Lessons from Homer: F*#k it, I’ll find out.
Welcome back to the "Lessons from Homer" series, where I delve into the profound insights gleaned from the adventures of life on the road with our trusty companion, Homer. In this second installment, I want to share a mindset that has become my guiding mantra – one that Homer, in all his off-grid glory, has unwittingly instilled in me.
We've all heard the saying, "Fuck around and find out," a rather assertive phrase that, admittedly, may not be everyone's cup of tea. However, I've developed my own variation, a personal mantra I've lovingly dubbed "Fuck it, I'll find out" – with a resounding emphasis on the "I'll."
Countless times, Homer has thrown curveballs my way, prompting the inevitable question, "Oh crap, now what?" Life in general has a way of doing that. Yet, what Homer has masterfully taught me is the art of self-reliance.
Picture this: It's the peak of summer, a scorching 35 degrees, and you're living off the grid without AC. Suddenly, your fan breaks. What do you do? YOU FIGURE IT OUT.
Or consider the scenario where you return home from a thrilling three weeks at the FIFA Men's World Cup in Qatar, only to discover that your water pump has decided to turn your shower into a perpetual waterfall. Again, what's the solution? YOU FIGURE IT OUT.
Then there's the unforgettable moment in March 2020, right at the height of global COVID lockdowns, when poor Homer breaks a rear axle. Stranded, unable to move, live in, or fix him – what's the move? YOU FIGURE IT OUT.
How might I create a home that encompasses everything I need in a mere 150 square feet? How might I cultivate a life that quenches my unquenchable thirst for exploration while satisfying my professional ambitions? How might I lead a life so fulfilling that I don't crave vacations?
Homer, my mobile abode, has become a testament to the power of figuring things out. Life on the road is unpredictable, and challenges are bound to arise, but adopting the "Fuck it, I'll find out" mentality has transformed these obstacles into opportunities for growth, problem-solving, and unwavering self-reliance.
So, here's to embracing the Homer mindset – to facing challenges head-on, to finding solutions when things go awry, and to the unwavering belief that, no matter what life throws our way, we'll figure it out. After all, in the grand tapestry of existence, each challenge is but a thread, weaving a story of resilience and resourcefulness that Homer has taught me to embrace wholeheartedly.