An Odyssey of Self: The Life and Lessons of a Wandering Scholar - Robert W. Norris : 129

Join us as we listen to Robert W. Norris, who shares the chapters of his life's novel. His experiences span continents and cultures, from the Redwood forests of Northern California to the bustling streets of Fukuoka, Japan. Robert's tapestry of experiences weaves a tale of adventure, identity, and the undying influence of a mother's love. Robert was born and raised in Humboldt County, California. In 1969, he joined the Air Force but became a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War. He served in a military prison for refusing to fight in the war. In his twenties, he travelled across the United States, went to Europe twice, and made one journey around the world. In 1983, he moved to Japan, eventually becoming a professor at a private university. He spent two years as the dean of students and retired in 2016 as a professor emeritus. He is the author of three novels, a novella, and over 20 research papers on teaching. His most recent book, "The Good Lord Willing and the Creek Don't Rise: Pentimento Memories of Mom and Me," is his life story and tribute to his mother. Robert and his wife live near Fukuoka, Japan.At every crossroad and challenge, Robert saw an opportunity to grow and redefine what it means to be home. His narrative takes us through the old hippie trail, the cultural shocks of reverse migration, and the embrace of a foreign land that eventually offered the sense of belonging he sought. His story is punctuated by the books that guided him, the family dynamics that shaped him, and the personal convictions that propelled him forward. Through Robert's eyes, we discover that home isn't always a place—it's where we find pieces of ourselves.As we conclude our conversation, Robert shares the profound lessons on contentment and purpose he learned through suffering and the pursuit of happiness. Our discussion transcends the material, touching on the cross-cultural insights he gained from a life spent around the world and the tranquillity he found in his later years.Let's enjoy his story!To connect with Robert: Website: https://robertwnorris.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.norris.374Send BEHAS a text.Support the showTo Share - Connect & Relate:Share Your Thoughts and Shape the Show! Tell me what you love about the podcast and what you want to hear more about. Please email me at [email protected] and be part of the conversation!To be on the show  Podmatch Profile  Ordinary people, extraordinary experiences - Real voices, real moments - ​Human connection through stories - Live true storytelling podcast - Confessions - First person emotional narratives - Unscripted Life Stories.Thank you for listening - Hasta Pronto!