I was on the phone with one of my most active clients at Command Prompt when I had to interrupt the call because my dogs somehow opened the bus door and went running after horses. The client and Command Prompt have a good relationship so I wasn’t too worried about the fallout. However, what the client said when I returned to the call and explained the interruption was surprising.
“I think I have been doing life all wrong…”
The additional context for the response is that he found out about how I travel and work for the first time. The fact that I had to chase after French Bulldogs chasing after horses (let that image sink in for a sec) added to the impression.
This moment of vulnerability had a deep effect. Having an alternative work style is far from easy and often has me striving for the stability of a stationary life. But when I heard these words, I was flooded with memories from before I decided to take the risk of working on the road. I felt trapped, with “stressed” being my primary answer to the question, “how are you?” I too felt like I was doing life all wrong.
I deeply appreciated this experience with my client, not only because it demonstrated the trust we have built, but also because it enabled me to lean into gratitude. Without my clients and the Command Prompt team, I wouldn’t be able to travel and work the way I do. Without the blessing of being able to do my job remotely, I definitely wouldn’t live in a skoolie. And I’m sure to some that it makes sense, but I don’t believe we are meant to be stationary most of our lives. I believe that our need for adventure has been suppressed by distractions, including the almighty cell phone and media. Or put it another way: we’re getting our “fix” from devices instead of life. We are, to quote a recently read book, a dopamine nation.
When I think back on the years I’ve been doing this (since 2018), there have definitely been some hard moments, a lot of tantrums, and a ton of physical pain. I wouldn’t trade the adventures I have had – even the bad ones. They make me a better person; a more grateful person.
If you are in my life: Thank You.
If you are not in my life: Thank you for being in my life now.