Living the life you are saving for the “one day,” retirement, or vacation is much more possible now than you think.
We spend our lives going after the latest gadgets, trending styles, higher paying jobs so we can get even more of the stuff, and yet ultimately our lives lead back to basics that most of us can have right now. Some common thoughts are:
“Oh, when I make this amount of money.”
“When I accomplish this and this and become successful,” then, “I’ll be able to… ( fill in the blank ).”
The remarkable thing is, the ( fill in the blank ) usually represents simple pleasures.
Common examples are reconnecting with nature, relaxing on the beach, biking a trail, exploring the world. We aspire to write a book, take up painting, learn the guitar, speak another language, or try something new. It usually includes things that are more attainable now than we think it is, especially before retirement age when the body starts to slow down.
The future is uncertain, so why wait for it when you can do it now?
I’m finding, it takes a good deal courage to let go of the stability and comfort of the status quo. It’s ironic that the lifestyle we aspire towards for the future is probably less expensive than our current lifestyle. The current is overloaded with possessions and obligations, such as our home entertainment centers, the new phones, expensive car payments, or mortgage for the bigger house than you actually need. Those physical indicators of status don’t really make us any happier in the long run. Instead, they distract us from what truly matters with a fleeting high and obligate us to work harder to pay them off. This behavior repeats with a higher level of complexity as you get older, accumulate bigger ticket items and more responsibility. With children, it becomes even easier to spend more on the things that you don’t really need in the never-ending pursuit of providing them with the best toys, clothes, and more space.
In many ways, all those things are in the way of living your dreams, and once you start simplifying, you’ll find more possibilities opening up for you to make the changes and be able to live in the way you want, now. When you place value on your time and experiences rather than physical items, you’ll be a living example to your family and friends of just how much easier it is to live your dream life, richly and simply.
It is not an easy feat, transitioning to living your dreams when mass media and most of the world is focused on consumerism and status. I’m in the process of transitioning now… and although the overall progression has been liberating, it’s scary, uncomfortable, and difficult at times. Through self-reflection and uncovering layers, I forgave myself for staying in a job I disliked for several years without making any changes in that arena. In meditating for one hour each day, I am gaining clearer perspective in the difference I would like to make in this world, releasing my past beliefs and worries, and embracing the abundance of opportunities coming my way.
Everything is unfolding just as it should.
While it takes time to fully let go and trust that the universe will provide everything I need, I know it will come. The key is to do as much as possible in the present moment to reflect what you want the future to be. The time for change is now, and I am making the preparations necessary for mine.
What are your dreams and what are you doing now to live your dreams now?