Back from Nashville and all points Northeast I am reminded of how different life is here than there. I am specifically reminded of how much slower life is there and how few expectations are laid at my feet: Do my chores, write, relax. It was a vacation, and I was not put to work at the level I certainly will be next time, but there were not as many responsibilities flying around my head.
I enjoy the majority of my responsibilities, but truth be told, I have far too many. They chip away at the quality of life, leaving me in a state of near constant motion where there is but a day or two each week to catch my breath.
Still, I can take it. In fact, I feel I have to take it for the next ten years give or take a few months. Once I hit that line I can throttle back. In a dream scenario I’d leave earlier, find my way to a small town as I was in, clear a patch of land, and live off the hard work I’ve accomplished thus far.
I want to be in a situation where I travel with my partner once or twice a year out of the country, and spend maybe two more trips each year visiting the kids wherever they’ve landed. I’d love to see them playing ball in college or doing whatever they wind up doing in the world. I’d love to be able to do that but also be able to focus on doing my own thing with my partner–living our lives fully.
I feel like she’s aboard for some of this ride. Maybe not the crazy stuff I’ve gotten myself into as of late–but who would be. It is a lot. Still, once I figure out that balance, things will go much better.