Day 18: New found luxuries

8/23/22

Olympia Build Day

One of my goals for this trip was to expand my comfort zone to include more basic living conditions. Think sleeping requirements, food needs, etc. With an ultimate goal of finding what I truly need to feel safe and joyful in everyday life. I anticipated this being a long journey that would only begin on Bike & Build, and while that is the case it has certainly happened faster than anticipated. In the process of adapting to peeing in the woods, sleeping on concrete floors, eating whatever happens to be in our coolers, and waking before the sun, my delight in the small things has become a forefront part in my mind. With peeing in the woods comes the sense of freedom; no more waiting while your bladder feels like it will burst before you can get to a bathroom. With sleeping on concrete comes the joy of hearing our team get ready in the morning, exchanging groans, new bruise comparisons and anticipation/dread for the hills we will encounter. With coolers of food I have limited control over the contents of, decision fatigue is reduced. I'd also like to acknowledge the privilege I have to *choose* to live this way for a short time.

My next steps are thinking about the ways I can bring this back to the basics mentality into my everyday life post B&B. How do I limit consumption, have more contentment with what I have, and continue to see joy in the small things? Hit us up with how you bring simple delight into your day!

Here are a couple of small delights and luxuries I have encountered today.

-Bria Abeles-Allison, DW'22