Blog

Navigating Wanderlust in a Structured World

Let’s dive into the darker side of this lifestyle. In fact not so dark really, as this is a part that funds our lifestyle. Even so, nobody really gets excited to go to work. However, our worlds are governed by deadlines, routines, and bills. And this life usually takes us in a loop where the life we end up leading often leave us unfulfilled as it is not something we actually want to do. Our days are packed to the minute due to commitments towards our mortgages, fees, or family that sometimes, even a day tour feels like a luxury.

These forces are enough to overpower the urge to wander freely, resulting in some of us giving up on their passion entirely, while others try to push back and try to escape the matrix. However, going off the grid cannot be the answer as it is not ideal and some foundation is necessary for sustainable freedom. The key is to learn how to strike a balance between curiosity and commitment.

Now the answer to this is never going to be one for all. It can be differ based on situations. It might mean choosing careers which gives you more flexibility, or taking more shorter trips, or planning your expenses in a way that you save for trips every pay check. But a significant common ground amongst all would be a mental-shift. One where we don’t judge ourselves too harshly or feel guilty for taking a well deserved holiday, or try to save up every penny even if it means abandoning every bit of fun around us. I’m a strong believer in “Abudantia,” which preaches intentional abundance, or curious integration of freedom and stability.

Lastly, think about leaving your jobs, you would feel free for a month, then a bit of a financial crunch in the second. By the time you get to your 4th month, you would be having full fledged panic attacks because of the rejection emails that you get and money is not flowing in. You would’ve achieved nothing but put yourselves back in the cage and for an even longer run this time. But it doesn’t have to be a cage. It can be a foundation, one where you can guide your life that is both, spontaneous and anchored!

I actually never expected Sheffield to be what it is! I moved here as a student, expecting a small town, classes and assignments with part-time work, dull and boring lifestyle with a few night-outs here and there. However, Sheffield surprised me! I never expected it to be a character in my own story. 

Speaking about the city itself, Sheffield is quite charming, with its people being the friendliest I’ve ever came across. it has a sense of community, and whether your in a local pub or strolling through the city centre, the warmth can be felt in some way or the other. Sheffield has quite a cafe culture with various independent shops as well as the student hotspots. My personal favourite here was “200 degrees” near the Division Street. Its pubs can be called as institutions in all honestly as some of them like The Leadmill are running for 40+ years. So if you’re looking for a cosy corner to sip your black americano in peace, or if you’re in a mood for a fun-on bar crawl, Sheffield won’t disappoint you. 

Talking about culture, I must say Sheffield punches above its weight. If you’re a theatre enthusiast, you have places like The Crucible, whereas if you’re an are an art or film lover, it has something for you too. Sheffield is a perfect blend of process and tradition living hand in hand.

My favourite part of moving here was its closeness to nature. It has places like Norfolk park and Weston Park at walking distance. Also, a £2 bus ticket will take you to various places in the Peak District where you can go on forest trails, or hikes. My favourite one there was the hike of Mam Tor. It does feel like an achievement after you reach at the top because it is the highest peak in the Peak District. 

Something different about Sheffield as compared to the other places that I’ve visited is that, I’ve just visited the other places, whereas, I’ve lived in Sheffield for almost 3 years now. and its not just a place where I’ve lived but also grown, as this place has also grown on me, where I made some great friends, discovered my passion in life. 

So if you ever find yourself in the proximity of Sheffield, I would say that please give it a try. It’s not loud and flashy, but I believe its charm makes you fall in love with it! 

—