Something to Show For It: Freedom, Faith, and Enlightenment with a One-Way Ticket and $200
by Morenike Coker
Why Mexico? How did you find life in Mexico?
Mexico was the closest international border from Phoenix, Arizona. In the first three stories of Something, I talk about returning home to Africa (culturally from Nigeria), more specifically Ghana for volunteer teaching. At the ocean, I had a deep trance of cultural flashback. I get most of my messages about life from the water. Mexico was close by with tons of beautiful beaches and great parties; rich culture; and offered messages I needed to learn from the loving arms of Latin America. I realized what rock bottom felt like and prompted me to take. Sylvester Stallone mentions that the greatest thing that can happen to a person is a setback early on in life and love. This reflected my growth experiences prior to taking life in my own hands and booking this trip. I was being called for a different approach to life starting with absolutely nothing and anything beyond that was everything. I loved life in Mexico and I felt accepted and supported.
The title mentions you had $200 on a 10 month long trip. How many days did you struggle versus feel happy?
I love that question because traveling/nomad living pushes me to such an extreme that I am experiencing all emotions intensely beyond what I experience living in a city or small town. I spent 10 months traveling throughout the many beach towns and cool spots in Guatemala and Mexico. The meaning of “struggle” is relative, the fact that I was following the impulse and whisper that tugged at my heart, meant that each day was a happy day – even when I was struggling. Financially, the trip wasn’t supposed to be so tight. I planned on taking the trip months from when I left but if not for the tug of circumstances starting from leaving law school to the lawsuit, I would not have been prompted on this trip. Everything happened the way it was supposed to, in the timing it was supposed to, and the comfort level it was supposed to. For the first time, I was completely free doing my own thing. The struggle was seeing other people choosing or finding excuses to not be happy.
Which is your favorite story?
It’s a toss-up between teaching myself to surf and getting wiped out by a wave and meeting the Original Wailers after their show. I felt the energy of my soul breathe life into me and demand that it experience the water. Amazing things happen and to top it off, in Mexico!
How did you feel publishing this book?
This book is my first piece. It’s so special to me and exciting to share it with anyone who can receive it. Many of these stories are a behind-the-scenes look at what it feels like to live your life like it’s your last week on earth. The book gave birth to my growing brand Unapologetically Morenike (www.unapologeticallymorenike.com) – sporting and outdoors equipment inspired by this journey and affords me with time to focus on spreading love in as many ways as possible. Now I can be with everyone who goes on their epic adventures, too. Publishing means I can focus on the company and other future projects.
Is this your recommendation to have other people pack up and travel like you?
No and as I share with my life coaching clients, it’s advised they not follow anyone but the person looking back at them in the mirror and their highest self. We are consciousness and diamonds in the rough. Life has a way of cutting us into different shapes that make every experience so valuable in our personal expressions of who we are. My brand supports travel for anyone who needs it, I do feel like everyone can benefit from it but some people never leave their village or farm town and it is okay, too.
Who do you focus on, who is this book written for?
I didn’t really focus on anyone in writing. At first, it was just for me and then it became a love letter to my youngest sister about what was going on in my life. In the feedback from those who have read the book, everyone seems to identify with some of the stories and I find they are asking the question themselves- Who am I?; What can I create after what I was doing for several years (or decades) has ended? What makes me happy? What or who are some people I can live without? What are some areas in my life that need addressing? What happens when I start trusting strangers? How can I give love unconditionally?
