On the Road to Joy

Joy in 2018, is my wish for you, along with all other good things!

It’s also my chosen word for the year and although I’m not planning on writing a blog post on it every month, I will remind myself to be as joyful as I can each and every day.

2017 was my ‘freedom’ year and I found that after twelve months of focusing on and writing about what it meant to me, I have reached a life-changing decision. I’ll tell you about that in a minute, but first let me say that initially I thought my decision was somewhat unusual and unique, but as I began digging deeper on how to bring about this change, I realized it is becoming a sign of the times.

As far as I know, this is the first time in the history of modern civilization, that many women my age (think retirement, or close to it) are finding themselves without partners. Often alone due to divorce, they may find themselves destitute and back at square one. So how do these women start over, when most are beyond gaining full time, lucrative employment and let’s be honest, not really wanting it at this stage of life.

The answer…many are hitting the road as modern-day nomads.  Scores more every day are living full time in RVs, vans and even cars and learning how to live nomadic lives. Some are doing it solo, but in the process are often finding their ‘tribe’ of like-minded women. Social media has provided the opportunity for women all over Canada and the U.S. to form groups.  Some groups are several thousand strong and often meet up to travel together, or simply offer support and share ideas. I plan on being one of them.

If you read my post ‘It’s So Good To Be Home’ you may recall I had found a perfect little jewel box of an apartment and I didn’t plan on moving again for a very long time. Although I’m luckier than some of the women out there, because I could afford to stay here, it would mean not having a life. What I mean by that is, I would no longer be able to do anything other than pay for my rent and basic necessities. There would be no possibility of buying anything or going anywhere if I stay. No coffee with friends, no movies, or vacations, no new clothes, or gifts for family…no experiences…no life! So, I am choosing to have a life and the freedom-loving heart that beats inside me, is filled with joy at the thought! Got to be honest, there’s a little bit of fear too, but happily not enough to deter me.

Even though this sign of the times, may seem like a rather sad state of affairs, the majority of interviews and vlogs I’ve seen, or blogs I’ve read by solo nomad women have one thing in common…they love it!  Whether their decisions were due to financial necessity, or simple wanderlust, the overwhelming majority have this to say, “I love my life and only wish I had done it sooner!”

If all goes to plan, by late spring I will have my new home and literally be at the crossroads deciding which way to go. I plan to document the process, hopefully via a new YouTube channel, but definitely through my usual blog posts and I hope you’ll join me on this new adventure!

At 66 years of age, there is still so much I want to do and see, people to meet and experiences to share and if not now…when?