Once I realized I didn't want to go back to LA, I did what any good Angeleno does and I made an appointment with my energy healer. I pitched the idea of becoming a digital nomad.
"Travel is strong for you," she said.
I told her I was scared and that I felt like I needed a friend or a boyfriend to go with. She explained that there's a difference between needing and wanting. That I wanted a friend or boyfriend to go with but that I didn't need them.
"Besides, you'll meet them on the way."
I was still unsure. Then she looked at me and said, "And if you're scared that's a good sign you should do it. Remember, the universe always has a better plan."
I knew she was right. The key was letting go of the desire to control the outcome.
I started researching tropical destinations that were below the hurricane belt, with good internet, safe for women, affordable, where English is spoken. I joined digital nomad groups on Facebook and was surprised to discover how many women travel and work remotely all over the world. I scoured their posts, read their reviews, and zoomed in on Bonaire.
It has all the qualities above, plus it's quiet, pretty undiscovered, and I can learn to scuba dive while I'm there. So, I reserved an air bnb for later this summer.
And then the island went into lockdown. Airlines canceled flights through the summer. The urge to control things surged. Cancel the reservation. Get my down payment back. Find another place. Go, go, go!
So, I stopped.
My departure is almost four months away. Who knows what can happen in four months. And what about that "better plan"?
It reminded me of my senior year in college. I planned to move to San Diego with two friends from high school. Less than a month before graduation, they changed their minds. I had no one to go with. Suddenly, I was faced with returning to Jersey and I did not like it.
Then the night before graduation, I met a girl at a party. We were drinking and talking and drinking and talking and after a few hours, she said, "You're so cool! Move to LA with me!"
So, I did.
The universe had a better plan then, so I choose to trust that there's a better plan now.
Stayed tuned. I know I will.
