The legal nomad: on avoiding the path to discontent

Jodi Ettenberg (of quitting-your-job-to-travel-the-world fame) said something of her writing I found to be genuinely insightful:

Writing in a true voice was important. Presenting a glimmering version of yourself that doesn’t feel real is an easy path to discontent.You can follow your passion all you want, but if you’re not expressing it authentically in a way that is indisputably you, the gap will catch up with you. The space between who you are and who you express yourself to be exists in varying degrees. But if it’s too large, especially if your work involves sharing your thoughts creatively, the disparity can easily engulf you.

↑ Quoted from 10-year retrospective

It feels so painfully authentic, and I love it. It feels like there's a natural bonus to viewing something in retrospect with honesty. It reinforces how the search to share with a raw/real/honest voice isn't a wasted one.

Her entire blog is a lovely read. Unsurprisingly there's a heavy focus on travel and food, but ultimately there's something for everyone—bonus points for her captivating writing style.

It's a spot-on assessment and expands well outside writing. The more thought-free and comfortable you can be in your own skin—a sort of internal autopilot—the better! Every little thing that makes you unlike everyone is what makes you so interesting. Don't cover that up in unnecessary 'glimmer'!

Credit to Kottke for the story and discovery; well worth the link to see some additional choice excerpts from Legal Nomads.