I remember that after High School, I endured four years of community college and many part-time jobs before I quit and moved away. If I were to do it again, I would not have gone through so many years in discontent.  So, I tell you now, I should of gone “urban backpacking” soon after high school. Now, I share with you a personal story.

After I quit college, I escaped to the island of Puerto Rico. One year later, I returned and signed up for National Holistic Institute in Emeryville CA, which would last another year. After two years, I was done with education and travel, but there was one thing that was missing: I lacked a happy Spirit. I noted that my body was in good shape: hiking, surfing, snorkeling, and my brain was also in good health: theater, the gallery, and libraries. But my body and brain had no spirit, so I jumped, I leaped with psychedelic drugs. I remember waking up in the “psych ward,” where there is enough white space and a psychiatrist.

Then there was good news from books, (I will share psych ward experiences later.) I continue: I found that my environment and biology were not permanent, and I had no obligation to my parents or my birthplace: This included my parents’ addictions and overall poor health, including the suburbs’ privileges and pressures and according to all religions, one moves ahead alone. At last, my psychiatrist gave me a letter of disability and Social Security Administration started sending me paychecks, right away.

In conclusion, I left those who took advantage, were abusive, and controlled my life decisions. Urban backpacking is different from wilderness backpacking, so I advise, not only packing light, but to invest in a Tai Chi or a Yoga center for “energy control.” It’s true what they say, you will change/grow/make progress if your mind is empty and asking life’s questions takes precedence. You must let THEM go.