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,
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About the Authors



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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