Some of you know I started using the term “walkabout” to describe my dream after I got laid off from my corporate overlord job in 2015. My children were younger and slightly more impressionable. It occurred to me the most valuable modeling I could provide as a father was to respond to my job loss not by clawing my way back into the game but by walking away from the game.

As I was contemplating which path to take, I stumbled across a William Carpenter poem that floored me. It’s about a man who burns down his house because his integrity demands it. I reread the poem dozens of times in the weeks after. But I couldn’t bring myself to put the match to my own house. It was evident from my heightened anxiety that the time wasn’t right. So I diligently scanned for job openings on LinkedIn instead. When I did get a job, it was with a nonprofit organization. That felt like a consolation.

That back story is alive today because I sold my house on Saturday. A few hours later, Mauri asked me how I was feeling. I replied: “Exhilarated. Free. Aligned. Scared.” I know the scared part is entirely human and entirely understandable. In that sense, it reminds me of the fear that arrived when I contemplated this path in 2015. That time its message was: Not now. This time the fear dissipated overnight. Its message now: You’re right on the edge. Pay attention. But keep going. As Elaine said, “All four of the feelings you listed sound just about right!”

The sale on my house closes on June 28. My two big tasks before then: Buy and equip a camper van and move the rest of my stuff to my storage space. If any of you have extra boxes with lids, I could use them. And if any of you have a few hours here and there to pack boxes, I’d love the help. Just let me know.

Finally, a half-dozen other friends have asked to be added to the distribution list for these updates. I appreciate your interest in the New Brett Project and feel your support and love. Thank you!

P.S. Thanks to Alan for coming with me Saturday to test-drive a camper van. And thanks to Randall and Lisa for letting me crash at their house during a crowded three days of showings last week.

“Traveler, there is no path. The path is made by walking.” – Antonio Machado​​