Quotes for the Nomadic Lifestyle
The Nomadic lifestyle is fascinating and inspired many insights about travel and life in general. The inspiration is probably derived from the immense emotional roller coaster this lifestyle offers. Nomads switch between enjoying the the incredible benefits of being constantly on the road, to painful low points this lifestyle introduces.
Here are some of the most interesting alternative Nomadic quotes, words to give you motivation and show you the way forward as you start or continue your nomadic journey.
The stronger you connect to these quotes, the more you likely you are to connect to the nomadic lifestyle that we are trying to introduce in this blog. The next step is to make those quotes a reality, and embark on your own journey. Over time, we have changed the more common nomad quotes with alternative special ones which we hope you enjoy. Without further ado…
Things you own, end up owning you (Fight Club)
Although not nomadic at first glance, this quote is all about the logic behind a nomadic lifestyle. We usually become slaves to our attachments, to what we have. Nomads are about breaking free, being flexible, starting from scratch time after time.
A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving (Lao Tzu)
Probably the most famous nomad quote ever. This lifestyle is not about arriving anywhere, nor is it about fixed goals. The journey itself is the goal, and being happy while traveling is the way.
If in doubt, just walk until your day becomes interesting (Rolf Potts)
A quote with the same mind set of Lao Tzu’s previous quote. If something is interesting, it will probably occur surprisingly. All you have to do is to keep moving and search for it.
When you see a fork in the road, take it (Yogi Bera)
It’s more important to keep on taking forks in the road than deciding which one is better.
My religion is to live and die without regret (Milarepa)
A very powerful quote, a whole philosophy in a few words. You’d have to admit that most of the things we regret are the things we haven’t done or missed out on doing – it’s pretty uncommon to meet someone who regrets traveling too much. When the end comes, following Milarepa’s way will ensure you are at peace.
In a world full of people, only some want to fly. Isn’t that crazy? (Seal)
Nomads fly.
They told me to grow roots, instead I grew wings (Lou)
Our relatives want the best for us, so they try to push us to a safe place, where uncertainty and risks are reduced. However, for some of us wings and not roots is the way to live a happy life.
Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of someone else’s thinking. (Steve Jobs)
Nomadic lifestyles aren’t the mainstream. If we would live in a way that’s considered normal, we’d be living someone else’s life. Live your own life, pursue your own way. Don’t put up an entire show that doesn’t serve anyone, let alone you yourself.
I’ve been waiting for tomorrow all my life (Matt Johnson)
Tomorrow never comes, it’s all about living in the now. Being too preoccupied about the future and the consequences of your current actions disconnects you from “Now”. There is never another time than the present, and if you’re not making the most of now, then what’s the point? As one Jewish rabbi said, If not now, when?
Long term travel is not an act of rebellion against society; it’s an act of common sense within society (Rolf Potts)
Many regard the nomadic lifestyle as an defying declaration of war against the normal lifestyle. It is not the case, since a nomadic lifestyle is complementary to the normal lifestyle and coexist with it perfectly, to each his own.
One friend of God is traveling (Sufism)
The list of the friends of God in the Sufi religion are residing in specific locations and have a strong connection with god. It might give hope to the spiritual among us that “One” friend of god on this list is constantly traveling without a need of a fixed place of worship. The path is enough to connect.
What you seek is seeking you (Rumi)
A call for being active in this life, if you are really after pursuing your dream. If you’re not going to actively seek out then you won’t find it, and it’s probably not going to come out and find you. Waiting won’t bring you any closer to your goals.
If you are lonely when you are alone, you are in bad company (Jean-Paul Sartre)
The nomadic life involves spending a lot of time with yourself. And unlike many things travel allows you to escape from, it will not allow you to run away from yourself. Alone doesn’t equal Lonely unless something is wrong.
The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance (Alan Watts)
Alan Watts was one of the greatest advocates of change and a great fighter of fears that holds us back. Change will awaken you, so just let go and leap into it. If something feels right, make it happen.
Home is the here and now (Buddhism)
Home doesn’t have to be a physical location; it can be wherever you are, so long as you’re happy, content and satisfied with your current reality.
The moments you have experienced are the only possession that nobody can take away from you (Unknown)
Everything is temporal in life; The only thing you really own are the moments you have experienced. Those are yours to keep, and more importantly, to collect.
The road is my teacher (Yours truly!)
I used to look for mentors and people who can explain aspects of life to me. As time passed, I realized that constantly moving is the best learning and growth process there is. The road will make you smarter by simply taking it.
Change is home (Me again!)
We all need some kind of home, we all seek love and happiness. Why not make change itself your home?
Do you have any quotes or inspirational sayings that motivate you? Feel free to add them to the comments.
Love all these things and I always say that life is just a bunch of decisions and as long as your confident in your decisions and that they are the best possible ones you could’ve made at the time then you can just keep making better & better decisions…with confidence to help better your endless path…I say alls I need is Sunshine and Water & money doesn’t make the sky sunny.. always thought no one else was like me…but there’s tons of me #absolutelyluvbeinganomad
Hi Sara,
Yes, the tribe is bigger than what we think, many people are finding problems in the “normal” model of life, and create their own thing. A nomadic lifestyle is one of the most interesting options. Thanks for the comment!
The original people of God, were Hebrew, and lived in tribes, and were nomads. Today, people carry the Bible, but live like Romans. But I am waking up. The Bible says, search for the old paths, and there you will find rest for your soul.
Hi David,
I like your reminder that remarkable ancient cultures were actually nomads.
We have a lot to learn from ancient cultures, some of their rituals and lifestyles were in a clear path to connect with god.
As the saying goes, life was much simpler when apples and blackberries were only a fruit..
Today I had the most amazing realization.
I have been divorced for ten years and in that time I have moved 12 times and with each move my load got smaller. I realized two hours ago that I don’t own anything but my car and my clothes. If my boyfriend kicked me out I could leave in one trip.
The amazing part about this realization was the moment I realized I didn’t own anything was the same moment that I realized that I am FREE. I am free be what I have been all along,and that is a nomad. I am gitty with excitement about my next adventure.
Thank you so much for this website. I read through all of it and now know there is nothing wrong with me I’m just a NOMAD:-) r
Julia, I had the same revelation after a girlfriend stranded me in a strange town with $6 in my pocket..after the panic and depression had kicked my butt I realized the same thing…I was absolutely free. I started feeling sorry for all the “successful” people I knew, straddled with mortgages, payments, the need to retain their status and enslaved to the never-ending clutch of earning enough to maintain all of it. Congrats on your freedom…gotta go, wanna see whats over there..good luck and peace…
Julia,
great comment, thank you for sharing.
Have to say I had the same experience.
When I was in a non-nomadic life, I had to leave my apartment, and there was so much STUFF there, that the move took me 2 and a half days.
sometimes I just stared at all the things, and thought about what goes where. It was so frustrating, but I couldn’t let go. I needed everything, and it was mine.
Since the nomad thing started, every move takes maximum of one hour, to a small suitcase.
So I can move more. It made change easy.
Keep it up.
Eli
I love “Change is home.” the best!
Thanks Cat!
I will try to come up with some new quotes, seeing how much you like it 🙂
Loved the quotes and commemtary. They connected with this nomad. I live stateside and have lived NYC, PA, VA, S.C.,WA state, and now Oregon. Hiking and roaming. There are many of us. Gypsies, hobos, Circus Folk, Carnies, Digital Nomads,every type of wanderer…I greet you all! All my life people told me to grow roots. But i grew wings. Let the wind and sky be your friends. Let the horizon call you. And let the road be your lullaby. Time for walkabout….
Thanks for the feedback Lou.
I loved your quote about roots and wings, so I replaced it with our previous Augustin quote.
I hope you, and Augustin are ok with that 🙂
Keep happy in your journey.
Success isn’t getting tons of money or fame, success is being happy with the life that YOU created
Martin,
I am with you here. The Milarepa quote takes it from another angle, which is basically, success is living a life without regrets. Doing what you really want.
Hello again, its been 9months after I left a post, I was honored you quoted me. My travels continue, though adjustments have come with sudden, serious illness. But the nomad spirit has kept me free. When in hospitals/on doc visits, I explore the town and area when leaving. When I can’t drive, I get rides from friends, buses or trains. I walk every day, and this is helping my recovery. And when stuck in bed I unstick my mind with maps, plans, etc….I am and will keep recovering, the horizon calls me every day. How can I not answer her? 🙂
Note:Being nomadic has saved my life. My current neighbor has had mudslides threaten his road. His frantic efforts to save his cars, campers, boats, trucks, tools and garages of stuff have led him to near breakdown. Talking to me, he said angrily, “I may lose my whole world if that slide comes!”…another neighbor said, “Thats the difference between you and Lou, he’s lost health and job, but he never lost himself. He’s never been lost.” I thought about that a long time. And its true. I have troubles but they always go away. And my happiness is only a walk away!!! So no big worries, just big plans.
May the blessings and miles be many. 🙂
Lou,
Great hearing from you again.
I wish you a speedy recovery, your attitude is inspiring.
I have to admit that after 4.5 years of traveling constantly, mostly alone, i had a health case this week that kind of brought me down, thinking about my path in life and about what excites me and makes me happy. Hearing about your passion for travel and exploring makes me envy but happy for you as well, hope you get to the road and unite with the horizon through traveling as soon as possible.
Thank you Eli, much appreciated. I hope your own health challenges resolve quickly.
I smiled when you said you envied me in some ways, because I envy some you in some ways. Solo travel like yours take a certain aspect. Being married 28 years, all my moves have been with wife, though the hikes and some walkabouts are solo.
Nomads will always enjoy hearing others experiences and places seen. Its a nomad thing!
I would to share some thoughts with you that have helped me in times and roamings. Im still learning, only 47.
1) Slowing down is good-there will times finances, health, or plain chanc
will make us slow down, even stay a while. This is good, like you said, a time to think about our life, situations and mind-set. To rest and reset can only help us stay focused and happy.
2) Realize who you are and why-a time of slow can be a great time of learning who we really are. We can see how we’ve grown or diminished, become strong or weak. Where we arein life. What do we truly want, or want tk avoid? If negative thoughts or feelings persist, try to pinpoint the source. I once had a day just crammed in bad thoughts and put it all on my inner self, until I realized it was some bad burritos and a nasty official the set my tone! Being able to pinpoint both source and solution is a great skill especially for wanderers.
3)Cherish your travels and yourself—I have spent the last year fighting for my life against illness, and this had really helped. We all are connected by our common humanity. But we all, also, our our own little world, a small unique universe. Your travels and experiences add to that. They are you, a forever part of your story etched in mind and heart. It’s like your life is best movie ever, and you can replay the great scenes. Cherish your lifes experiences, they will encourage you, and make you feel fulfilled.
When I was stuck in hospitals, I played my movie….I roamed the teeming streets and underworld subways of NYC. I followed the frozen footsteps of a wolf in the Cascades. I stumbled into moose, bear, or bikers. I simmered in deserts, barbaqued in Texas, and sweated im swamps. I kayaked wjth manatee, and listen to Rams clash in mountain vastness. And people, friends in all directions of every culture, color or creed. I rejoice in my experiences and connections to others. You can too. Embrace the treasure of you and your travels. Let it always be with you as you go around the corner or continent. Eli, there is so much to bd happy for, and to look fwd to. See, smell, taste life. I hope your miles and smiles go on and on friend.
Lou
Thank you Lou!
I agree with everything you have said, and also think it is good you are sharing life with someone, my style is more solo.
Slowing down is important, also emotionally, and I am currently doing just that, stability is even more important to nomads than other people, and I am now looking for that.
We keep on changing the model on the move, I have an article about the current way I am traveling here, and this article constantly changes, and will keep on changing in this game of life 🙂
https://becomenomad.com/digital-nomad-case-study/
Both Lou & Elid has spirits which takes away temporary issues.
Like Lou, when I am low, like Radilologist, try to locate the problem origin to fix it so that the problem will not recurr.
I resonate with all of you. For many years I was discontent after awhile in one situation or another. Couldn’t figure out why. Everybody else seemed content doing the same thing year after year. Last year I went on a missionary trip out of country for the first time. It was not as successful as I hoped…but the journey itself (I was there 8 months) was life-changing.
I had gotten rid of all my stuff before I left because I thought I was going to be there a year or two. So being bk here in the states…I feel so free not to have all the stuff and I don’t have the bills like previously. I am with family at the moment and started wondering how I could live very cheap, and on my own, because I did not make much money. Then I thought…well, why not an rv trailer or motorhome? I’ve seen a park or two where people lived in one longterm. I myself do not have a problem living in a small cozy space because I am pretty much doing that now.
I looked up on the internet…living in an rv fulltime. Wow…what an eye-opener! It opened up a whole new world for me, a world that answered the WHY DO I FEEL DISCONTENT in my soul. I am nomadic! And, there are many people out there just like me! With an rv, van, trailer, whatever; I can carry my home with me wherever I go! And, there’s plenty of work out there for me or anyone living this lifestyle. I don’t have to stay in one place any longer than I want.
And with living a frugal life with just a little stuff…I could save to travel outside country as well.
Eli, freedom is calling…
one day we race our RVs!
have fun, you deserve it
I have been nomadic all my life ( I will be 64 in February).This is my 60th home. It’s beautiful. I don’t think I’ve lived in a sweeter place that has everything I need at this stage in my life. And yet….
If anyone has ever seen the opening scene of the film Chocolat, it tells of a woman , who when the North wind blows, feels the overwhelming urge to move on.
And yet again for me, the North wind is blowing.
I fear and yet adore that weird homesickness feeling (that’s the only way I can describe it) when it hits, usually within 3 months of being anywhere.
The Welsh have a word for it ‘hiraeth’. It means a longing for something or somewhere that you have never been and yet you ‘remember’.
However my family are a bit perturbed about my constant restlessness at my age and are making gentle hints about settling down.
So I would love to hear from older people who still feel like this.
I don’t want a cure.
It’s just that when you are young it is seen as exciting, whereas now people look at me as if there is some important chip missing!
So if anyone has any thoughts? Or any amateur psychologists can tell me why I’ve felt like this all my life?
In about 15 years time I might be risking it climbing on yet another step ladder to decorate yet another new pad!
Alexis,
It seems like you are a nomad, and it is inspiring to hear you are still having this feeling in your age.
About Hiraeth, I have never heard about it, sounds like one good feeling to have, kind of reminds me of Nostalgia. Me personally, never had it since I got on the road.
Maybe you are addicted to feeling it and that’s why you keep on getting away? In any case, do what makes you happy for many more years!