to nomad or not to nomad

With the decision to change my artist name comes reflection. Reflection on the last few years of my life and career. I’ve traveled across continents, lived in different cities across Europe, and met some amazing people. The sixteen-year-old me would be super excited right now. I took the risk of leaving my hometown, the place where I grew up for seventeen years, to pursue my curiosity of whether the grass is greener on the other side. I’m here to tell you, it is.

Drag and drop

How have I managed to live this lifestyle for the last three years, you ask? It would have to be a combination of luck, circumstance, and a newfound bartending career. Don’t get me wrong, I have been in trouble more than once in the last few years, and there have been moments where I should’ve been smarter and played it safe. But hey, I’m still here, aren’t I?

Being a bartender has allowed me to move to different cities every three to six months, cities like Paris, Vienna, and Amsterdam. I learned the tricks of the trade, to be confident, and to be resilient. I found out that staying somewhere in the same place for too long is simply not for me. I want to experience different cultures, cities, and people, and being stationary isn’t my way of doing that.

Left to be desired

This all might sound incredible, and truly, it is. However, with all the good had to come some bad. I learned a lot of amazing things during my travels, but I also got some wake-up calls on points that I should improve on. There are two things that I suck at, money and commitment. When you’re traveling long term, those two traits are an advantage and I would highly suggest that before you even consider this lifestyle, you improve on those before doing it.

I usually act on impulse, gut feeling, and desire. You would think that by doing that it doesn’t leave much space for strategy and logic, you’re right. I have made some decisions in the past that I’ve regretted because I acted on my heart instead of my head, but I learned from them and moved on. I’ve spent hours of my life trying to find ways to make some money because I spent too much on a dinner or hostel bed. Long story short, I shouldn’t be allowed to have control over money.

Fortune favors the bold

Having said that, I’ve been able to do this successfully for three years now, regardless of my.. financial instability. I took that risk when I was twenty, and that risk paid off big time. I said yes to things I wouldn’t have at home, I learned to ask for what I wanted, and because of that, I am here today, doing what I’ve always dreamed of.

My goal isn’t to have a bank account full of millions, six houses with cars to match, or the most luxurious outfits. It has never been my goal, and I don’t think it ever will be. I want to be able to continue what I’m doing, elevate my art, and enjoy the finer things in life. That sounds reasonable, right?

Looking ahead

Now that I’ve claimed my name as an artist, I feel inspired for what the future holds. I’ve now found myself in the south of Iceland, working in a four-star hotel five hours away from Reykjavik. I’m taking this time to not only improve my skills but to decide how I want to move forward once I leave. I’m brimming with ideas, excitement for the next destinations, and ready to take the next step not only in life but in my art too.