Less is More @Road- tripping the East Coast
Resting area between South Carolina-Atlanta.
Contrary to conventional wisdom, humans are happier when they have fewer choices. It is normally assumed that more options will bring more happiness, but having all these choices actually goes so far as to erode the psychological well being. Although it is believed that choices free us, they actually paralyze us!
I am sitting in my computer looking at Google Maps. I can’t leave the US because we are in the middle of COVID; there is not a vaccine available. I feel overwhelmed, working virtually has it challenges. So many states, recommendations, places, mountains, I can’t decide my destination! The mix-up starts here: there are so many options I feel lost.
“As I am driving in the middle of nowhere, I remind myself that I can always trust Google Maps”
@Charlotte, NC.
Centuries ago there weren't many possibilities, which would sound strange today. However, that served to keep a focus on purpose in any situation. Thanks to industrialized capitalism, options, tools, and alternatives started being created. Which, in a logical context, seems like the appropriate solution for any situation. While, in a realistic environment, it ends up being one of the main problems today.
“They were more free, but they were more alone”
Erich Fromm.
I book a flight to Glacier National Park, Montana for November. After receiving my flight confirmation, I search for what to do in the park during the month. Great! It is winter season and most of the park is closed. I go back and cancel my flight. Although I am disappointed I feel a big relieve, my choices narrow down! I continue looking at the map and stare at the Carolinas. Someone had mentioned their mountains recently and I can go with my car from Miami. I am not thinking anymore of a date for a flight. One less burden! I am leaving next week.
I start planning what to take. The great thing about road-tripping: I have my house in my car! A Coleman cooler, gym weights, a Cuisinart toaster, speakers, tripod, chair, table, a library of books, kitchen utensils, 5 pair of shoes, a tent/ sleeping bag. I move from airbnb every two-three days, depending on the city and how my work-day will look. I spend energy and time unpacking my car for each apartment. And that is when I realize, “less is more”.
One thing is better than two things; “The one who wants much is not successful; the one who invests his energy in what he really wants is successful”
As my trip continued, unpacking the car became a full-time job, I had too many unnecessary things! I learned that it isn’t about owning less, it’s about owning exactly what I need. After my experience, I started traveling with my backpack; less clothing, one pair of shoes, and of course, I would omit anything that had weight. My biggest concern, my books :) They for sure have the priority.
-How backpacking changed my life:
Those are things you learn traveling. Simpler is better! Less weight will make the trip easier. “Although, it is “so much” what there is, that the objectives are interrupted by obstacles and distractions, there is so much that in the end there is nothing!”
“Learning to choose is hard. Learning to choose well is harder. And learning to choose well in a world of unlimited possibilities is harder still, perhaps too hard.”
-The Paradox of Choice.
