You’ve probably heard the old phrase “a rolling stone gathers no moss.” There’s no proof of exactly who coined the term or when, but it likely originated as a Latin phrase and it’s been well-known in English-speaking areas for several hundred years now. 

The basic meaning of the phrase is two-fold. A somewhat negative spin on the phrase is someone who is a rolling stone has no home and no roots, and can never “gather moss,” or collect anything permanent like wealth, family, or stability. A more positive meaning is a person who is carefree with no worries or commitments, or a perpetual traveler who is a “citizen of the world.” 

In my 20s, I wanted to be the latter – someone who could be at home anywhere and never had to be committed to anything. This is a perfectly viable lifestyle and there’s nothing at all wrong with being a traveling influencer, touring with a band, working odd jobs instead of committing to a life-long career, or any number of ways one could be a “rolling stone.” I enjoyed traveling, and aside from writing, I never had a particular career path or even lifestyle goal I wanted to pursue. 

I enjoyed my time dabbling with the rolling stone idea, but then as I’ve gotten older, I started realizing that I actually really like moss. I like stability, and seeing what can grow in my life. I’m now living in a place that I love, so my desire to “roll” is no longer as strong. Also, I am now living near my elderly parents and my sister and her family, and I’m enjoying the idea of establishing family roots. 

I’m still not pursuing any sort of “career” as most people would consider it, but I am intently pursing my writing. I still love seeing new places and experiencing new things, but home is really where I’m most comfortable. The stability in my life helps me with my writing. 

Both the wild variety of a rolling stone life and the slower, introspective life of gathering moss are great fodder for stories. Writing inspiration can come from anywhere, at any time. Don’t let anyone tell you that your life should be mossy instead of a rolling stone or vice versa, and don’t let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn’t write. Whether you’re a rolling stone or a moss-gatherer, your life is yours to live – so live it well and enjoy it!