***After article, please see my pity plea…Thanks***

Something that has been very interesting over the last 5 years or so has been the reaction towards my lifestyle by outsiders. These outsiders include family, friends, co-workers, friends of friends, random people I meet at the market, blog comments, and the list is pretty much endless. Many are curious why I don’t settle in one place for a long time or have the mindset that I want to start a 30 year 9-5 career. All I ever really am able to answer with is…

…because I can.

I understand that it is tough to comprehend such a non-traditional approach towards life and structure. The thing is, most people don’t like the traditional structure they have dived in to. Most people bitch and moan on the daily how much they hate their careers and their lifestyle. Do most of these people watch f****** Lost and 50+ hours of DVR crap? (I must state I am a Lost fanboy, but you get my drift). Do most people settle with whatever situation they are in because it is easier? Do most people enjoy daily latte’s, but complain they are broke? Do most people dislike the fact that I am so free from constraints because of jealousy? I would have to think most of you would answer a resounding YES about society and maybe even yourself.

This is all due to the fact that I have set my life up so that I can do whatever I want whenever I want. Do I have jobs here and there that I am committed to? Yes, but I make sure I could pick up and leave in a heartbeat if need be. Am I in a relationship where I must consider the other persons needs and desires? Yes I am, but I am dating someone who is open to my lifestyle. Do I sacrifice comfort at times for this lifestyle? You better believe it. All of this is done because I want to live a lifestyle I want. I don’t commit myself to anything I don’t want. Every time I have, I have hated life.

Here is the thing most people don’t realize…They CAN too!

You are capable of living a life where you can do whatever you want. It is all a matter of realizing what you want. Do you really want an SUV or do you want a 6 month sabbatical on some Caribbean island? You have to answer that question and be willing to sacrifice one for the other. But you can do it. It all is in your hands.

Here are some of the characteristics and principles that I follow to do so….

• SACRIFICE – I am willing to sacrifice now for the later. Sure, I may be missing out on some things now, but most of those things I don’t really love or appreciate so I might as well put my efforts towards something that really makes me happy.

• HARD WORK – I am willing to work 17 hours today on something I love because I know it will return the kindness later on. As humans, we need work and challenges or we will become stale and die off quickly. By working hard, I am going to appreciate whatever benefits come from it even more

• DETERMINATION – I am determined to succeed. Whatever comes from my actions has a direct correlation to my success or failure.

• Fly-Your-Own-Flag Mindset – I know this is a somewhat controversial topic, but I think one that we all must face. I am able to grow and develop as a person because I can separate myself from any persona or generalization of any country, religion, etc. By being that type of individual many more opportunities are available.

• HUMBLE – I know I will not get to where I want to be without those that are supporting me and my ventures. Though I do celebrate my accomplishments, I understand that there are always hurdles still to come.

I think all of you can become more than you are right now. That isn’t a slight on who you are today or what you have accomplished, but a realization that we can all do more with our lives if we know we can do whatever instead of thinking we can’t.

Good luck and start thinking positive…I know you CAN.

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This is where I am going to beg (slightly) for your help.

I really want to start getting into more video blogging. To do so, I need an updated camera. So I am asking any and everyone that has thoroughly enjoyed (or even slightly enjoyed) The Minimalist Path and LifeExcursion to make a small donation (or big one if you want) to this new tool. If I can get a $1.00 donation from 155 of you faithful followers, I will be able to purchase this and start giving great video blogs that will continue to help all of you enjoy life to the max. Sure, donations larger than $1 will get me to my goal faster (which means videos sooner), but even a $1 will help. And if I reach my goal, I will give 10 free pre-release copies of the up-coming PROJECT M-31 (coming mid-February – trust me, it’ll be worth more than a $1) to random people who donated (chosen through Random.org) in early February. PLUS, I will mention all blogs (PG-RATED blogs of course) of those who donated any amount here at The Minimalist Path or LifeExcursion in a Thank You article if this is successful. If I do not reach this goal, any donations made will be put towards site updates to provide even better service to my awesome community.

You can donate any amount through the PayPal button below which is safe and secure. Trust me! I use PayPal A LOT. It is safe.

Thanks for all your help and consideration folks! I will keep you updated on the donation totals.

David Damron
LifeExcursion