From Six Bags to Six Months: Seeing, Believing, and Living Our Nomadic Dream

Victor and Kris in Malaga, Spain in 2023

We’ve all heard the saying, “Time flies by in the blink of an eye.” I can’t argue with it. As I reflect on where I was two years ago, it feels as though life shifted in an instant. Back in December 2022, Kris and I were deep into preparations for what would become our first six-month adventure as digital nomads. That journey didn’t just happen overnight—it was the result of years of dreaming, planning, and ultimately, taking a leap into the unknown.

The spark for this idea came nearly two years earlier, during the planning of a much-needed sabbatical from my role at the non-profit I was working for at the time. I felt the pull to explore a life less tethered to routine, to see the world without being confined by the same old patterns. But planning such a monumental change wasn’t just about booking flights and accommodations, or about dreaming big—it was about radically shifting the life we had built in Miami. We had to let go of our home, the comfort of our familiar surroundings, and nearly all our belongings.

This may sound daunting, but as we moved through the process of reducing our physical footprint, we learned invaluable lessons that I want to share with you. Whether you're planning a sabbatical, a career change, a move, or simply chasing a dream, here are tools and tips you can use to make the process smoother and more fulfilling.

1. Visualize Your Goal

It all starts with seeing what you want to achieve. For us, the dream was to travel and live in different countries. But it wasn’t enough to just imagine it—we had to clearly define it and keep that vision front and center.

Tip: Take time to visualize your dream. What does it look like? What will your life be like once you accomplish it? Write it down or create a vision board. This helps to keep you grounded when challenges arise.

2. Believe in Your Vision

Once you’ve seen what you want, you need to believe it’s possible. This is often the hardest part. The idea of selling everything you own and moving halfway across the world might seem overwhelming, but the key is believing that it’s not just a fantasy. We believed that we could live in other countries and make it work.

Tip: Embrace a mindset of possibility. Don’t let doubts hold you back. Instead of asking "Can I do this?" ask yourself, "How can I make this happen?" Break it down into smaller steps and take action each day to move closer to your goal.

3. Live by Your Vision

Belief alone isn’t enough—you need to take action. For us, this meant letting go of our home, selling furniture, and even giving up some sentimental items. We packed up the essentials, reduced our belongings to six bags, two pets, a vehicle, and a storage room, and made every decision with our dream in mind. And since then, we’ve sold the vehicle in an effort to continue reducing our footprint.

Tip: Align your daily actions with your vision. Whether it's reducing your expenses, taking on a new project, or learning new skills, make decisions that move you closer to your goal. When you’re living by your vision, often the toughest choices become easier.

4. Trust the Journey

From the day we decided to live as digital nomads to the moment we packed up our last box, there was an undeniable sense of excitement—and a bit of fear, too. But through it all, we held firm to the belief that this journey would be worth it. And it has been.

Tip: Trust the process. Even when things don’t go as planned, keep faith that every experience—good or bad—is leading you closer to the life you envisioned. Adapt, learn, and keep moving forward.

I won’t lie, the process was in many ways bittersweet. Letting go of so much felt like closing the door on a chapter we had cherished. But it also felt like opening the window to endless possibilities and a journey that would change our lives forever.

Looking back now, we see how much courage it took to make that leap, but we also see how deeply it has been rewarded. The experiences we’ve had, the cultures we’ve embraced, and the memories we’ve created remind me that taking risks can lead to extraordinary rewards.

This experience has taught us that anything is possible if you see it, believe in it, and live by it. It’s not just about dreaming big—it’s about taking action, adjusting your mindset, and trusting that your efforts will pay off. Whether you're dreaming of a sabbatical, a new adventure, or simply chasing a new passion, the world is full of opportunities waiting to be explored. Take the leap, and remember: if you can see it, believe in it, and live by it, you’re already on the path to success!

Victor and Kris in Tavira, Portugal 2023