The Mediterranean Sea stretches out before me like sparkling aqua glass. Across the water, I know that Italy—my dream destination—is closer than ever before. It waits, just across the Sea for my daydream vacation to come true. So close…and yet it will be saved for another day, another trip.
The current one I am enjoying is spectacular. I am steeped in clear blue skies, colorful architectural miracles of buildings that are indescribable in both their artistic beauty and their history. And the food…delightful new dishes, flavors and experiences to excite my culinary fascinations.
I am peaceful, moving in slow motion compared to the bustling schedule of my day to day hustle. The business cares and decisions are taken care of and I am free to explore and discover all of the spectacular gifts that Barcelona has to share.
I’ve reached a turning point in life.
Once, the daunting task of caring for little children and a household while owning a company, made the thought of traveling an impossible dream. The expense, the time away, the burden of the piled-up work on my return, made the very thought something to cringe from.
Not anymore. I can see the day of empty-nest syndrome looming in my future and where once, I panicked at the thought and purposefully ensured that delay by having two more kids in my thirties– this time, I am ready.
I don’t wish to go quietly into the next phase of my life waiting for the kids and grandkids to come home and visit. I want to be out, visiting the world. They are more than welcome to come and visit “Grandma Wendi” as she gallivants all over this great amazing world.
But the very idea of a life that is free of limititations and free to travel brings up certain questions. If—at the heart of it—your desired lifestyle is to be able to pick up and travel wherever you please, what do you have to do to make that a realization?
What ties you to the lifestyle you are currently in? Is it family? A job? The expense?
If you could live your life the way you wanted it with absolutely NO FEAR OF FAILURE, what would your life look like? What would it take for you to get there? Where would you live? Would you travel? Would you settle down and create deep roots?
I want to see the world, I want to explore exciting new cultures and share the experiences with John and my loved ones. I want to create memory after memory of trips and locations and adventures.
At the moment, my life is still very different from that. We are tethered to a house, family, dogs and a garden that needs a lot of attention, living the American dream. Maybe when the lure of the Sea fades from my memory, I will forget this strong desire and settle back into my my life. After all, I am happy right where I am. I love my family, our friends and the garden. The next few years will be filled with high school students, college hunting and preparing the last two kids for adulthood.
But when they are launched into life, I think it may be time to start letting go of some of those strings.
I’ve already started with my career. I am location independent when it comes to my career. I can coach from anywhere, and as a writer, I can write anywhere, and am especially inspired in new and exciting locations.
I’m here—for example—typing away at a hotel keyboard, writing these posts in between fun explorations.
I could get used to that!
Some time ago, I waged a war with clutter, and have slowly but surely began to win the battle. The unnecessary clutter has been whittled away and the house is much more organized and efficient.
But to have the lifestyle I am dreaming about today there would be so much more to do.
Could I really part with the furniture? The sentimental collections that remind me of loved ones long gone and fun times? How about the books? My never-ending collection of books? Do I want this dream enough to part with them? (And no, they are not clutter, despite my husband trying to convince me otherwise.) Could I part with the house? Could I wrap my mind around the idea of ending my thirty-plus years as a homeowner to become someone who rents…and moves on?
The truth is…I don´t know.
Could you? What would it take for you to live the life you are dreaming of?
