My Wildest Adventure Yet: Share My Way Home

This Wednesday, I fly one-way to Panama City with just the clothes on my back and passport, no money, no cellphone or camera, not even a toothbrush.

From there I’ll “Share My Way Home” across 4,000 miles and 7 international borders using the sharing economy, resourcefulness, and a combination of social media and human interaction. I’m certain there will be some pretty rough moments but, because of my faith in humanity and the vast connectivity of our world, I think I’ll be just fine.

I’m excited for an immersion in meaningful life away from my computer and cellphone, full of good people, and the simplicity of nature. 

What you see in this photo is what I’ll be taking with my on my flight to Panama: Shorts, shirt, jacket, hat, sandals, passport, a canceled credit card, and 3 pieces of paper. What’s the deal with the canceled credit card and the 3 pieces of paper? Visit Share My Way Home to learn more about the adventure.

While I’m gone, I intend to teach and learn about the sharing economy, living with less, and earth friendly living. You’ll be hearing from me here on Facebook and on the blog but I do hope to take some good time off from the computer. 

What is this sharing economy? It’s a simple idea that involves sharing stuff, allowing us to spend less money and consume less, all while still having the luxuries in life that we love.

Did I mention it also causes less harm to the earth? You can share possessions, rides, bikes, rooms, text books, food, and so much more.

Some platforms involve money, some are free. For example Couchsurfing.com lets you share your home with travelers and gives you the opportunity to stay in other homes around the world for free. Airbnb.com does the same, except it is a paid service, allowing you to make some money on your spare bedroom or save money rather than checking into a hotel.

Car share programs like Car2go and Zipcar give you access to a car without having to own one.

Yerdle and Getable give you access to all sorts of possessions that you don’t have to own yourself and allow you to put your possessions into the hands of people who will use them.

Community gardens and food sharing programs are another example.

Then, there’s just good-old-fashioned sharing with your neighbors, your community, or whomever you want. The sharing economy is about sharing!

Teach someone about sharing by sharing this journey with them!

Update: Here is the short film made from the cameras of the people I met along the way.