In my most compelling recurring dream, I wake from a nap just in time for an international flight that I’m not prepared to catch. My bags aren’t packed, my guides and maps aren’t marked—nothing is ready. I had this dream 2 or 3 times a week and it was always the same: my desperate rush to pull it all together and a too-late-so-sorry arrival at the gate while the plane is taking off.
After a month of restless sleep and heartache, I planned a response to the apparent lesson. The next time I found myself in the dream, I picked up my passport and purse and walked right out the door. No luggage or maps or snacks or books or anything I typically take when I travel. That time, I caught my flight. And I haven’t had that dream again.
Sometimes I wonder if I have the nerve to really do that. My usual process for trips, projects, grocery shopping, etc., includes plenty of preparation: thoughtful planning, detailed lists, and a search for good advice.
This is likely why I enjoyed X Marks the Spot, where Lea thoroughly documents how she and her husband take on living and working from locations all over the world. Full of resources, lists, charts, and stories, it’s a useful guide for anyone aspiring to an independent, mobile workstyle.
My Review
Rather than write a play-by-play of her book (she has that on her blog), I’ll share a broader view. It holds plenty of lessons on setting and achieving goals—something all of us can benefit from, no matter where we’re headed next.
- Ask (and answer) questions
Throughout the book, Lea shares questions she and her husband ask during the planning and execution of their travels. From “Do we want to do something completely different?” to “So where to next?”, it’s clear that their new nomadic life is a thoughtfully considered quest, as our own Life Adventure can be. She helps us along with questions for reflection, such as “Where would you rather be?” and “Why not you?” - Sum it up
My favorite parts of the book are Lea’s lists. Almost every chapter is complemented with boxed, bulleted, and/or numbered lists of lessons, beliefs, facts, and questions. They are an effective break from—and work well in tandem with—her narrative, and a confirmation that valuable clarity can come from distilling our discussions (both inner and outer) to a handful of key points. - Stand your ground
Lea and her husband met with resistance from friends and family when they shared their idea to “do something completely different”. They also have their own doubts from time to time. The book has numerous suggestions for dealing with naysayers and doubters (even when it’s you ;) ). - Build a plan
If you’d like to read a practical example of planning a major life change, their story includes detailed accounts of critical planning elements like: getting started, uncovering hidden issues, working with finances, setting milestones, and preparing for contingencies. - Track your progress
Whether you maintain a journal or diary, or chart hard data, it’s critical to log the ups and downs as you take steps toward your goals. My planner and journal resuscitate me on deflated days, when I feel I haven’t accomplished anything. Pages of checked items and “Atta girl!” moments prove that I’m moving forward. As travel diary, journal, checklist, and guidebook, X Marks the Spot clearly reveals their progress. - Learn from mistakes
From overpaying for accommodations to choosing (and fleeing) a less-than-ideal location, Lea and her husband made their share of mistakes. The important thing for them—and for us—was recognizing the underlying issues that led them astray and using feedback to move forward on a better path.
With all of that, X Marks the Spot is more than a travel guide, a personal narrative, and a how-to for dreamers like me. It’s a blueprint to taking on your biggest dreams, even if they don’t include be-bopping all over the globe.
And what about you?
If your work is tied to where you live, imagine for a moment that it isn’t—will you:
- Move out of the city? Or into one?
- Enjoy being a snowbird? Or escape wicked summer heat in a mild northern climate?
- Take the opportunity to move wherever, whenever?
- Savor the option to stay right where you are, somewhat immune to the whims of your local job market?
Whether we choose to travel or stay put, X Marks the Spot is a useful guide to finding our way to and through our next adventure.
Click here to buy this book from Lea at Location Independent Living
Note: This is not a sponsored review, but I would receive a small commission from your purchase of this book or ebook. If you would prefer I didn’t, buy direct from LIP.
Et tu? How are you progressing toward your Big Dream? Do you have a tried and true process for reaching your goals? Lemme know down below!
Photo credit: ???
