Sometimes we hit a low point in our lives and want to find a purpose. We want to see what we’re made of inside as human beings. Either due to a negative time in our life or just to test ourselves, we are adventurers at heart. We always want to test the boundaries.

The same can be said for Nick Kleck who made an amazing change in his life. He left his entire life behind. His house, his family, everything.

Approximately 5 months ago, Nick left his life back in Jacksonville, FL, and is walking to the west coast as a homeless man. He gave up all his materialistic possessions except for a couple of items and is trekking all the way without any money on hand.

When asked what drove him to this decision, Nick writes: 

“I hit Rock bottom and lost sight of who I was. I honestly questioned myself and my existence. I needed something. Something big. A challenge where I would have to survive and test all levels of who I am to find the person inside me again. Through this I am learning more about myself than ever. And I’m actually very happy and surprised how patient I can be and the will I have displayed. Also have been very humbled and appreciate little things and moments more than ever now”

He is trekking with a backpack filled with basics. He did take along with him 8 months of prepaid internet and a device to capture everything on, to document the jouney, and to stay in touch with the world. You can see his facebook page here and his blog here.

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Jcurry2: Can you be more specific about what you left behind? (i.e. material items, family, friends)

Nick: I was single. But a good job (electrician) a house, all nice new furniture and tvs, new truck, new dirtbike, some other toys, that’s about it.

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Badkittymypotpie: Why do this?

Nick: I didn’t know what else to do. I was in a bad place in my head. Trying to stick to the life I was living was just causing me more and more anger and frustration. Couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t happy? Even with material stuff and money. I didn’t know where to turn so I put myself in a spot where I knew it would be tough. I think I need to be this low in order to build back up again. And if I can walk across America while living homeless with nothing, I will be a more confident and appreciative person after this. I think I can do a lot more with this life. Good things in helping others.

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MouseJunkie: So are you really happier now? If so, why? I hope this doesn’t come across as snarky, I’m really curious. And PS I saw above you thought the south was very hospitable, I’m a southerner and that makes me proud!

Nick: I have no anxiety, no stress, live in the moment. I’m happier way more and enjoy the little things. Helping others and being selfless is a cool thing to find you are capable of

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User: Where do you get food if you have no money? And did you have to buy new clothes after those 2000 miles? Do you have a bank card with you?

Nick: I get food either from dumpsters, or random strangers who pull over, once in a while someone who I don’t know who follows or heard about my journey will track me down and give me money/food also. If I have money I will buy some cheap stuff like bread/canned food, then give the rest of the money away. I have bought or been given a couple shirts along the way (goodwill) also. Same shorts I started with though. I have no bank card or credit card. No source of getting money at all besides strangers. At one point in Mississippi I was given $300 by a handful of complete strangers who pulled over. They had no clue what I was doing but gave me money. Mississippi was unreal. All the south in fact. Major hospitality

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This story was found on Reddit which you can follow here. This was an ‘ask me’ session which he answers questions from the public. For more q/a check out the full comment topic:

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/z2v35/i_have_taken_4_showers_in_the_last_5_months_i_am/

You can see his facebook page here and his blog here. Be sure to also check out his gallery of images as he documents the journey here.