Dear Alan,

First you quit your job in March. Tomorrow you are embarking on a 15,000 mile road trip to see what the US and Canada is really about, to visit your online colleagues, friends, and family. Feeling very ambitious, eh? Although I have a benefit of hindsight, I cannot tell you everything that will happen, since it is a trip of self-discovery, but can offer guidance that might help along the way.

You need much less stuff than you are carrying - less clothes, less books, less camping gear, less emotional baggage... if you think you have packed sparingly, you can always toss more out.

Along the way don't be afraid to give rides to strangers, their life stories will fill you with wonder. Take time to stop and listen closely to the land. It speaks to you; it has a message. Listen as well to people you meet; ask them curious questions. Their perspectives on life can inform your own, or at least give them broader context.

Do not get locked into that rigid schedule you set out on; destinations are important, but so are unplanned diversions. When driving along the highway, and your gut says to go check out the dog-shaped hotel, just go! Do not over analyze. If you hesitate, the moment is lost. Your friends will understand if you show up late. Balance what is humanly possible… there will be places you have to pass by. You will not regret not having regret.

You set out on this trip with an idea it would reveal answers about your life and future. Be prepared to return without any trumpet heralded flashes of insight; in fact, you may return with more questions and uncertainty than you left with. Budget enough time at the end of the trip to reflect on the journey before you head off for the next thing.

On this odyssey you will lose things you did not expect to lose and find ones you didn't expect to find. Big things. Some are a direct result of your own actions and others may seem like random acts; be prepared to identify how much you are responsible for and be open to the opportunities for the others.

Some of the lonely stretches of highway can seem haunted, especially when listening to the churn of your inner thoughts. Should these thoughts turn dark, get out of your head, look at the other side, talk to someone else, a friend, a stranger, or move on to healthier thoughts as a break. Find positive things you want and you may find you can conjure such desires into reality.

Be mindful that your actions have consequences far beyond yourself. You have a large capacity to generate both deep hurt and warm love.

With all the people in your life, you are never alone, even when you feel you are. When you need it most friends you know and ones you do not will rally around you.

This road map is but one of your journeys, and while it has a start and an end, it is part of a larger one, so make each day be the one that you focus on. You are forever changed as you go, keep on that road.

With love,

Alan one year later

If you listen to the included audio and are curious... learn more about Sherman Lake.