I know last week’s announcement brought up many questions. I also realize I’m not obligated to answer them but they are part of this story… and for those of you invested in this new journey and future of the blog, it’s only fair you should know more of what’s going on behind the scenes.
As part of my growing desire to digitally capture as many moments in time as possible to preserve these memories, I spent Saturday evening soaking up every last drop of home…
And one last sunset in the city of my birth, saying goodbye to the Pacific Ocean before boarding the plane.
Q: How long will this journey last?
Absolutely no idea. Maybe I’ll have some sort of epiphany and realize I want to go back to my small town surrounded by family and friends and live happily ever after. Or perhaps I’ll decide I can only be fulfilled by exploring the world and constantly finding myself in new environments, and I’ll be a nomad forever. After these first few days I have a feeling about which is more likely but only time will tell.
Q. Why Thailand?
It actually wasn’t the first place that popped into mind when deciding to take the leap. Originally I’d pictured Europe, probably because that’s just the most common place people run off to… but there’s so many options I’m unfamiliar with and I didn’t want to plan and overthink it. It’s also quite expensive… which made Southeast Asia (known for being extremely inexpensive) a great place to start. I’ve always wanted to visit the area and the more I read about it, the more I realized how perfect it was. Tropical weather, beautiful beaches, diverse cultures, easy to get around, and dirt cheap. It was destiny.
Q: What about your house(s) and cats?
I contacted a property manager and found a lovely tenant to move in and take care of the cats. It covers the mortgage and I’ll continue to rent it out for the duration of my trip, knowing the home and pets are cared for. My family and friends also live nearby and can step in if needed.
Eventually all three homes will have to be sold. Our first home in LA went under contract last week and is scheduled to close in less than two months if all goes well. For the Florida house, we’re still debating on whether to sell or split the equity. Our current house will need to be put up for sale at some point in the near future too, but I haven’t decided whether I want to finish remodeling it first to maximize the equity. It’s all up in the air.
Q: How are you financing this?
As most of you already know my business is online, so fortunately I can operate remotely. I’ve outsourced my printing so all I really need is my laptop and a good internet connection. Because of this my profit is also much lower, but as long as I can cover my expenses that’s all I care about right now.
I’ve always planned for the future and placed priority on saving vs spending, taking measures towards financial security and independence. Of course I didn’t anticipate this turn of events, but thankfully I worked hard enough in my 20’s to build a business and produce enough equity in our homes to make this possible. If it was somewhere in Europe I’d be blowing through money at a much faster rate, but a little goes a long way here and I can live off much less than what I do in the states.
At this point, my focus is not on building wealth. I love my home but I’m not attached to it—to me there’s no value in things. If I stopped working right now and traveled until my money ran out and had to start all over, so be it. I’d have a life rich with experiences and memories—that’s all that matters in the end.
If I decide to keep this lifestyle indefinitely I know I can figure something out. When you really want something… you’ll find a way.
If there are any other questions, please feel free to reach out. I’m still debating on whether or not to open up and share the experiences that have led to this point and how I made it through the lowest days in my life. I know there are many of you out there struggling the same way and need to connect with others who have navigated that road and found a much better path, and I know I can help.
That may come in time but for now there’s places to explore, people to meet, stories to tell and photo to share. More from the first few days of my trip very soon…
Pudel - design says
This is amazing, Jenna!
You are so inspiring to me, I follow your blog for a really long time!
I admire your talent and courage !
I want to do the same, just pack up my things and run out the door to explore the world,
and come back when I am tired of it;)
But at first I need to figure out how I can make more money out of my art, to do so.
Just keep us posted how your adventurous life looks like!:)
Jennifer Wright says
Thank you for sharing your journey & experiences.
Rebecca says
Hi there Jenna. The pictures are just beautiful. Sadly, in the past month or so I had just come across your blog and absolutely loved your decorating style and couldn’t wait to see more. However, life has taken a turn for you and while the content of your blog may change know that I will continue to follow you on your new journey. I hope you are able to find whatever it is that you are looking for and wish you nothing but the best and true happiness.
Madalena says
Jenna, you are so brave. I was once in a very similar place as you, and I had some very, very low days as well. Take the time you need. You will come through this better, stronger and with so much life experience that will take you very far in whatever you do, wherever you do it. I do hope that we can continue to see your design come through on the blog, but I also love following this journey you’re on. There is nothing better than traveling the world, getting to know other cultures and people and just soaking it all in. I do wonder: Are you still providing your online design services? It’s something I had thought of requesting for one or two rooms in our house (we just bought a home), but if not, I totally understand. I’m so glad you didn’t let your blog fall by the wayside through this journey. It has been, and continues to be one of my favorites to follow. Safe and exciting travels to you! xo
Callie says
I love your courage and brutal honesty. Putting yourself and your happiness first ensures a fulfilled life and you are so brave to take that leap.
Victoria says
hi Jenna
In April 2013 I suffered a miscarriage. In July that same year my husband and I separated. In the UK there isn’t a no fault divorce unless you wait 2-5 years depending on circs so whilst amicable, it was a very stressful time. Deciding to separate and divorce was incredibly hard but I want you to know that you can get through it.
We had a half renovated house that was supposed to have been a family home for us and getting it fit for sale fell to me. That too you can get through and I’m lucky our housing market was good at the time.
I still question it all. Even though I know it was the right decision. I sort of regret not travelling after the split (my ex is still travelling), but I’ve spent the time working on myself and getting support. Being kind to myself by renting a ‘nice’ house from living in a building site.
Take the time you need. Be kind to yourself. x
Nicole says
I’m not sure if you’re familiar with WWOOF (www.wwoof.net) but that may enable you to travel longer and gain some great learning experiences. In short, you are paired with a host and stay with them without cost as long as you volunteer to help farm (usually half days, you can work out a schedule with the host). Best of luck in your adventures!
Crystal says
Thanks for sharing. During this stage in life many people shut down, sharing your journey is inspiring. To be honest I’m curious what lead you to your decision to leave. Like you said blog life makes the bloggers life look perfect and it’s a shock when you find out they may be just like you, ups and down.
Best of luck
Satu K says
If You ever leave the Southeast Asia and deside to travel to Europe and even North part of it You’re so welcome to stay my home and I’ll show you a little different kind of nature and views where You are used to!
Good luck with your brave journy!
Kim B. says
I’m so glad your sensible self had created a cushion for you that is enabling you to take this leap now. Savvy women rock!! Many blessings to you on your journey.
Sherri says
Thanks for sharing. You are living in the moment, which is a beautiful thing. If you sell everything you own and travel for years, there is no doubt you can do it. If you eventually want to come back and rebuild a life here, there is no doubt you could do that also. The sky is the limit for you. You were willing to stretch yourself to fulfill that part of your soul that was lacking, and that takes courage. I know you are inspiring others in your journey and I look forward to sharing all that is ahead for you.
Kathy says
Jenna, I wish you peace, spiritual enlightenment & healing, and growth in ways you never imagined….just a tad bit envious to be honest with you ?
Christine S says
Best of luck on your journey. I look forward to seeing your beautiful photos. The ones of the Golden Gate Bridge are tranquil.
Catherine says
Thank you for being so open and honest. I know a lot of people are inspired and comforted by your journey. I look forward to hearing more.
jaime says
Jenna,
Your maturity, courage absolutely blow me away. You have built a solid core on which to grow and I envy the thought and planning you have done to achieve that. At twice your age, I only wish I had had the forethought to have my priorities in the right order.
I am sorry you are going through the heartbreak you are experiencing, but have all the confidence that you will come out even stronger than you already are. My thoughts and best wishes surround you. Safe travels and I look forward to seeing life through your eyes.