Where would you go?
If you had no restrictions, no fears, unlimited time and money – where would you go, what would you do, and what would your memories be?
The biggest part of this journey began about 3 ½ years ago; a year after the crash of the economy. This was a time when many of us were faced with big decisions. It is when I decided to take huge risk to follow my heart so that when I came to that point in my life where many things may not be physically or financially possible, I would not look back with regrets and say “What if?”
There are plenty of days still filled with anxiety when I think to myself – if I had just worked for those three years, I could a have bought one or two more properties at the bottom of the market securing my future financially, instead of investing in my dreams. But, this game must be played fairly so I must then say to myself – “if you did that, then you must take away all the experiences you had in Africa the past three years.” Although, that puts things back into perspective, it does not lessen the anxiety. Had I chosen to work for more money and security, I would not have taken that first trip to the Omo when I did. A trip that changed my life, gave focus to my work, and the drive to keep going at the moments I wanted to quit.
Recently, I was sent a few images from Babara VonHoffman who was on my last trip in the Omo Valley. When I saw them I was overwhelmed by the emotion and how much they emphasized that it is the memories of your life that are priceless. It is a big reminder that we have only this one life to live. When we arrive at the end, we don’t get to say, “Wait! I want to do the last 20 years differently.”
This is on my mind a lot these days, as I am at another crossroads with a huge decision to make. Once again it basically it comes down to Risk or Security? There are many times I am exhausted by the anxiety of the Risk I continue to take, but at the same time, I feel emotionally broken by the thought of excepting security and not living out my dreams in the only life I will be given.
So I am very curious about your dreams-
If you had no restrictions, no fears, unlimited time and money – where would you go, what would you do, and what would your memories be?
“It’s impossible,” said pride.
“It’s risky,” said experience
“It’s pointless.” Said reason
“GIVE IT A TRY,” whispered the heart
Author unknown……
I have always subscribed to the notion that “no matter what is going on in my life, I will travel.” I have taken big trips my entire life. As a practicing physician, this involved leaving a busy practice, losing potential income, and the risk of losing patients. I have never regretted this decision. Now, in my 70’s, I have traveled to over 89 countries, and continue to travel. I don’t regret a single trip. I see friends of mine who are ill, and are phyiscally unable to travel, even though they now have the means and the time. There is always be a reason not to take that trip. Don’t succumb to that!!! Regardless or your finances, you can always travel at the level you can afford. Just do it! As for you, Piper, go for it!!!
Dale thank you so much for sharing this!! Nice to have the support when taking that risk!
Could not have said it better – both Piper and Dr. Davis. I have been practicing medicine for over 24 years. My most relaxing memories are sitting behind a camera, feeling the thrill of capturing a moment. I still have many more countries to see, and hanging out with Piper in Ethiopia is on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!
Nathan would love to have you join me in Ethiopia… don’t wait too long on that one… change is happening pretty fast in that region…..well in most remote indigenous regions.
An extended Africa tour, including the gorillas!!!! Just need mo Monies, cause i would do it in a heartbeat…. planning first Trip to Africa 2015
Its a wonderful dream to travel the world photographing nature, which we are pursuing now that our children are raised, and we have retired comfortably. We worked, we saved and we made wise investments to achieve this dream. Having said this, I must be the “devil’s advocate.” People who quit their jobs, don’t save, and pursue their “windmills” better have something to fall back on when they are too old to live in a tent on the plains of Africa or can no longer travel the world because of their medical problems because I do not want to have pay for them. It’s something like the “grasshopper and the ant” theory. I’m not being cruel just practical. But of course, you could get eaten by a lion or leopard! Then you wouldn’t have to worry about old age. LOL!
Kandace – I wonder what the world would look like if Steve Jobs worked hard and saved up to follow his passion in retirement rather than take the risk, walking away from a top education, and pursuing what he believed to be his calling? What about all those who took the risk to purse their love for music, what would our world be like if they had saved up, then safely record their first song in retirement? What would the world be like if no one took risk and everyone worked a normal 9-5 job, paid off their home, and waited until 65+ to pursue their calling? What would that world look like? I understand what you are saying, and respect being “practical”, but when you play the “what if” game, it has to be a fair one. So if everyone should save, rather than take risk, you need to look at the effects of what that would really look like.
Our world is in a race to a generic society. Cultures, languages and ancient wisdom is being lost everyday!
Over 3,000 languages have been lost in the past 40 years!! The poaching of animals are at an unprecedented rate and if it continues, there will be no Elephants or Lions roaming the African continent by 2214!! This is fact, in the same way that people did not want to believe “Global Warming”. I say go see “Chasing Ice” do your research and then try to say it is not happening. Documentation of cultures and wildlife on our planet is more necessary than ever!!! There are stories that need to be told before there is no one left to tell them. Someone needs to take that risk, and I think you have convinced me that my project in 2014 is extremely worth that risk- Thank you.
People always say to me that I go on such great vacations – I say you can too. I am heading to Africa in September for 3 weeks and can’t wait. If I could put Experience and Reason in box not to be heard from, I’d quit my day job and spend all my time on a photographic journey of people and wildlife. You are an inspiration.
I love that… put Experience and Reason in a box…. I guess that’s why you always hear “do it while you are young” .. you have less to lose and have no fear… but in most case you have no money either… the balance of nature….LOL
My dad used to tell me “You can have anything, you just can’t have everything” (Lincoln?)
My mom would say “Everything in moderation”
And my husband believes there are times for risk and times for security so we can keep taking risks in the future. He calls them our times of sacrifice.
I take it all to heart but certainly push the boundaries. As much as I hate it, security IS important, noble even, but not everything. Travel and making images are equally important to me.
Where would I go…. everywhere! (in the very literal, non-generic sense) 🙂
I am definitely down with having both!! But I don’t think I can wait to take a risk until I am 100% secure for life. So, like you Karen, I will push the boundaries!!
I’d start in Africa and photograph the history of mankind. Following the migration of man throughout the world.
Awesome Rob…. I would love to join that journey!!
I’m having the same “discussion” in my head daily. My head says it is horrible having no money in the bank and my heart says sitting at a desk for a paycheck is a slow and painful death every day. My heart also tells me documenting and studying the edges of the ocean(s) is my calling-now how to turn that into a paycheck is the real question. To answer your direct question: I would be happy to travel anywhere in the world that is water related. Sometimes that is as close as walking out my back door.