My 8th grade teacher told me I’m “too romantic for science.” He was right.

I am a writer. I dabble in all genres. I am also an explorer, thrilled by discovery. If I haven’t been there, I want to go.

I seek out specialty cafés. I love hitting up barbershops.

My myriad life experience makes me who I am. Been around the block a few times. Worked as a teacher, corporate trainer, running store operator, roofer, Army soldier, stevedore, winery cellar worker, forklift operator, tour guide, warehouse manager, short-order cook, race announcer, visual artist, photographer, animal caregiver, recreation leader, anthropologist, copy editor, ice cream scooper, voice-over talent, bartender, life coach, and a second-hand junk slinger.

I believe life’s too short to sit back and watch it go by. I prefer to seek out purposefully vulnerable experiences. I don’t intend to be ordinary.

I believe happiness matters. I believe the most important moment is right now. I want to help others move forward on their journey. I regularly try to remind myself that it’s not about me.

I tell stories. I love public speaking. I find joy in putting myself in situations that force me to interact with strangers. I make art.

In 2018 I walked across the United States. In 2019 I walked all the streets in my (then) hometown, Carrboro, NC. Someday I’ll walk the Camino de Santiago. Someday I’ll walk the Pan American Highway.

Find me on Facebook, Instagram @tomswalkinglife, or Twitter.