This past week has been the most challenging yet – which is funny because we’re now in a location (Toronto) which presents the easiest kind of living for a Location Indepedent Professional – well, an English-speaking one, at least. But more on Toronto in future posts…
The past week has been challenging because of the more psychological aspects of LIP living. The stress of travelling & moving round, the constant decision-making, the stresses of each new move, having to adapt, learn & get by in each completely new location. It takes its toll and this week is the week it’s decided to take its toll on me.
There’s lots to learn from what we’ve done – and possibly some things we might have done differently (although I’m still not sure on that one yet – it’s all been a great learning experience).
But you do have to be realistic as a LIP and remember the reasons you became one. One of our biggest problems has been that we’ve never been crystal clear on what it is we’re looking for – we knew that would be challenge when we started and we were hoping that with each new place we visited, we’d get a clearer idea.
That has certainly been the case.
We’ve now been to some quite different countries – Panama, Buenos Aires & now Toronto – within the past 4 months. Whilst some have suited us more than others, each one has given us a much clearer idea of what is important to us in a location, what we’d be willing to sacrifice or trade and what ultimately we’re looking for in somewhere to live for at least 6 months of a year. I don’t think we’re ‘there’ yet but we’re getting closer.
And whilst you’re experiencing all these ups & downs, you have to keep running the business which is another challenge in itself. I’m definitely up for challenges but there are times when you need to relax, take it easy, acknowledge the stress of the upheaval & constant new challenges – and take a breather before your body tells you it’s time, like mine has done this week!
LIP living is an exciting adventure – it’s different from what most people do (and that’s always a good thing in my book!!) – but it isn’t without its own stresses & challenges. It isn’t a permanent holiday and it isn’t for people who don’t like change or challenges.
If you can ride the downs as well as the ups and realise that’s it all about the journey and enjoying it, then it’s well worth the ride.
