Okay, enough of the history recap—let's get real. I'm going to take you on a journey through the current state of my internal dialogue.
Ever since I hit a dog and crashed my bike, I've felt exhausted. It's true: when your body is healing, the immune system is active—sending cells to repair tissue and prevent infection—which uses up a lot of energy. Inflammation releases chemicals like cytokines, which can make you feel fatigued or sluggish. Tissue regeneration and rebuilding require increased protein synthesis and cell activity, which also draw on your body's resources.
I hate feeling exhausted and tired. Being energized, I've realized, is one of the most important things you can do for yourself as a human. If you're not energized, you can't give to others, crack jokes, or train your mind and body.
I'm incredibly grateful that quitting my job and leaving the U.S. for 7.5 months gave me the space to figure out what truly energizes me. The bike accident made me double down on its importance.
One of the biggest factors that keeps me energized is sunlight. I like places with temperate, sunny climates. They make me feel more active and more connected to my surroundings. I've learned I'm not a city person—I prefer the seclusion of nature and smaller villages. I've realized the value of eating fresh fruits and local foods. Lactose and gluten make me feel sluggish, while fish makes me feel the most alive and energized.
Of course, you don't have to quit your job and travel the world to figure all this out. But when you do, you gain the freedom and time to experiment and observe what works for you.
Working out in the morning and doing challenging things keeps me energized—especially through sports.
So now we understand the importance of staying energized throughout the day. As I've said before, this trip is a hero's journey. There's a rising action, a climax, and a falling action. I liken it to setting sail on an expedition in the 16th century, searching for unknown lands.
The first three months were about unraveling my old self and letting go of the corporate life and values I'd built around myself. The next three months, I got lost in the middle of the deep blue sea—doing some of the most adventurous things I never imagined I'd do. I hunted with a tribe in Africa, where I bit a bird's neck. I trekked through the Himalayas for a week and a half. I volunteered on a farm in Laos. I rode a motorbike halfway through Vietnam.
These crazy adventures are incredibly rewarding—but also incredibly exhausting.
After the 4,000+ km bike ride through Vietnam, staying in wild homestays with local indigenous people and eating whatever was offered, I now feel my ship slowly steering toward shore. The accident—and the forced slowdown—made me reflect on what I want out of the rest of this trip.
I've had so many wild experiences already. What's next?
Now, I want to incorporate the habits that will keep me energized long-term—before I return home to all the external forces that push and pull you in every direction. That means working out, eating cleaner, reading, writing, reigniting my intellect, and using my phone less. These micro-habits need to be cemented in the next couple of months.
In the Philippines, I plan to chill hard—but maybe I'll still find the energy for one more adventure. I really want to learn how to surf. I'd also love to practice Spanish in a foreign country.
I've come to realize: this adventure is never going to leave me. I don't see myself returning to America to work an in-person job ever again (hopefully—unless I'm forced to). I want to continue creating an international lifestyle.
Now, for the first time in human history, you can make a living and earn money from a laptop. That gives you ultimate freedom and flexibility to live anywhere you want.
I don't want to plan too far ahead. I want to preserve spontaneity. I think the best approach is to point your ship in a direction and see where the waves take you—rather than trying to force a specific course.
After all, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.
