Let me start at the beginning: It all started last August when I finally realized that I needed a change of pace, a new location – something that would shake my world up. I needed to find my MUCHNESS. I was bored and walking around like a robot. So, what better way to change my situation, then to quit a well-paying job, sell all my belongings (if it didn’t fit in my Jeep Cherokee, it wasn’t going to my bedroom in my parent’s house), and see my family before saying, “Sayonara”. For most people, I think this is the hardest part of going against grain – realizing when a change needs to be made and then acting on your impulses.
I have always wanted to live abroad. The world is just too small to stay in one place: there are too many delicious types of foods to sample (my friends all know how much I love to eat), too many amazing and DIFFERENT people to chat with and befriend, and too many places to investigate and relish. How could anyone want to stay in one spot for their entire life? There is a WHOLE WORLD to explore.
My plan was to follow summer around the world. I traveled through New Zealand, Australia (LOVE Tassie), Hong Kong, and Thailand. I spent one month traveling through northern Thailand, which was clearly not enough time, and then headed south of Bangkok to enjoy a little island life. First stop, Koh Tao. Little did I realize that I was about to happen upon something that would change my life drastically – DIVING.
Koh Tao is a special place as any local or tourist, who has stayed here long enough, will tell you. It has a mystic quality about it. While there isn’t much to do here other than diving, drink, and/or read a book on the beach, there is something wonderful in its simplicity.
[singlepic id=165 w=240 h=320 float=right]Once here, I signed up for an open water course. (Fact: I tried diving a couple of years ago in Cairns and HATED it. My mask leaked, and breathing under the water was weird and noisy). And to my surprise, I realized that I loved it. (It really helps to have your own equipment, especially a good-fitting mask). I thought to myself when else would I have to the time to explore this sport. Basically, there was no time like the present. Nothing like a little carpe diem to alter one’s life.My original plan was to stay on the island for a couple of days (5 at the most)…I have been here for over a year – a newbie by local standards. And I have yet to regret my decision.
I now wake up in the morning with a big smile on my face because I don’t have to deal with stressful ‘real world’ deadlines and pressure. I am a diver on a tropical island. See, what a little muchness can do!
Spread the love
Leave a Reply