Day 1

This is the story of the path to my goal, my cabin in the north woods, returning back to where my family and ancestors are from, coming full circle. I can see it clearly in my head and I spend hours Googling potential properties looking for the perfect place to retire (or at least semi-retire). I envision a life of quiet, of nature, of few distractions. I dream of working from home (if at all), planting a garden and 'getting away' from the hum of metro life. This near obsession takes up a lot of free time as I read about the people who have persevered in the sometimes frigid wilderness before me. Their stories inspire me to become more natural, more independent and to preserve the environment that is left. I try to keep in perspective their warning of the cold, the wild, the isolation but it's like a siren song to me. These aspects appear more like positives than hindrances but I suppose it's all about perception. These are the dreams I hope to flesh out over the next decade or so and make reality.

I suppose at this point I should point out that my life, as it is now, is a good one. I have a beautiful child and a loving boyfriend. We own a humble and pleasant suburban home in a quaint neighborhood which I do enjoy. Our jobs pay well; we drive new(er) cars and are free from debt. We have great relationships and good health, all the things a person could ask for. So why leave? All this comes with a price that, as I get older (LOL I know, I'm 33 and that's a relative statement) is higher than I want to pay. Fighting commuters every morning, corporate posturing in meetings all day as we stab each other in the back, nights often so tired and frustrated it can be hard to enjoy what I worked all day for. Why? So we can afford cable, cell phones, and closets full of clothes and shoes and electronics? To me, this feels like an empty struggle to accumulate all these things we 'need' when we'll soon discard them anyway because they're obsolete or used up. I had to stop and think to myself, 'Why AM I working so hard? Is it simply to own all the possessions?' I had an answer for myself more quickly than I would've imagined for such an important question. It was for the comfort of knowing I could have 'things' when I needed and wanted without waiting. I am afraid of being caught unable to provide for myself or my family’s needs and wants. Knowing this, I had 2 options laid before me. Focus specifically on making money or reduce my list of wants. The obvious choice for me was to reduce. This is due, in part, to the next biggest personal need I require in order to be happy, personal freedom. I want to spend my time the way I want and with whom. Also, reducing speaks to the nature lover in me who shudders when I sort my garbage wondering how the 3 of us consume so much.

All this leads me to my current day dream I've been having regarding escaping to a place where life slows down. How can you worry about what kind of cell phone you have or how much the plan costs when there is no reception? Ditto for cable/satellite. Everyone with a modicum of sense drives a truck/AWD vehicle and dresses for the weather and comfort. I can kick off my heals, slip into a pair of hiking boots and never look back. I know there are obvious draw backs to what I have outlined in my head. The snow and ice cause damage and all sorts of other untoward issues. Wild animals, although they may seem funny in movies, really can cause a lot of damage or even personal injury. The inconvenience of having civilization (Hospitals!) located so far away will be challenging, to say the least. I do fully expect there to be many days along my way where I will be caught unprepared and very angry with myself. There is always a period of adjustment with any change. I am ready to meet it head on.