Why I am selling everything I own and moving

[Anocer]

I've recently made the decision to sell off all my worldly possessions, give away what I can't sell and burn the rest. I will then move some place I have never been before and take it from there. Since many of you have expressed interest and concern, and as I value your opinions and input, I will explain the circumstances that have brought me to this decision.

To put it most simply: I want to live for myself and to do that I must discover who I truly am.

Far too much of my life has been spent fulfilling the expectations of others; family, friends, 'society' and so on... while in reality the only genuine truths that others can share about happiness is what has made -them- happy or unhappy; it is impossible for anyone to ever know what I actually want except for me and if I am unwilling to accept this truth then I am binding myself to a life of inevitable disappointment.

Over the years as I would look back on decisions I've made I've found that the overwhelming majority were to please someone or so that I wouldn't disappoint someone or so that I wouldn't make someone angry... and it has become clear that this has only done a disservice to me by hindering the ultimate fulfillment of myself. To clarify, I have long felt that benevolence is the greatest of all virtues and selflessly giving myself for the benefit of others to be the most virtuous act I can do in life... to such a point that I found myself receiving satisfaction from the self-sacrifice.

Ideas surrounding what I 'should' do with my life have saturated my decisions and I intend to shed these preconceived notions so that I might discover who I am, what I need, and what I want out of life... because, honestly, I'm quite uncertain.

I am uncertain because these notions have become such an ingrained aspect of my thoughts that they are near second-nature... unavoidably clouding the decision making process. To be clear, I have not suffered from any terrible tragedies or injustices in my life. I am simply no longer willing to live a life, in my relative experiences, which I find unacceptable, undesirable and unfulfilling.

Much akin to the caterpillars cocooning metamorphosis to a butterfly I will shed the skin of old and begin as an entirely different creature... but even the butterfly must learn to fly for the first time, as well as how to land.

I am in a unique situation in that I really have no obligations... no wife or girlfriend, no job, no kids, no house, no car, and so on... I only have myself - and I think this realization is what is driving me. I realized the only 'thing' I really 'have' in life is myself. And with this came the understanding that I must begin to live life for myself.

It is for these reasons that I have decided to sell everything I own and move.

To help with a fresh start I am looking into natural and medical cleansing processes to fully cleanse and reboot my system. I need surgery to correct my TMJ jaw, some minor dental work and I am looking into having corrective vision surgery (I had an exam a few years back that determined I was eligible for the most advanced process at that time) as I am near-sighted enough that I would be in rough shape were I to lose my glasses - though all this really depends on how much I sell all my belongings for and whatnot over the next two months. Referrals, insight and information on any of these processes are very welcome.

The sale of possessions serves a twofold purpose. First, the cathartic aspect helps to ensure I have the fewest physical reminders of my prior mode of operation... other than myself, of course, which is the focus of this effort. Secondly, for the above reasons, I need the money.

I have a shoebox of memorabilia and photos that I am sending to my parents for safe keeping but other than that I intend on getting rid of everything until I can literally buy a new set of clothes, change into them, and give my old clothes away.

Certainly there are risks being taken but I'm tired of hiding under my rock out of fear that the wind might sweep me away.

There must be something more out there for me than everything I have come to know... and if there is I intend to find it.

I intend to rediscover the meaning of life, for myself, on my own terms.

I welcome input, suggestions, and advice on anything from personal experiences, important information or questions about my thinking, please do not hesitate.

 

[rm71]

All i can say is Wow! good luck with it all.

 

[Anocer]

I also want to say that the incredibly overwhelming response of well wishes, concern and positive thoughts is immensely appreciated.

Also, despite the somber nature of such realizations I hope that you all can see the brilliance of these realizations that I am experiencing... as I, for the first time in my life, feel the closest I ever have to genuine freedom.

 

[FLTiger]

Good luck, sir.

I hope you are the sociable type that makes friends easily. The way of the world is that success comes more often from who you know rather than what you know.

 

[Luc]

Best of luck!

 

[moonshine44]

I certainly hope you find what you're looking for...

 

[Fnord5]

Might I suggest, in addition to your new clothes, a new Ellis, Strop, Brush, and Soap?
Shaving is, after all a very personal time that you can reflect, and think about things that need thinking about.

 

[Joshua Da Silva]

Best of luck

I hope you will keep in touch with us still, I'm sure many of us would like to know how your journey goes.

 

[TimmyBoston]

I remember reading about a young man who did something like this, Chris McCandless.

Things didn't end so well for him.

 

[dpm802]

You are not alone with this idea. Check out Mr. Ian Usher.

In many ways, I envy you and Mr. Usher ... I would love to have the freedom (and the funds) to pick up, move on, and start all over again. I don't really have anything tying me down except my job, and its a loose bond, at that.

Good Luck, and please keep in touch ... let us know how it all turns out for you.

 

[Anocer]

Thanks everybody, for the good luck wishes.

I don't really think of it as though I am going looking for anything - or at least not anything in particular, which is kind of the point... to dismiss what I might look for and simply find what I am drawn to - to discovery what is out there.

Might I suggest, in addition to your new clothes, a new Ellis, Strop, Brush, and Soap?
Shaving is, after all a very personal time that you can reflect, and think about things that need thinking about.

Funny you should say this... earlier I dry shaved with a year old mach 3 blade and got a BBS without irritation, nicks or ingrown hairs. Go figure

But hey, if Bill wants to donate a custom to auction and help me on my travels I am certainly not going to stop him!

I remember reading about a young man who did something like this, Chris McCandless.

Things didn't end so well for him.

Mr. McCandless was sorely unprepared for living in the bush, let alone the Alaskan bush. Without proper equipment or know-how he was doomed to fail before he started.

Alone in the Wilderness is an amazing story about a retired army diesel mechanic who moves into the Alaskan wilderness at 52, built a log cabin with hand tools and ended up living there for the better part of the next 30 years. And while Alaska is my state of birth I don't intend on heading to such harsh climates.


I've traveled quite a bit (been to most of the States, Canada several times and 8 countries in Europe), lived in several major US cities and generally have a pretty good sense of things about me. I don't speak any foreign languages presently so I am sticking to the US for now.

And I would also consider myself to be fairly personable, easy to get along with and quick to make friends.

 

[fidjit]

Well done mate !

I had an "epiphany" while visiting Siem Reap , Cambodia late last year. Nowhere near as big as yours but still a quite substantial one that has resulted in a complete rethink of lifestyle, assets etc....

I have 3 kids to worry about before I can do anything major in regards to this but it's not a case of IF it happens but WHEN

I wish you all the best in your (ad)venture.

Somehow I've always like these lyrics....kinda sums it all up to me:

"What you own is your own kingdom
What you do is your own glory
What you love is your own power
What you live is your own story
In your head is the answer
Let it guide you along
Let your heart be the anchor
And the beat of your own song"

-Rush " Something for Nothing"

 

[Anocer]

I do intend on keeping an journal during my travels and I will surely share that when the time comes.

In the meanwhile, some of you have expressed an interest in me stopping by when I am near your area to share in my travels - this sounds like an awful nice idea and is a wonderful gesture.

While I can't make any guarantees if you feel so inclined as to send me a PM me with your first name, city/state and a phone number so that I can give you a ring some day and we can sit down over a nice cup o' joe - actually I don't drink coffee, but you never know what might change - and I can share some of my journey with you.

Additionally, for those of you wondering about my BST thread it is currently under mod review. There was confusion regarding the sale process and it was interpreted as an opportunity for open bidding - this was not my intention. Hopefully, this will be sorted out before too long.

To clarify, I have not sold anything yet and my appreciation goes to the mods who are working to sort this out.

 

[TOB9595]

I applaud your search for self.
I agree with fixing the health/medical stuff.
Evolve as your new self experiences and gains momentum and direction.

YOU will be a better you as you proceed down the paths your search chooses.
CONGRATULATIONS to YOU!
Tom

 

[TOB9595]

Good Fortune on your JOURNEY.
I envy you for doing this.
WELL DONE!
pm is off to you, my friend
Tom

 

[nikkuchan]

This reminded me of a story I heard once. I think it was true, but I can’t say for certain. A man sold everything he owned. Everything, until he had absolutely nothing. He then took every last penny of his money, which amounted to quite a bit since he just sold all of his possessions, took it to a casino, and bet it all on a single round of roulette. He won and became very rich.

Your intentions are much more pure, but either way, it takes a lot of resolve to get rid of everything you have, and that is something to be respected, especially in this day and age when such a decision would bring most people to question your sanity. I personally don't have the courage, but I have imagined many times how it would be to do this.

If you ever wind up in Japan, look me up.

 

[Anocer]

This reminded me of a story I heard once. I think it was true, but I can’t say for certain. A man sold everything he owned. Everything, until he had absolutely nothing. He then took every last penny of his money, which amounted to quite a bit since he just sold all of his possessions, took it to a casino, and bet it all on a single round of roulette. He won and became very rich.

It takes a lot of resolve to get rid of everything you have, and that is something to be respected.

Oh yeah, If you ever wind up in Japan, look me up.

I recall hearing this story as well, just recently, and I believe it is true.

Japan is definitely one country I have considered visiting many times as I have always had a deep respect and curiosity surrounding Japanese culture and Eastern philosophy as a whole. So it is quite possible I will end up in your neck of the woods.

 

[Mycon]

After watching my best friends take the exact opposite path recently and succumb completely to social pressures, there aren't enough thumbs up I can give (so I'll stick to a classic)

Absolute best of luck to ya!

 

[bovine]

i wish i was as brave as you. good luck and godspeed, sir.

 

[adonnellyr]

This reminded me of a story I heard once. I think it was true, but I can’t say for certain. A man sold everything he owned. Everything, until he had absolutely nothing. He then took every last penny of his money, which amounted to quite a bit since he just sold all of his possessions, took it to a casino, and bet it all on a single round of roulette. He won and became very rich.

During my undergrad, one of my roommates who loved gambling insisted upon keeping a newspaper clipping of the story on our fridge, so it's definitely true. That way he left to fate fate whether he'd be super wealthy or about to start on a journey starting completely over. Quite intriguing.

As to the OP, best of luck on your travels. I'm sure we've all felt at least partial desire to do this at some point or another, but you seldom hear of someone daring to do so. Best of luck to you!