the conduit.

Or not.

Or I’m just a lonely man with a dog, looking for his physical place in life.