[singlepic=1454,200,,,right]In 2006 my husband and I sold our house in Chicago; quit our jobs; hung up our tailored suits; and spent eight months on an adventure of a lifetime. We backpacked (only three pairs of shoes) and limited ourselves to one 14kg backpack each. We traversed 25 countries on four continents that included 25 flights, 46 bus rides, 12 boat trips, 11 trains, and multiple other modes of transportation including a pedi-cab my husband peddled himself in India and a donkey in Petra. Our journey allowed us an opportunity to see parts of the world many don’t ever have the opportunity to see. I couldn’t even spell Uzbekistan let alone tell you where it was located before our trip!

[singlepic=1460,200,,,left]It’s hard to put into words the different ways in which this adventure changed me. I returned with an extreme amount of patriotism after witnessing firsthand the amount of ingenuity and resources individuals in our country have contributed to the world’s development. As Americans we must appreciate that there are millions of people who would switch places with us in a heartbeat to have our quality of life. As a woman I am so thankful to have been born in the United States. I believe that now more than ever, as I had the opportunity to meet several women on our adventure who would do “anything” to come to America. Just as important, is understanding the global responsibility we must consciously acknowledge as Americans.

[singlepic=1449,200,,,right]I also learned if a marriage can survive 24/7 together for eight months it can survive anything! Jeff and I learned our fights usually involved hunger, frustration or sleep deprivation and usually had nothing to do with each other. Constant unpredictable and unfamiliar situations helped me develop levels of creativity and patience I never knew were possible.

It has been two years since our adventure and transitioning back into the “real world” has been more difficult (and easier) than I thought it would be. Easier because within six months we both had jobs, had purchased a new home in Seattle and life was pretty much back to “normal.” More difficult because you know how easy it was to leave, travel and come back and have it all come together…so why not do it again?

Upon our return, I was able to pick my career up where it left off. I am a fundraiser and lucky for me, good fundraisers can always find a job. I will eventually work in an international setting, most likely for an organization affiliated with the empowerment of women and girls. I feel strongly my career has benefited from our travels. I live my life with more purpose than I did before our trip and realize life is way too short to spend time in situations that make you unhappy. Our lives are full of choices and it is up to us to be intentional with our choices.

If you would like to read more about our adventure please go to our website: The Plan B Adventure. I hope it inspires you to plan your own adventure of a lifetime.