The Magic Of Alone Time And New Environments

Mark brings up the topic of adjustments in middle age He asks Jim about his recent trip alone for 11 days in his fully equipped Ford Transit van Jim cites his solo journeys started a few years ago.  "Things were getting tough" He went to Europe alone and discovered some things about himself Jim's van is fully equipped - bathroom stove and bed He went through 7 states in 11 days and realized America is a beautiful place The quiet was wonderful and he appreciated the opportunity to think his own thoughts Mark mentions retreats and sweat shops Jim enjoyed the nights in his van as much as the one night at the Ritz Mark asks Jim how his wife feels about this and his answer is cool There's a mutual benefit Mark talks about his alone time beach afternoons every Wednesday for 6 months and how spiritual and relaxing the sun and ocean are Jim talks about his food experience. He brought his own and didn't drink that much The guys talk about alcohol Jim says changing your environment is healthy and how much he appreciates windshield time…sunsets, fields and mountains Jim brings up people and the differences from more dense populations Mark says the would be good for everyone, but particularly good for people you don't like being alone Jim appreciated not having a deadline or destination to restrict him and how he could come and go as he pleased because of the van Jim liked the alone time for the self sufficiency.  No lines, no waiting… Gas prices in SF were $6/gal and in Utah it was $3.97 Jim cites California's challenges The disparity between Twin Falls Wyoming and Las Vegas! He has two friends he visited that started over and now have built great new lives The power of a change in environment Mark talks about the notion of annual guy weekends Jim talks about friendship in mid-life and rekindling with good friends Jim switches to his Florida alligator story - his metaphor…when you move out of your "space" you grow Both guys speak to the value at 17 or 18 of "leaving" to grow Mark wanted to go as soon as he graduated If you're not living, you're dying Mark says college is no longer serving most young adults and leaving to another country  might be the thing that's best for our youth Jim cite's Israel's youth program and that there are social acclimation benefits to college Jim ends with the phenomenon that was weather on his trip.  In charge, in control of your environment