Delayed Gratification in a Nomad's World
The Battle Between Dreams and Responsible Decisions
🎬 Sometimes the story keeps writing itself even after it ends – A behind-the-scenes moment is waiting at the end of this post, for The Secret Journey members only.
📍Cebu, Philippines
I stumbled upon an advertisement that instantly lit up my eyes - a digital nomad cruise through Europe. I felt that flutter in my stomach, that excitement that comes when something new suddenly calls to me.
Memories of the cruise I took with my mom in Australia flooded back. It was amazing, but you couldn't ignore the target demographic which was... how to put this delicately... a bit older than me. You know the stereotype - cruises are usually for retirement-age folks. Mom and I simply wanted to treat ourselves, and besides, it was important for me to fulfill her dream since she had never experienced a cruise before.
But this time? I realized I was exactly the target audience! This wasn't a cruise for 18-year-olds looking to get drunk, nor for 60+ year-olds seeking relaxation. This was a cruise for people just like me - digital nomads! I was excited like a child discovering there's another episode of their favorite show.
I almost clicked "Book Now," but I know myself. Despite my family pushing me with "Just book it already!" I decided to sleep on it. When something burns inside me, I have to stop everything and give it space. I put aside my tasks for the day (and I had already accomplished plenty), and though fatigue was slowly creeping in, if there's anything that ignites boundless energy in me - it's planning my next journey.
I opened Skyscanner and checked flights to Europe. I thought it would be nice to stay in Greece after the cruise, where it ends. Despite it being so close to Israel, I've never visited! And if I'm already "in that part of the world" (I absolutely love saying that), maybe I should also pop over to visit family.
I started calculating costs: the cruise itself - $1700 for a week, flight from Vietnam to France (the cruise's departure point) - $700, plus another week in France - $250.
And then the fierce internal debate began. Two sides in my mind gathered at the decision table, each armed with convincing arguments:
Side A:
This is the perfect cruise for me! I'll meet new people!
I live for experiences like this!
It's not that much money (relatively speaking)
It would make Mom happy if we met up
This is exactly why I'm a nomad - so I can take advantage of spontaneous opportunities! I'm flexible with no commitments!
Okay, I'm convinced!
Wait, wait, Side B: Opens banking app
It might not seem like a lot of money, but it's basically most of your liquid funds right now.
Rummages through memory drawers
Found it! Remember when you made a plan for the coming months after leaving Australia? Remember that the reason you're wandering around Southeast Asia is because a month's rent here costs $250? Remember that you still don't have a stable income?
Pulls out the doomsday weapon
Remember this quote: "Discipline is the difference between what you want now and what you want most"?
Shit. He's right.
"Don't worry," Side B continues gently, "postponing the cruise doesn't mean you're condemned to a dull life forever. It doesn't mean you'll have nothing to write about, and it certainly doesn't mean you're giving up. It's not a 'no,' it's just a 'not now.'"
That's true. It would actually be irresponsible of me to use most of my savings on such an experience right now. I need to establish myself first, generate some income. And although I believe in experiences more than I believe in people, this can wait.
I can do this next summer, at a leisurely pace and with peace of mind.
And just like that, a new goal was born - Digital Nomad Cruise Summer 2026! I'm at peace with this decision, and it even provides me with fresh motivational fuel, instead of turning into disappointment.
Your support helps me keep experiencing new worlds – and sharing them with you through my words. Sometimes, one cup of coffee can make all the difference.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Who Am I? | The Journey Through Time | The Daily Journey