Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Karen Klemp's avatar

One great thing I heard recently was this:

"No" is a full sentence. So it is fine to just say NO and not have to explain or justify or apologise for why you said it.

Expand full comment
Carol A. Wilcox's avatar

Excellent post, Shanna. Practically everyone I know back in the States has the "work for the man" mentality. I, too detested most of my jobs (even if I was good at some of them). The mindset to earn a paycheck and live the American Dream is for many, a fantasy. I tried for years to fit into that mindset, but I was never any good at it and people wondered what was wrong with me.

My husband and I stopped trying to please family and friends decades ago. So, minimal participation (when we wanted to) at holiday gatherings (have a bottle of our finest stress, please), and other events where I honestly don't think anyone would have noticed if we were there.

Some people have chosen to "punish" us for not fitting into their box. That's okay. We're happier now in our new country, and have found many like-minded people that we now call friends.

We're retired now (sort of) and enjoying the freedom to work when we want and at what we enjoy while living in and exploring Portugal. I've never felt more liberated and regret that I didn't do this sooner.

Expand full comment
23 more comments...

No posts