What is your "dream" simple life?

[rosarugosa]

I could conceivably do it where I am if I could retire from the corporate job. I like our little house, I can walk to the library and a few stores, and there is bus service at the end of my street that connects me with Boston and the world beyond if I am so inclined. We also have two cars, and that is honestly my preference, but looking to the foggy future, there are worse places to age in place. I would like to be able to walk in the woods every day, and get more involved with the woods and be one of her active defenders.

[Stacy]

I have to say, I'm glad that UltraliteAngler asked this question, because it's been bothering me all day.

I mean, my answer was so simple and honest, and yet I haven't done a thing to make this dream a reality.

I haven't moved back to the place I want to live because it doesn't seem practical (even though people do it all the time). My family doesn't want to live there, and I can't figure out how I would make that work.

I said I'd like to be an artist and a writer, and though I've circled around these dreams, taking classes, starting a blog and then taking it down, I've never really gone for it. I've always felt like I've had to justify being creative by doing something that wasn't quite right but practical. I started a craft business, but I can't seem to go anywhere with it because I've only been making things that are practical but not exciting. I'm circling around the writing thing by saying that I want to be a college professor, teaching English, and that will be more practical than sitting alone in my imagination and writing a book.

Seriously, this is how I've been living for my entire adult life, and I'm feeling a little shaken that I've been avoiding my dreams for this long.

[Ultralight]

Stacy:

Here is the bright side -- you are still in touch with your dreams. Many people forget them, suppress them, drink or drug them into oblivion, or blame their kids ("I had a dream once kid, and then you were born...").

But you see your real obstacles. And you can still envision your dream. I am going to ask you why not go for it?

Why not go for it?!?!


You're a big step ahead of me! So don't feel too bad.

[Kestra]

I have to say, I'm glad that UltraliteAngler asked this question, because it's been bothering me all day.

I mean, my answer was so simple and honest, and yet I haven't done a thing to make this dream a reality.

I haven't moved back to the place I want to live because it doesn't seem practical (even though people do it all the time). My family doesn't want to live there, and I can't figure out how I would make that work.

I said I'd like to be an artist and a writer, and though I've circled around these dreams, taking classes, starting a blog and then taking it down, I've never really gone for it. I've always felt like I've had to justify being creative by doing something that wasn't quite right but practical. I started a craft business, but I can't seem to go anywhere with it because I've only been making things that are practical but not exciting. I'm circling around the writing thing by saying that I want to be a college professor, teaching English, and that will be more practical than sitting alone in my imagination and writing a book.

Seriously, this is how I've been living for my entire adult life, and I'm feeling a little shaken that I've been avoiding my dreams for this long.

I recommend reading the book "Playing Big" by Tara Mohr. It's a good guidebook for this type of thing.

[frugal-one]

I'm almost there! MIL passed on so now we can move and do whatever we want. Have been totally cleaning out the house to have ready to sell in the spring and then plan on moving to a medium sized community near family. The place has all the things we need..... a great library, a senior center that has LOTS of activities so that we will be able to meet people, miles of hiking trails, a dog park, stores to shop so we don't have to drive to another city for things we need and a university nearby to take classes. We will continue to travel 3-4 times per year, as well as be snow birds. Hopefully, next year at this time I (we) will be settled!

[pony mom]

I'd love to live in a little English village (think Midsomer, but without all the murder) in a tiny cottage with beamed ceilings, deep-set windows and flower-filled garden. Everything would be within walking/cycling distance. I'd have my horse nearby, acres of public land to explore either on horseback or on foot with my dog(s). Wealthy enough to not need a job; maybe just some pet sitting or helping part time at a small busines, like soap making. Sheltered from the big bad world and out of the loop about what the biggest celebrity/movie/tv show is. The nearby town has classes and shops and a community theater to enjoy. I could spend spare time reading, knitting, doing jigsaw puzzles, whatever I want.

Of course, after a year of this I might change my mind, but for now it's OK. I live in a rural area of NJ with a cute old Victorian town next door and surrounded by corn fields, and you need a car to get anywhere here. However it's a gorgeous place and way better than where I lived before.

[Stacy]

Stacy:

Here is the bright side -- you are still in touch with your dreams. Many people forget them, suppress them, drink or drug them into oblivion, or blame their kids ("I had a dream once kid, and then you were born...").

Or worse, parents who try to live their dreams through their kids, instead of letting them decide for themselves.

But you see your real obstacles. And you can still envision your dream. I am going to ask you why not go for it?

Why not go for it?!?!

Yep, I know! I keep asking myself that same question.

[Stacy]

I recommend reading the book "Playing Big" by Tara Mohr. It's a good guidebook for this type of thing.

It looks like that book is right up my alley! I just put it on hold at the library.

[freshstart]

Stacy:

But you see your real obstacles. And you can still envision your dream. I am going to ask you why not go for it?

Why not go for it?!?!

I second this!

I had a great aunt who dreamed of being an attorney. This was a long time ago when her peers were all from a lower class background, you got married young, etc. So she did what she was "supposed to do", she married my great-uncle, who ended up being some military big wig, they had no kids, money no longer a problem. She lived her life like she was this great man's servant, hosting soirees, hoity toity. In her 60s she said enough was enough (he was also a drunk), she was going to college. He was beyond angered, I give her so much credit. She graduated, went to law school and a firm hired her! And she never stopped going to college at night, accumulated more degrees, never stopped working and was still a matriculated student when she died at 92! Her closest friends were in their 20s and 30s, as well as the people at work, even they were more than 30 yrs her junior.

so she got 30 yrs of joy by stepping out of her confines in her 60s, granted she was healthy and money was not an issue, but she still inspires me. Whatever your joy is, big or small, if it's meaningful enough to you, I believe you will find your way there eventually

[Ultralight]

freshstart:

Inspirational stuff right there! What a comeback in the 4th quarter!