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Traveling-it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller...


The Decision. . . How it went down...when opportunity knocks...

5/18/2017

33 Comments

 
It was late December 2015, Saturday to be exact. We were enjoying the beautiful morning sunshine, taking our normal walk at the beach. Christmas and New Year’s was right around the corner, and we were reflecting on the past year and preparing for 2016. Rick just took on a new job, Mila was born in October and overall, life was great. But we wanted more. We always shared a passion for seeking new adventure, looking for new opportunities and seeking out new challenges. We made sure our routine was never stale. I left Poland 14 years ago and moved to the USA to play basketball, Rick sought out work opportunities at his job and moved us to Florida 8 years ago, and our travel adventures always took us off the beaten path. 
At one point during our conversation we both looked at each other and said: 
"Oh, how awesome would it be to just go on a travel journey around the world"? After a few seconds of silence, we both said: LET'S DO IT! 
To be honest with you, I have always dreamed of taking a year or more off and going around the globe. Rick and I love to explore the world and we’ve shared a yearning to see new places, eat new foods, and admire different cultures. So during that normal Saturday morning walk, we both had a desire to challenge the status quo and make this dream a reality. While we loved our routine, we knew this could be the opportunity of a lifetime to share with our kids. After all, we are here for something more than just working and paying the bills. We have always had the mentality that we work to live. The majority of 2016 was spent planning the trip. First, we drafted a budget of how much money we would need to save to make it possible. Then, we created a timeline and list of countries that we would want to visit (and changed it 7 times). After that, we started to work on a business plan, website, packing list, and many more things that would make our dream of traveling the world possible. 
2016 was not an easy year. We had to make many compromises and sacrifices. Rick had a new job that was very demanding and our children needed constant attention. We drove 1 car, coordinating Rick’s work and travel schedule, Leo’s preschool, doctor’s visits, and kid’s activities. We eliminated Starbucks, rarely ate out (1* month), never upgraded our phones (rick still has the original iphone) and coordinated weekly meal plans based on grocery deals. Rick said no to lunches and happy hours. The reality is we were enjoying this challenge of saving as much money as possible. It was our OWN Amazing Race. We focused on things that were 
free. Things like taking our kids to the local playgrounds and West Palm Beach Library versus amusement parks. We enjoyed Florida’s pristine beaches every weekend. We took long walks enjoying each other’s company. We exercised religiously. We made a more conscious decision to be healthy. Rick would work out at 5:30am, me either during the day or evening. I became a cooking fanatic, doing tons of online research on healthy eating options. 
We sold everything. I mean EVERYTHING. Our truck, our furniture, our kid’s toys, our kid’s bedroom sets, bikes, TVs, and kitchen items. We donated books to the Library, donated clothes to Salvation Army. We said our goodbyes to our friends, Rick parted ways with a 14 year career with his employer, and we decided to leave our life in West Palm Beach, and start a new journey throughout this beautiful world. 
So come along for the ride! We’ve created Traveler State of Mind for YOU! We hope our story will inspire YOU that achieving your DREAM is possible. That travelling with kids CAN BE done and be a TON OF FUN! That YOU CAN see the World on a BUDGET. We’ll be posting every couple of days to share our journey with YOU. Join us on Facebook, Twitter (#travelerstateofmind), Instagram, and Youtube. Share your comments with us on our blog. Share with your Family and Friends. Spread the good word that anything is possible. 

YOLO 

Gosia 
​
You Only Live Once
33 Comments
maria link
5/18/2017 07:17:35 am

I am super excited for you guys!! Have fun!!

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Gosia
5/18/2017 10:25:10 am

Thank you so much!

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Agata & Amelia
5/18/2017 11:29:36 am

Fantastic!!!! Enjoy the journey and rest assured we will follow :-) Happy times ahead xx

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Gosia
5/19/2017 08:14:46 am

Thank you girls! Cheers!

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Jazmin link
5/18/2017 01:44:32 pm

You remind us that life is to enjoy it, to the maximum and that there are no limits, except those that one imposes itself. I have begun my journey through the world, coming to this country, leaving everything behind, just like you do today ... and it gives a little fear, but if you are with your loved ones, nothing matters, just move forward and Live the beautiful life Just tell me when you are in Chile, to fly to show you the beautiful places that country located in a remote place in the south of the world, has to offer ... it is magical and unique and I know that you love it as much as I love it ... I am going to miss you, but it will be soon that we will all see each other, again ... I love you so much ... I love you, sister of the soul ... HAVE A WONDERFUL TRIP FULL OF SUCCESS AND MAGIC!!!

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Gosia
5/19/2017 08:16:06 am

Thank you friend and I really hope we can meet in Chile! Thank would be a real dream come true!

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Dana
5/18/2017 06:45:18 pm

I am so excited to follow your journey and so happy for you guys!!!

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Gosia
5/19/2017 08:13:41 am

Thank you so much Dana!

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Ron
5/21/2017 06:10:53 pm

So inspiring and so brave! Wishing you the best and looking forward to following your journey!

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Ken & Mary
5/22/2017 12:15:19 pm

You are the bravest young couple we know! We loved your story....wishing we could have been as brave when we were your ages! Have a wonderful journey! Looking forward to learning about the world through your camera and Blog!

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Gosia
5/22/2017 12:19:41 pm

Thank you Mary and Ken! You are so sweet and who knows, maybe we meet somewhere in this globe, after all the world is a small place :-)

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Caroline & Matt
5/22/2017 02:04:23 pm

What an amazing journey!
Matt & I wish you the very best, you guys are truly very inspiring!
We'll be watching :0))

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Goaia
5/23/2017 01:26:13 pm

Thank you guys so much!

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Susan Radey
5/22/2017 05:12:49 pm

I am excited for you guys and really looking forward to following your adventure. Kudos for the courage to folllow a passion!

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Gosia
5/23/2017 01:25:55 pm

Thank you son much!

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Julie Kresen Barnes
5/22/2017 06:54:14 pm

Very exciting! Sounds like you worked hard to make it happen! Safe travels!

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Gosia
5/23/2017 01:25:30 pm

Thank you!

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Kennya
5/26/2017 05:00:36 pm

So glad for you guys. May God keep you in all you do.
Love you!😘😘

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Gosia
5/26/2017 08:44:03 pm

Thank you so much my friend! We will miss you but will keep in touch !

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Ilona
5/27/2017 07:58:20 pm

GOSIA. We admire your decision. I, as probably most of all, wish could do that. Keep me posted. Would love to know your experience. Al the best. Be safe and well. !!!!

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Bonnie
5/28/2017 06:25:43 am

When Dana told me about your travel plans I was so happy for you guys. I thought you would be coming back and didn't understand that this trip would be a journey of your souls. I will miss Mila and Leo I admit but know that this trip is a once in a lifetime chance to truly live life and make new discoveries. May your journey bring you all joy, love and spiritual experiences in your soul. Xoxo. Bonnie the babysitter

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Gosia
5/28/2017 11:10:24 am

Hi Bonnie! Thank you so much for the message! We will miss you :)

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Justin Goldman
6/2/2017 09:43:47 am

Rick and Gosia,

I wish you nothing but great adventures and lasting memories. Rick, it was huge to give up the gig at PNC to explore the world. I may have to try this idea of yours. I have taken my family on multiple occasions to England, but the World sounds so much more adventurous.

Enjoy!

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Rick
6/6/2017 07:23:16 am

Thanks Justin! We are enjoying the journey so far with so much more to explore!

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Michael Boes
6/4/2017 09:10:24 pm

Rick - so happy for you man !! Amazing story and leap of faith. Going to be an incredible thing for you family to talk about forever!!

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Rick
6/6/2017 07:21:36 am

Thanks Mike! Hope you'll choose to follow our journey!

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Lisa
6/8/2017 02:24:22 am

Rick & Gosia,
Congratulations on all that you've achieved by setting goals and working together as a family to live your dream! Rick, you will be missed at work and we all sincerely wish the very, very best for you and your family. I admire your ambition and look forward to keeping up with your journey!

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Denny Johnson
7/4/2017 08:58:03 am

I will be following your travel plans with great interest!!!!!!Especially as a family!!!!! It reminds me of my adventure back in 1959 when I had the chance to spend three months in Ehrwald, Austria and travel parts of Germany and Italy. I traveled alone and it was a far-reaching experience before I came back the USA and entered my first year of college in Michigan. It's going to be a family challenge but a world-wide experience you will never forget!!!!!Trust me!!
Denny Johnson - North Park Place - Neighbor

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Gosia
7/5/2017 10:20:18 am

Denny, thank you so much, your story is amazing! We have hit some bumps already but it does not stop us from moving forward :-) this world is too amazing!!! Cheers!

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Pamela Graczyk ( Kupfer )
8/5/2017 05:09:14 am

R


Rick, this is so awesome🤗 So happy for you & you're family! Sure beats banking.........

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RV Gear link
9/20/2017 06:25:25 am

RV and outdoor lifestyle site featuring gear, articles and resources that power your outdoor life.

Reply
Travel link
9/22/2017 08:40:32 am

Brussels is one European capital that's easy to miss on your grand tour of Europe. The whole little country of Belgium is easy to miss, but it's one that you really shouldn't. It has lots to offer.

Reply
umbrella link
3/3/2018 08:12:09 am

With a simple push of a button, you can open and close this umbrella automatically. Ideal for travel. It offers a 35 canopy with reflective edge trim for high visibility. Other features include a sure-grip, custom-molded carry handle, rubber wrist strap and convenient storage sleeve.

Reply



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