I had another realization as I took my walk this afternoon. It is sort of complicated. But when I left my career, I received a perception of life that I wanted but couldn't put into words. Part of what I wanted was freedom, and that is pretty easy to see. I'm not locked into a chemical plant 5 days a week. Harder to see is related to voluntary downward mobility. My new realization is that I received "life on the edge." Life more on the edge of uncertainty, and that makes it more thrilling for me, more adventurous, more open to creativity and innovation. I didn't realize until today how much I actually wanted to walk on the edge of civilization, not in the secure salary zone. I want less insulation and more reality. No, three hots and a cot are not guaranteed to me. I live in such a way that other things can happen, and by my choice. Downward mobility has made me richer in a way.
It is not that I gave up safety, but that I transferred my safety to a different source. I actually walk with a higher power instead of a full wallet. I can see this reality actualizing. Some people work hard to move up the ladder towards luxury. My goal has been to move down it. I want to be on the front line.
In other news, I've walked 117 miles of 622 miles in my virtual race across Tennessee:
In the picture, you can see the whole course, green circle and the start and blue circle at the end. I've drawn a black circle showing approximately where I am. Approaching Selmer. This project, virtually walking across Tennessee, actually captures my attention and imagination and energy. Hence, even though I worked on my feet this morning, I still got in 9 miles of walking.
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