There are many of us who are constantly in search of a type of calm, the kind of calm that is only available on the distant horizon (writes Antony Hayes). When it is found, we are content in the moment but find it short lived because as time moves on, so does the elusive beauty which defines the travelling heart.

This can pose a problem because when the time does finally come round to settle down and have kids, it takes that little bit extra to remain satisfied in a single location. This is reflected in the Eagles' song 'Learn to be still', and it is for this reason that I am christening the article thus. 

Travelling is an important part in the lives of many people's youth, and it is one that has grown in popularity to become almost an educational standard. It is a battle ground full of surprises, beauties, wonders, inevitable hardships and wisdom. It is a known fact that travelling helps to develop character due to the mind being constantly bombarded with the remarkable changes in environment. It is a time which can be used to experiment with different employment opportunities which otherwise would never have even been thought of: it is these experiences which end up becoming the backbone of travelling tales later on.

Many older people who missed their chance to go travelling often hold it as one of their main regrets, which is another note to consider if you haven’t already taken your gap year. This article however, is about those people that don’t consider travelling as a holiday or gap year, but as a lifestyle. On the road there are many days which escape the monotonic cacophony that can shroud the lifestyle of those that have settled.  It is always a humbling experience to observe the earth and its changes in mood from one place to another. These moods can also be unpleasant, but they lend towards a greater picture, and in so doing can become a drug to some people.

The quality of life while travelling differs, but it is possible to often find yourself in a likeable position. Opinions differ from person to person, and I am in no way suggesting that travelling should be undertaken continually by all, but there are certain arguments that are brought to light. Some people reckon that "real life” involves staying in one place long enough to obtain a regular job and a mortgage, while others simply don’t agree. The truth of the matter is that “real life” happens wherever you are, and this cannot be more so than on the road. Life is short and it should be lived however you see fit, as long as the due moral considerations have been taken into account.

The true difficulty is in finding a happy medium. For those that decide to have a family but want to travel at the same time, it can seem nigh impossible. It is however practiced by many, and there are numerous advantages to doing so. The practicality of the situation needs to be well thought out; in terms of finance is becomes necessary to find a way to make money from any point in the world (the Internet is good for this), and when it comes to schooling, it is expedient to find a way to school your kids on the road. This is a rather serious lifestyle choice, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Personally I think it is paramount to discover a location that is as close to perfect as possible and settle there. Of course this is far more easily said than done, but it is something that is attainable if it has been well sought out. Learning to be still doesn’t necessarily mean staying in one place, but it does mean that sometimes you have to learn to be content with what you have.

About the author

www.antony-hayes.com