I spent the greater portion of last year on a ranch. I was volunteering, and therefore broke most of the time, but it was one of the happiest periods of my life. I think there’s something to being outside for the day. Even when I came home drenched in sweat, I was content. Seriously, unless you’ve worked in Arkansas during a record-breaking heat wave (which has since been broken, probably due to climate change), you can not imagine what a body goes through. But I would give up my salaried, indoor position in a hot minute for a long-term position like that one. I’m learning a lot in my new, real job. You know, the one I went to college to obtain. But it’s not fulfilling. I don’t know what it is. But still, more than six months after I left, I can’t get used to being indoors. I’m happiest sitting on the front porch of the little house I can now afford to rent, but it’s not the same at all. I feel so out of touch with everything, despite being more on top of national and world events than I’ve been in years. I think I have a fundamental need to be a part of nature. I suspect more people do than realize it. I don’t know how to get back into it in a way that might actually pay off my student debts, but I’m making a resolve to at least research it.
Happiness is worth more than money.