Is a secret to life valuing and prioritizing experiences over things?
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Part of what I love so much about traveling is that the memories continue to replay in your mind long after you have returned to your daily routine. Sometimes it’s the mishaps and misadventures that inevitably occur while traveling that you can think back on and laugh. Other times maybe you reflect on the wildlife sightings, the wonderful people you meet, the beautiful surroundings, or the delicious food you try that make you smile or give you a general sense of contentment.
Of course, you don’t have to travel to seek out experiences and prioritize them over purchasing things. There are many more affordable ways to enjoy experiences that are close to home. When I’m home, I like to go hike and run on the trails, kayak or canoe down a river, go see live music, picnic on a nice day, or just grab a coffee and sit outside and look at the wildflowers, or the birds, chipmunks, deer, and other wildlife that may appear.
Budgeting for experiences over things
I consider myself to be a frugal individual. I really don’t care that much about buying the latest fashion trends or having a large fancy house or a luxury vehicle. I care about utility and function. I invest, so to speak, in good food, health care and health maintenance, quality gear that enables me to do the things I enjoy, organizations that do good in the world, and travel. Essentially, I try to prioritize experiences over things.
When making purchases, I generally filter my decisions based on what I need and otherwise what will bring the longest lasting joy. Occasionally an article of clothing brings me long lasting joy. More often however, it’s tickets I bought for my mom and me to see the live performance of an artist I had been following for years. Or, the gas and airbnb expense I incurred to go to the coast with my family or to the New River Gorge with friends.
Experiences bring long lasting joy
As I drafted, edited, and reflected on my latest article about Colombia, I found I had drifted off and was once again sitting on the porch of our ecolodge on the northern coast. I was back in the moment trying to learn the most basic Spanish phrases so I could try to communicate with the delightful ladies who prepared and served our breakfast every morning.
I was once again walking around Bogotá, Guatapé, and Cartagena soaking in the joy and enthusiasm that exuded from everyone of all ages as they fully embraced the moment. It was then that I appreciated even more the reasons I love to travel.
Life happens faster and faster. I am now nearly 40 years old wondering how the hell that happened. It’s not that I feel old, it’s just that time, especially the last six years, has simply evaporated.
Upon reflecting on the past several years especially, it is the travel journeys on which I have embarked that break up the otherwise blur of a new job filled with more learning experiences than I can count at this point.
It feels cliché to say that I travel so that life doesn’t escape me but I suppose that quote is so popular for a reason. At least for me, it’s true.
Conclusion
It’s the experiences, the people with whom you connect, the moments that become memories that create the most meaning and significance and importance in my life. And you don’t have to travel far to have those experiences. For me, travel just makes those memories sharper and more impactful.
While I never intended to only blog about travel, it is these experiences that I want to think about, reflect on, and enjoy for the 600th time. I get to relive these experiences all over again by reflecting on and writing about them and by searching my photos for the ones that capture the essence of the feelings and memories that are evoked.
It is these experiences that I want to share with you just in case it helps you plan a trip or it inspires you in any way.
Travel is, however, just one way create such embedded feelings of contentment. I know for others, partaking in hobbies such as playing instruments, making crafts, gardening, creating delicious cuisine, engaging in active hobbies, and going to concerts or other events with your friends and loved ones similarly create what quickly become cherished, long lasting memories.
What experiences do you value?
Do you prioritize experiences over things? What experiences do you value? Tell me in the comments. I would love to know!
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