What I Learned After One Year of Being a Nomad
One year ago today, on 11.11.24, after the fire took everything, I packed up my life in the 5 boxes of “my stuff” and stored them in my parents’ attic.
I bought a ONE WAY ticket to Costa Rica- not knowing my next moves. All I booked was 3 weeks’ worth of accomodation with no other plans- except one goal — to heal and start over.
I took the JUMP.
I took the LEAP into the unknown.
I faced my FEAR AND DID IT ANYWAY. (You will hear me say that a lot- because that’s what my mom always told me!)
I would have never thought I would life this nomad lifestyle! I never thought that I could be that person. Well, since that LEAP, I’ve lived in multiple countries, met incredible people, cried in new places, healed in unexpected ways, and learned lessons that changed how I see life.
Here’s what one year as a nomad has taught me — and what I’d tell anyone thinking about taking their own leap. 🤸♂️
🗺️ You don’t have to have it all figured out to start.
When I left, I didn’t have a roadmap — I had a moment of bravery. Waiting until everything is “perfect” will keep you stuck. You learn as you go. The clarity, confidence, and community come after you take the leap, not before.
🦅 Loneliness and freedom often travel together.
Around week three, I almost gave up. I missed comfort and familiarity. But loneliness doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path — it just means you’re shedding your old life and stepping into a new one. Once I found my rhythm and community, that loneliness turned into peace.
💻 You’ll figure things out faster than you think.
From finding good Wi-Fi and cozy cafés to picking up a few local phrases, it’s less complicated than it seems. You don’t need to research every detail — just learn the basics. Once you start connecting with nomads and expats, everything becomes easier. People love to share recommendations: where to stay, which spots to avoid, and who to meet. Before long, you’re the one giving advice to the next traveler who’s just starting out.
👯♂️ You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
I used to think I had to be completely alone to heal. But some of my biggest breakthroughs came while surrounded by people who understood this lifestyle. I found co-living spaces, nomad groups, and communities that became my support system. We share tips, introduce each other to new friends, and help one another navigate this wild adventure. It’s a small world — but it’s also massive, with people living this way all over the globe.
🤍 Home is not a place — it’s a feeling.
Now that I’m back in Nashville for a bit, surrounded by family and friends, I’m realizing that home isn’t where you live — it’s how you live. It’s the quiet mornings, the meaningful conversations, and the way you feel in your own skin. My version of home moves with me now, and that feels like freedom.
This year taught me that you can lose everything and still rebuild something even better. You can start over at any age, in any season. And you don’t have to do it alone.
If you’ve been dreaming about taking your own leap — this is your reminder that you can. ✨
