When I announced that we were leaving the rat race with no Plan B, I got basically two reactions from readers. Most are completely excited and happy for us because we’ve escaped the golden handcuffs. But a significant number are worried about the practical realities of this move… how is it actually going to work out? In essence, we have become guinea pigs for others who have considered making such a decision but aren’t sure it is safe to do so.

I hope to chronicle this latest adventure in a few different ways, so as to paint as complete a picture as possible. My first rule is to not spend ALL of my time blogging because I want to be fully present in everything we are going through, rather than buried in my laptop. So, at least during August, my posts won’t be as long, and some of them may just be photos with captions.

Posted in Life, Overcoming Challenges, Road To Freedom Update, about me, anxiety, choices, family, present moment 38 Comments »

When I was in college I did something my father had expressly forbidden: I jumped out of an airplane. Since it was forbidden, I couldn’t very well go to skydiving classes and learn the process a little at a time. So, instead, I did a tandem jump with an instructor, from 15,000 feet.

I remember calling my friend, Melissa, that day and saying, “Don’t tell my parents, but I’m about to go skydiving at Perris airfield… I just wanted someone to know, in case I don’t come back.” In other words, I was well aware of the risk I was taking, but I had to do it anyway. Why? Because the thought of it scared me to death! It was something I felt I needed to conquer, even if it meant breaking the rules.

Posted in Spirit of Adventure, anxiety, choices, family, happiness 67 Comments »

This picture was taken at a beautiful beach in Georgia. What’s that? You can’t see the beach? But it’s there… the sand, the sea, the sky… the inspiring wonders of the universe. What you are focused on, and the only thing you clearly see before you, is a snake. And what you are feeling is fear and anxiety.

In your anxiousness, you wonder what kind of snake this is. Maybe it’s dangerous. Maybe there are more lurking. They might be in the water… waiting to prey on you as soon as you start to get in! That, combined with the dangers of the sun, and possibilities of drowning, make this beach day no fun at all.

Why do we see the world this way? Why are we pre-conditioned to focus on everything that can possibly go wrong, instead of all that is right with the world?

Posted in Overcoming Challenges, anxiety, bad habits, choices, inner peace 1 Comment »