Well, it’s been a long time since I have posted on my blog – but that’s about to change.
As we’re nearing the end of a difficult period (globally), there’s been a lot of lessons learned.
Probably more realisations than lessons, but this pandemic has certainly changed the way I think about life, in a good way.
Here’s why.
Since a fairly young age I used to have big dreams. I was never sure how I would reach those dreams but it was surely fun to focus on them – and hope that one day I would be living them.
Dreams of a big house with a pool. Sports cars. Designer clothes. Exotic holidays. Everything that ‘many’ people strive for, or want.
Well, that is what I thought I used to want – and for many of those things – I achieved it.
However, even though my dreams were always big, my core focus was always on creating more freedom and flexibility in my life.
Since March 2020 when the first lockdown happened I started to change my perspective on life. My thought processes changed, and as everything that I ‘sometimes took for granted’ was taken away from me, I started to appreciate the simple things in life.
The free things – Such as long walks with my dog. Fresh air on a lovely Spring morning.
Travel was off the agenda. The pubs and bars were closed. Restaurants were shut, and the social amenities that were once accessible on a whim, were closed for business.
The usual things I could spend or squander my money on were no longer in arms reach.
As the reality kicked in I started to realise one thing. I didn’t NEED many of these things in my life. I mean, they were nice additions – sometimes. But I didn’t need them.
That got me thinking about how much money I could have saved if I weren’t so frivolous – and how that money could have been put to better use.
More importantly – It got me thinking how much time I could free up if I didn’t burden myself, or my life, with expensive – unnecessary hobbies, habits and past times.
As I started to enjoy the simpler things in life and valuing my natural surroundings more, it made me want to make real changes in my life and how I live it.
One of the things I now love doing is going hiking in the local hills, moors and countryside. Except for a little fuel money – It costs me nothing. Yet the rewards and benefits are immeasurable.
(Above are just a few photos of these fun outings!)
I now also value my friends and family more too. I always did value them, but I’m talking about a ‘higher level’ of appreciation. Really appreciating the moments I get to spend with them.
I always say – You don’t need many friends. You just need good ones.
Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about removing ‘stress’ from my life, and even downsizing.
Cutting out the clutter from my life, getting rid or giving away stuff I don’t need – and just living a simpler life.
I’m not talking about extreme minimalism. Just streamlining my belongings and removing things that will hinder my life moving forward. Generally speaking – Consumerism.
Many people work towards retirement. It takes them years because of the financial commitments they make and the lifestyles they lead. Keeping up with the Jones costs money!
For me – It’s about creating the kind of life you don’t need to retire from. That’s now paramount to me.
I want to live my life now, enjoy my life now, and for it to be on my own terms – Rather than grinding for years, hoping that I’ll reach the age that I’ll finally retire. An age where physical illness is more likely to rear it’s ugly head.
Keep an eye out for my next blog post which is going to be about ‘working a 3 or 4 day work week’, and WHY people should work towards that.
I‘d Love to Hear Your Thoughts and Feedback Regarding this Post
Has the pandemic changed the way you live your life? Has it shifted your mindset in anyway?
I’d love to hear your thoughts – So please do drop a comment below this post.
To your success
Andy Black