So now what?

[Morgana]

I love this thread! What a great, honest original post and wise responses.

I only have a couple of small things to add. One is that this might be a good time to check out Shel Silverstein's book The Missing Piece. It might (I hope!) still be in libraries in the children's section, otherwise it's available cheap used e.g. from Amazon.

There's also a lengthy and slightly vulgar joke that ends "he was great, but he's not Mick Jagger" (which I heard at 3 a.m. on a snowy night in the 1980s while actually queuing for Stones tickets, so I probably think it's funnier than it really is). The point is, maybe some things in life are /supposed/ to be a mixed blessing. (If that makes you feel bad, erase and ignore; it's definitely not meant to encourage you to settle for less than you want.)

A little over 10 years ago, I lost my job and went freelance. The first year was sheer terror; but I was surprised, when I looked back on it later, how much fun had been mixed in with the awfulness -- because it was also the most creative part, and I was doing something I'd never thought I could, and doing it my way. Not saying I would willingly go back and do it again! Just that joy enters your life in weird and quiet ways sometimes.

There's been some great advice here on things you could try next. Give it time; you'll know if this is right for you. And if it's not, something else fabulous will be!
Good luck and enjoy.

 

[txmnjim]

I just read books. No, really, I just bought a "string trimmer" aka: weed eater - and have used it once, out of necessity. So I don't just read books... but I wish I could read all day and not feel guilty about it. I told my son-in-law that the weed eater goes with the property - I will not be taking it with me when I travel.

i would never feel guilty reading! and to the OP, i think you stated normal feelings that anybody would feel
starting off on a new adventure! the future is always unsettled and not known but at least you're choosing to
begin yours with adventure that many may never know. i'm still in the dreaming/planning stage myself but it
may never become real for me. good luck!
jim

 

[jacqueg]

I just read books. No, really, I just bought a "string trimmer" aka: weed eater - and have used it once, out of necessity. So I don't just read books... but I wish I could read all day and not feel guilty about it. I told my son-in-law that the weed eater goes with the property - I will not be taking it with me when I travel.

Ha! I NEVER feel guilty reading all day when I'm living in my van! What else am I gonna do, weed or paint or something?

One of the biggest pluses about van life.

 

[becida]

So I'm on the road finally but it feels like something is missing or not quite right.  Unsettled feeling.  Anyone else feel this way?  Is it just going to take time to get used to this life, or perhaps I need to figure out what is missing?  I feel like I'm finally living the dream, but yet it feels empty.  Anyone else have adjustment issues like this?  Thanks.

It took me awhile to get used to the idea that it was ok.  Hang in there!