Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

You Are Stronger than You Think

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Sunset over Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Billy and I are “news-a-holics”.

We keep abreast of current issues for many reasons – and keeping informed is one. But we also see it as taking the temperature of the messages being given to us, the public consumer.

Lately, on several shows we have noticed that the talking heads are saying “It’s only going to get worse.”

This is one of those phrases that annoys me because it is a hope-stealer and purposefully leads down a dark path. It also takes away the idea that we, as humans, can solve our problems.

These talking heads are in an influential position and instead of feeding us a steady diet of fear, their place of responsibility demands that they rise to the occasion and give us solutions - ways to get out of our labyrinth of confusion.

But they don't.

Instead there is more anger, more injustice, and more mental darkness.

There is always an answer

Ok, so inflation is running rampant, the stock market is in Bear territory yet seems to be languishing in a flatline, and the headlines go from one crazy thing to another.

We want none of this of course, but have you ever noticed that people come together in a crisis?

Families re-organize their spending priorities to allow for these unexpected events, and neighbors and friends offer ideas and physical help. People car-pool, ride a bike, get an electric scooter, eat chicken instead of beef and some are growing their own food.  

People are helping people. We innovate. That's what humans do.

We might not want these inconvenient things, but the survival instinct is deeply rooted in our DNA, and human beings are incredibly creative.

Life is change

Whether we like it or not the only constant in Life is Change.

We might lust for the past's seeming security, but the past is gone. The Future is growth, and we have a choice.

Get on board or be left behind.

You are stronger than you think

When someone tells you in no uncertain terms that things will only get worse, don’t accept that premise. Just because they are predicting a doomsday scenario, choose not  to participate.

And besides, do they have a functioning crystal ball? How many times have they been wrong? This is why we get a second opinion or even a third.

The mind is an obedient servant, and if you believe that things will be awful, your mind will look for examples to prove you right. But you are stronger than you think. You have made it this far, right?

All of us have hit bumps in the road, and hopefully we have learned from those detours.

If you happen to be drifting downwards these days, I have listed a couple of suggestions below that you might try in order to change that direction.

It’s never a good time to give up on yourself

Period.

Sure. We all have times where things seem overwhelming and we can no longer spin all the plates we have in the air. I think that is called “being human.”

But give up on ourselves?

Absolutely not.

No one is coming to rescue us. We have to do it personally.

Give yourself time to grieve, hit a pillow, or scream your lungs out into the couch.

Then, get a mitt and get in the game.

Reach out

There are a variety of ways to interact with other humans.

Some might want to find a therapist or a counselor. Others will join a tennis team or a volunteer group.

Humans are social creatures and cooperating in your community brings rewards for both sides. Also, participating with others who share a common interest will charge your batteries. This can only lead to good, unless they, too, tell you how bad things are going. In that case, change groups!

Change your perspective

This is vital.

How you view the world and yourself is your personal starting point for your life experience.

Perhaps you have been duped or victimized, or you have received a medical diagnosis. Maybe you have lost your job or a loved one.

How you perceive yourself in these deep emotional moments colors what you will bring forward with you in your next phase of life.

Ask yourself questions such as “What can I learn from this? What do I want from this situation? Is there – somehow – a gift that I can glean from this trauma?”

You have heard the expression: “If you think you can or if you think you can’t, you are right.” Choose not to hold a victim mentality and you will be more robust and energetic because of that.

Connect with Something Bigger

Everyone is different and there are many approaches to “getting beyond ourselves.”

Some people dance, sing, paint or cook. Others work with animals or children, and still others exercise, pray, meditate, or take nature walks.

It’s essential to get outside our smaller self and connect with the “River of Life” or “The Flow,” God, Source, The Tao, or Whatever Name suits your belief system.

If you don’t have a name for THIS That Is Larger- or don’t believe in THIS That Is Larger - then it might be one good reason you are feeling down and hopeless.

Let go of what is no longer useful and have faith

Let’s face it. If we are growing as a human being, we evolve and mature.

Simplifying is a great way to stay current with ourselves. We can get rid of ideas or beliefs that no longer work for us, or we could clean out our closet.

Either way, clearing clutter is almost “magical” in the way that it lightens us up and allows room for the new.

Especially in these chaotic days, if the old is not working, chuck it. It will only drag you down if you hang onto it.

Summary

In general, I really want to share that you are strong.

You are capable.

You can choose to move forward.

You do not have to accept someone else’s premise on how to live your life.

You are YOU, and you are valuable to all of us in the whole.

Find kind ways to support yourself, find your value - and in doing so - contribute to your community.

This will edify you in immeasurable ways and bring you satisfaction and contentment.

For more on Retirement Topics, click here and here

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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