Taking Care - on the Road

June 2023 Hillsborough, California, USA.

The energy of "taking care" and connecting with the world around you is important to the Intentional Nomad. We are not just passing through the world; we are engaged and a part of it, wherever we go. For Nomads, this sometimes takes the form of "taking care" of our campsite, our hostel, or the people we meet along the way. For me, it also takes the form of "taking care" of other people's homes and animals, as I have added Pet-Sitting to my Nomad portfolio.

Before Becoming Nomad, I had a house full of animals; dogs, cats, birds, fish, even tree-frogs. When I started a full-time travel lifestyle, the only things I really missed was animal energy; particularly the human-animal bond. When I had dogs and cats, I never considered taking care of my them as a chore. It was my great privilege, and I did it with love and gratitude that was a nourishing to my being. It was a difficult day when my last living dog, Sasha, passed over the rainbow bridge. And it presented a window to create a traveling life "between dogs."

While many Nomads travel successfully with their dogs, or cats (I have met several boat-cats and van-cats), for me, my global sailing and land life-style make this an undesirable choice for all involved. BUT then, I stumbled upon the perfect answer. Pet sitting; a chance to walk into someone's home and "take care," giving the animals and families all my presence and love, while getting a chance to refuel my spirit with the beautiful human-animal connection.

It is a beautiful win-win, and also gives me chance to unpack my bags, and enjoy some of the daily tasks you don't get in the nomad life; taking care of pets, getting the mail, chatting with the neighbors. And then with teary goodbyes, saying farewell and heading down the road. Oh, and as a big bonus - live for free! Definitely a good thing for the minimalist Nomad on a budget.

In fact, today finds me on a ten day house-sit in the San Francisco Bay Area. This morning I enjoyed waking up in a beautiful 5,042 square foot hillside estate; a giant leap from my recent 400 feet of living space inside my converted ambulance. I am comfortable in the large, cushy bed, overflowing with pillows. The family dog, an adorable Golden Doodle named Lucy, sleeps against my leg. It feels good to wake up here, although the silence of the vacuous house makes it feel almost haunted; each room and hallway filled with the remnant energy of a busy, vibrant family.

As a Nomad, I am intrigued by the contrast of this experience; of actually being in a HOUSE.

As I start my day, I happily anticipate what has grown into an enjoyable routine of "taking care". First, I feed Lucy the ground beef kibble mix, and then look for a very timid cat named Bill, and leave him canned food. Then I give the parakeet, Tweetie, fresh water and greens. Then I go outside to check the chicken coop for fresh eggs, and give the excited birds some scraps of greens. (They have caught onto my routine, and excitedly announce my arrival, running to the gate to greet me. I feel appreciated). Then, I water the indoor and outdoor plants, including the newly planted Morning Glories. And, lastly, I take care of the fish who get fed "every other day." The days blend together. (Did I feed them yesterday? Better give them a tiny snack just in case. Oh yes, I did. Why do fish get fed every other day? In the Great Barrier reef they appeared to forage all day long).

My mind wanders. And then returns.

I enjoy the flow and energy of this day and the act of "taking care," and I smile. This feels good.

And while I marinate fully in this experience, and appreciate it so, I am also aware that in a few days I will say goodbye. It makes each moment and each interaction all the more sweet. And it make me, all the more present.

Oh, how I love being Nomad. Oh, how I love all the different menu selections on this journey called life. And, the ever so delicious feeling of FREEDOM. I am so grateful for my life choices and the chance to "take care".

"Take Care" everyone, and care with intention, wherever you find yourself today.

And hug the dog for me, please.

If you are a Nomad interested in house sitting around the globe, I recommend the organization, Trusted House-sitters. As of the date of this writing, I have been a member for over two years, and have completed over 20 house-sits across the U.S. and Australia. For a discount code and referral, please contact me.

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A special shout out to some of the dogs I have cared for along the way (and to all others in my heart but not pictured):