You nailed this piece Chris. My niece just left on a high school exchange to Uruguay by selling crafts, working as a lifeguard, and fund raising. It was so impressive to watch her do this. It’s really up to the individual to ask the question “how?” that starts to make it possible. You provide some great insights for those who do.
I agree, the traditional American Retirement Dream is not for me. I would be so bored and depressed if I tried living that way now. As you said, maybe after I'm 85 it will align more closely with where I am in my life at that time, but that's a LONG way off. I've also received that, "You're so brave!" response from many people. I never thought of myself as brave either. Just willing to live my life the way I choose.
I’ve never been good with routine, maybe because my early childhood involved traveling in Mexico with my single mother. She rebelled back then, retiring on disability and taking off for points south with three-year-old me in tow. Now it’s my turn to eschew traditional retirement and spend life traveling instead, with a 77-year-old husband in tow instead of a toddler. I got some of that “you’re so brave” response as well. It isn’t brave, it’s necessary.
You nailed this piece Chris. My niece just left on a high school exchange to Uruguay by selling crafts, working as a lifeguard, and fund raising. It was so impressive to watch her do this. It’s really up to the individual to ask the question “how?” that starts to make it possible. You provide some great insights for those who do.
Thank you and congrats to your daughter Goid job, Dad.
I love the idea of creating “short strings which easily allow me to untie”!
I agree, the traditional American Retirement Dream is not for me. I would be so bored and depressed if I tried living that way now. As you said, maybe after I'm 85 it will align more closely with where I am in my life at that time, but that's a LONG way off. I've also received that, "You're so brave!" response from many people. I never thought of myself as brave either. Just willing to live my life the way I choose.
Have you been called selfish?
Not to my face. But I imagine there are some people that think that of me. Not that it would make one iota of difference in how I live my life!
Great post, Chris! So well said. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the repost, Matt!
I’ve never been good with routine, maybe because my early childhood involved traveling in Mexico with my single mother. She rebelled back then, retiring on disability and taking off for points south with three-year-old me in tow. Now it’s my turn to eschew traditional retirement and spend life traveling instead, with a 77-year-old husband in tow instead of a toddler. I got some of that “you’re so brave” response as well. It isn’t brave, it’s necessary.
I think when you have the wander gene, you really have no choice except to embrace it. Buen viaje!