We all have those things that inspire us to get out there and see the world.

These are mine.

Books

Sihpromatum – I Grew My Boobs in China by Savannah Grace

This is a true story account of a 14-year-old girl and her family going on a one year turned into four journey around the world.  She only returned home to Canada to finish high school.  Presently, Savannah Grace has just crossed 100 countries! Find her website HERE!

A Year Without Make-Up by Stephanie Yoder

Another true story account of a girl who saved money for a couple of years and then embarked on a solo journey through South East Asia.  Stephanie discusses the before, during, and after of her journey. She is still traveling, but now with her husband. Check out her website HERE!

Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli

Even though this book a novel and not about travel, it still gets me excited. In the book, Star Girl doesn’t give a crap about what other people think of her. She does her thing. She does whatever makes her happy. I strive to live that sort of life. I do understand that I have to make money, so I can’t just joy ride this entire thing. But the idea of doing what I want and not worry about what other people think really appeals to me.

Quotes

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Many of my followers know that this is my favorite Bible verse. If you didn’t know, now you do. I believe that we are commanded to be strong and courageous in whatever we do. For some that may be to work two jobs to pay for what they need in life; others it may be to end an unhealthy relationship. For me, it reminds me that no matter how far I go around this world, God will be with me every step of the way. I will never be alone.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. – Mark Twain 

I remember putting this in the inside cover of a journal of mine from high school. I’ve always chronicled the things of my life, and I’ll tell you what, I am sad that some things are missing from my journals. Not because I didn’t write them down, but because I didn’t do them.

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am the first person in my family to do something like this, and it is still shocking to them. But in doing so, I have left a path for my sister, younger cousins, and family friends to follow in my footsteps. Just think, if Columbus had never set off looking for India, he never would have found the New World. What then?! Sometimes, you have to be the leader. With that comes great responsibility, but it’s worth it to hear young girls tell me they want to do what I am doing one day.

Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quiestest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey. – Pat Conroy

Written by one of my favorite authors. This quote couldn’t be more true. I know my head is a continuous reel of that time I ate Belgian Chocolate in Brussels or of that time I rode zip lines in the Swiss Alps. It’s a never-ending journey.

Not all those who wander are lost. – JRR Tolkien 

But some of us are. I wrote I response to this quote a while back where I discussed that fact that really not every one of us on this journey is lost, but some of us are. I am. I have no idea where I’m going, where I’ll end up, or how I’ll get there. I don’t know how long I’m gonna be heading down this road. I just know that I am. Some of us are lost, and that is perfectly ok.

Bloggers

That’s right! Y’all inspire me! I love to blog hop and Instagram hop following y’all’s journeys around the world. Some of us have crossed paths and others I’m hoping to cross one day! Keep on trucking on! I know this world we’re in can get a little stressful and lonely at times, but know that I love y’all! And I’m super jealous of your adventures from here in Dublin! 🙂 I’ve only included a SMALL list of the people I follow because the good Lord knows I couldn’t put all of you on here. Don’t worry, I’ll spread the love. 😉

Traveling Boston Blonde

The Great Escape

My Roommate Matilda’s Blog

Go Forth, Explorer

Linguist On The Move

Songs

For me when I’m on a long drive, a run, or walking to work, nothing makes the time go by better than a brilliant soundtrack. My soundtrack to life varies depending on my mood. But when I’m in travel mode, and I want my life to seem like some cool video (all in my head of course because I really am NOT that cool) I listen to these songs. Now, I should also say that this is my current travel playlist. It changes almost daily, and I have only selected the top played songs here.

Pompeii by Bastille 

White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes

On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons

Love Like This by Kodaline

Hopeless Wanderer by Mumford & Sons

The Of Monsters and Men album (I couldn’t pick a single song)

I Lived by OneRepublic

Life in Color by OneRepublic

Sleepy Head by Passion Pit

Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap

Fake You Out by Twenty-One Pilots

Thunder Clatter by Wild Club

Movies

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Walter Mitty is awesome. Not only is this a fantastic movie, but the soundtrack is equally as great! If you are looking for a movie to encourage you to get up off your everyday mundane butt and go do something, this is the one for you. Mitty finds himself on a round the world journey chasing a photographer. It’s a blast and really makes me want to go to Iceland.

Eat Pray Love

I relate on so many levels with Elizabeth. I was unhappy with my life in the States, so I quit my job and moved to Europe. No I didn’t get a divorce, but I did leave a fella to come here. The last year has been my own kind of Eat Pray Love journey, and I am so thankful for it. I wouldn’t change this for anything.

UP

Every stage of life in an adventure. Some adventures are bigger than others. UP reminds me that I am never too old young to begin a new journey. I have a money bin that I toss all of my spare change into. Do you?

What inspires you?