I’m a Glutton for Experience

November 7, 2009 in My Journey | What's On My Mind · Follow Me on Twitter

slowly and alone

I’m in Paris, France and Barcelona, Spain for the next week, capitalizing on the business trip (aka enjoying the free hotel) my husband has been sent on. I’ve brought my computer, and before I left, I told myself I would work… because I feel guilty. Guilty for spending money I don’t have, guilty for the time away from my clients and business and guilty for taking a trip I feel I don’t deserve.

Despite the self-inflicted guilt, I could not help but seize the opportunity for adventure.

Tonight though, the guilt is heavy, clouding my thoughts and inhibiting my enjoyment. I’m staring at the screen right now, in our rented apartment in Paris, wondering why I have nothing intelligent to say about guilt. I feel like an ass writing of my guilty thoughts while experiencing a city many only dream of visiting. Whoops, isn’t that more self-inflicted guilt? I am certainly on fire tonight.

To add fuel to the fire, this article really has no point. I’m bringing nothing new to the subject. The best point I’ve got is: despite the guilt I feel about being here, it’s a lot better than the regret I’d feel at missing this opportunity. I prefer “I shouldn’t do it” to “I could have done it”. And I likely always will. For I am, without a doubt, a glutton for experience.

photo credit: graphistolage

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  • You need to revel being in Paris and Barcelona. I would soak up those cities and get all the creativity I can from this adventure. Think about this way, you'll have all this creative juice to give to your clients when you get back.
  • Shell, What a great way to look at it. This is a chance to soak up the beauty of other cultures and use the experience it to improve my work and gain inspiration. Thank you. I am happy to say that since I wrote this article, I have been guilt-free and putting my all into enjoying this amazing experience,
  • The Catacombs are closed as is the Egyptian wing at the Louvre (if you haven't been to Paris before and are planning to take in some sites). If you need some exercise walk to the top of the Arc D' Triomphe (it will educate you on how in shape you are). The Metro rocks for getting around Paris, so get those little packets of 10 tickets. Last but not least if you are not vegan, try McDonald's on the Champs Elysees; the food there is the usual natural French food and is unlike anything you have had at McD's in Canada or the States, plus they sell beer (quite cheaply too!).
  • Hi Mike, Thanks so much for the Paris tips. I have had the pleasure of being here before -- I did an exchange in Rouen, Normandy, just an hour outside of Paris, during university 6 years ago -- but I appreciate the advice and suggestions.
  • adamking
    Paris?! Barcelona?! Guilty?! You should feel guilty! Guilty for experiencing these amazing cities without inviting all of us!! That's the only this you should be feeling guilty about.

    About the guilt you're describing: Feel grateful for it. It's there so you can move past it and gain a greater perspective on life, work, and experience. If you're really listening to this moment, then you will come out ahead. Period.

    Besides, here's a chance to really test the mobility of your business. How cool is that?
  • Adam, as usual, I love the perspective you bring. Thank you for reminding me that my guilt actually has a purpose and that I should use this opportunity, as you say, to test out the mobility of my business. It's important for me to see that I could live the nomadic life I desire and continue to grow the business I love.
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