Welcome to my blog! Let me introduce myself: I was a practicing bankruptcy lawyer for almost 40 years until I retired in July ’25. I can’t say that I was particularly enamored with practicing law, and retirement has been something I’ve been looking forward to since my late 50’s. I’m 63 as of this writing, which I choose to consider “young” for retirement purposes. Don’t shatter my self-image.
I began thinking of life as comprised of thirds (I should only be so lucky to live to 90, but stick with me here): the first third (0-30), one spends trying to please parents, teachers, contemporaries; the second third (30-60) is spent trying to please spouses, significant others, children, clients, partners (probably still some effort to please parents if they’re still around); then the final third (60-?) belongs to you. It would be nice to have a plan in place with a roadmap to the future. Since everyone’s future contains the same ending (sorry to break it to you if that comes as a surprise), the search for content and contentment in one’s life can take many forms. For me, consideration of all of these issues led me to conclude that I needed to spend time with myself and live out a fantasy that’s been bouncing around in my head for as long as I can remember. Starting January 1, 2026, I am leaving for a 12-month trip around the world with the intention of visiting every continent. And I’m going solo.
That’s the part that hooks people. Travel is great, but solo? That’s followed by the frequent “why would you want to do that?” or “won’t you be lonely?” or “why don’t you just take a month and come back, then leave again?” All perfectly valid questions which I have thought long and hard about.
Why would I want to do this? Facially simple, but complex upon reflection. It’s easy to say simply that I want to do this because I can. I’ve worked hard and done well enough to live comfortably (I hope) for the indefinite future. But doing it just because I can isn’t really the answer. There’s lots of things I could do if I wanted – there’s definitely a few guitars I’d splurge on – so I can’t just fall back on that glib explanation.
In reality, there are lots of reasons I’m doing this. This is the first time I’ve ever done something that is just for me. I don’t have to worry about checking emails, responding to voicemails, justifying my itinerary choices, hotel selections, and activities, or whether someone will think I look dorky in hiking pants (spoiler alert – I do).
I also think of this as a challenge to myself – I’ve always been somewhat of an introvert, so the prospect of spending time on my own isn’t particularly intimidating. It’s the opposite that’s true – can I find ways to connect with people that I don’t know and put myself in a vulnerable position socially? It’s possible I’ll feel lonely, but I welcome that experience as well. Some people challenge themselves physically by climbing Mount Everest – I’m just trekking to Everest Base Camp – others want to confront their psychological fears. I suppose I’m in the latter category. I need to experience the difference between solitude and loneliness. The endless pursuit of tranquility over anxiety. Will I finally stop nervously gnawing on the inside of my cheeks? Is it possible that I will be able to easily fall asleep and wake up feeling rested? I’m going to find out.
There’s another important aspect to this for me. Without sounding douchey (uh oh, already sounds douchey), I’ve always thought of myself as a “seeker.” What I’ve been looking for, I’m not sure. Kind of a “you know it when you see it” thing. Who will I be at the end of a year of solo travel? I think it’s impossible to do a trip like this and not be changed by the experience. If I’m alone long enough, will I lose the capacity to speak with other human beings? Anything is possible.
I’ve been doing a lot of exercise in advance of my departure since I have a lot of physical activities planned (e.g., the whole Everest Base Camp thing). I’ve gotten into the practice of doing a 6-7 mile walk on Saturdays which, surprisingly, I really enjoy. I listen to music on my iPod (yes, iPod – I’m old school), and Dr. John came on singing that “life is a one way ticket.” That hit me hard. I’ve spent so much of my life thinking about all the things I’ll get to do later, down the road, at some unspecified point in the future. We Jews are good at delayed gratification (we go through a full 24 hours of no food/water on Yom Kippur just to be able to have a nice bagel and lox), and I’ve accepted that approach to life.
Until now. My train isn’t ever going to start running backwards. I’ve missed some stops along the way that I really regret. I’ve sat next to some people who fascinated me and some who’ve bored me out of my mind. Now I’m ready to become the conductor. I know I’m inevitably heading towards the final station, but I intend to appreciate all of the scenery along the way. I hope you’ll stay with me on this journey.
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