I was only ever able to value my life by finding pieces of myself wherever I went.

It hurts the broken to move, but when they do, they find pieces of their hearts in funny places. I found mine in Yosemite, and again in the people who went with me.

My job, contrary to popular belief, is not that glamorous. I love it with all that's left of me and all I have yet to find, but it took me so long to get here. I worked an entire summer at a 9-5 job that gave me a bed, a shower, food and money but left me physically and emotionally drained. So no, I didn't always live the life I loved, and I think that's important to know.

Yes, I was absolutely broken by the end of the summer, but I quit my job and met up with an old friend--who I hadn't seen in years--in Yosemite, a place I'd never been before, and set up camp in a site with no running water and a tent floor for a bed.

And I've never been happier.

I left so many things behind: clothes, relationships, a steady income, all for the possibility that I might be happier elsewhere. I was lucky enough to find it in the mountains, and it turned into a travel spree that resulted in living out of a carryon suitcase for over a month as I hopped on the cheapest plane, train or bus to another city with no itinerary. And yes, I slept in some funny places, but I can't tell you how free that made me feel.

In the end, I fell in love with finding myself again. It's made me realize that I don't need to rely on other people, and that I haven't found a permanent home yet, which is alright by me for the time being.

Save up for your jump, and take the leap. You might find yourself while you're at it.