18 Comments
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PeachSalmon's avatar

What you’re calling “weird autism” is better described as authenticity through vulnerable and truthful storytelling, self deprecating humour and an unabashed commitment to both your interests and sharing them with the world 😉

Morgan Godvin's avatar

The most personal growth I experienced was in prison, the most I’ve ever strived was when I was hungry, so yes. I hear you in the ways that we diminish our own drive with reality’s version of cheat codes, jumping us to the prize, the rush, the win, the match, the hook up.

And. And. You may be more like your uncle than you’re giving yourself credit for, lamenting an hour’s worth of distraction while on a harder journey than 99% of your countrymen will ever subject themselves to.

The existence of room to improve isn’t mutually incompatible with your uncle’s sort of disciplined joie de vivre.

But I lament my own life wasting, too, though outsiders disagree. Tis all relative.

The Birthmarked Traveler's avatar

You write about the stuff people usually don’t. One of my favorites on here.

Emily Brooke's avatar

I’ve experienced some of my most profound growth during times when I chose to be fully alone, single, doing my own thing. No dating, no casual sex. It can be incredibly lonely, but it is also incredibly worth it!

Hang in there, Ian! All of us are rooting for you!

Regina McLinden's avatar

So sorry for the loss of your uncle. Stay warm

Joe Greer's avatar

Whilst hitchhiking England to Australia, I ended up getting stuck in Uzbekistan at a gaming cafe for a month because the idea of talking to women was terrifying. I get it lmao

March Terrell Henley's avatar

Insomnia from musing about my own life goals and challenges while cruising IG found me lurching for the orange banner of Substack when your post hit the internet. Thank you always for your candor and story telling. It is as big a gift as your 7 continent quest.

Bret Andersen's avatar

Always worth reading your candid and thought provoking musings on the road, Ian. Thanks for the beautiful tribute to Jack. Sure brought a tear to my eye.

Julia Etter's avatar

This might be trite (book recommendations from strangers rarely land), but if you want to pass the time check out Rick Rubin's The Creative Act: A Way of Being. I think it circles around a lot of what you wrote in this post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Sylver The WordSmyth's avatar

I won’t bore you with the math i inputted to derive this solution Ian. Yet it seems that recurved and deterministic nature of the universe, suggest that simply lifting up your feet and enjoying the ride on the straight segments, and leaning into the curves, will statistically, bring the highest user ride satisfaction. Yet… your mileage may vary. Sorry about your uncle 😢

Theo von Weiss's avatar

I’m so sorry for your loss, it sounds like your uncle was an amazing and inspiring person

Sandy Tatham's avatar

A very enjoyable read, and thank you for sharing such personal thoughts. Long-term travelling doesn't create the best environment for relationships, though I'm thankful that I've had plenty of great experiences. Your uncle sounds wonderful. Keep his inspiration in your heart.

Bob Schultz's avatar

Man, I cried a touch on the bit about your late, great uncle. Hope you’re well man from MOSC

Sara's avatar

A brain scramble is a good thing. Even when it is causing internal panic. I love your thought process here. Too often we are rewarded without having to risk anything, and the 'risking' is the half of the high! A lot of what you said showcases how I have been feeling for the last year or so, I just hadn't found the words to articulate the feeling in a way that helped me hold it and know how to proceed. So, thank you! Your confusion and stumbling through your own life and thoughts have helped open a door in mine. I appreciate that immensely! Thanks for sharing your brain, my friend!

DDNN's avatar

I just came here to say that I really enjoy your writing. You touched on some items here that caught my attention, and will serve me as a reminder to stay hungry while I continue to build for my family.

I’m absolutely a dopamine fiend who enjoys shortcuts, though sometimes I forget. My brain likes it that way.

On a side note, the fact that you’re simultaneously on an epic & otherworldly adventure while writing these just makes me feel like a boring, lazy, POS. LOL

Until next time. Be safe out there brother.

Josh Gale's avatar

Would you consider yourself to be a person of religious faith? Some of your reflections here remind me people who would find real comfort in spending time in contemplation of that

RIP Uncle Jack. Clearly, his influence, or at least that of the family that harbored his adventurous spirit, has found its way to you. That’s a hell of a legacy to live in and you get to do it