We are 5 months into our nomad life... in our 3rd country. The reality of nomad life is a bit different than the dream leading up to it. We very much enjoy what we are doing but there are negatives. Recently it has been a bit tough not having any meaningful friends around us. Even though we stay longer term, we are always outsiders unless we are in an expat area. Other short stay tourists are in and out in a day and have no time or desire to make connections.
Are you reaching out to other nomads and meeting up with them? We have a possee of about a dozen or so nomad couples we routinely get together with as we travel around. As we don't see them, we have virtual meetups.
@@EatWalkLearn we did meet lots of people in Albania and have kept in touch via WhatsApp video calls and such. Some returned home, some continued on their nomad journeys. One of the problems we found with how we planned our first year was that we booked 8 months of travel at the onset, feeling like less stress would exist as we started doing this. In hindsight, we probably should have kept it open so we could have even travelled to other places with people who we connected with. We are hoping to meet up with some of the people we have met in the future by keeping our options more flexible. It's all trial and error and learning, but it does get lonely at times in countries where there are really no expats. We are currently in Mostar for 5 weeks and our only meaningful English speaking connections are in the tourist area, and nobody is staying here long term, many are on day trips or a 2 days something like that. We might try to focus on places more expat heavy. Meeting locals is great, but the language barrier is often insurmountable for our age group and of course, their lives are not really on the same trajectory as ours... they are working and busy with their own lives.
It's certainly a dance, and it takes a while to figure it all out. The more we travel, the better we're getting at it. Tonight we volunteered at an English get together for Ukranian refugees. We were invited back next week, and since we'll be here for 3 more weeks, I suspect we'll make some good friends.
So get this, I realize, now that I lost a long-term friend of 30+ years just how lost I feel without that kind of connection. I have loads of wonderful people I communicate with, but, they are not what I would consider friends who loved me and care for me worry for me like those I had close connections to in the past. This trip, I feel especially lonely at times, something I rarely ever used to feel early in my travels. I am in constant contact via FB and sometimes off line with a few what I consider fairweather friends. I have been at this since 2019, still don't want to stop, but, I feel a need to have more connection. It is beautiful here in Costa Rica, and though, I am surrounded by nature and monkeys flying through trees, some days I just long for seeing people in the states who I volunteer with at the foodbank an other such activities.
A different type of grief than what I thought when I read the video title, but just as impactful. I traveled to 40 countries when I was younger as a corporate expat and digital nomad and always looked forward to new experiences. But after becoming seriously ill last year in Asia, and still recuperating 8 months later in the US, I’m grieving for the loss of the person I used to be. Now I can’t trust my body to support me, to be well enough to get around by myself, to enjoy exploring new places like I did in my younger days. It seems wasteful to spend money traveling if I end up sick in bed most days, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. So I’m taking 2024 (maybe longer) to regain my strength and plan a different future for the 65+ me.
I too worry about my body how it often betrays me, though, I still try to at least walk to the stores here in Costa Rica, as I maneuver these not so great sidewalks. I know, I just am not up to doing all that I did when I first started out on this journey back in 2019. I too grieve many loses of those I love even though it has been many years since their passings it is more pronounced at times especially when back in the US during holidays which I first started leaving the US partly for just that reason. I didn't want to deal with all the hoopla and smiling faces of those enjoying the exchanges between loved ones when I couldn't do the same. Wishing you much better days.
This definitely happened to me. We sold everything a year ago and left New York for our early retirement nomad adventure in July 2023. It was early October that year when it hit me. Felt the grief /depression on and off for a few months through the holidays. Missed my kids, friends, work routine, comforts of home, etc... It took some time to overcome! I'm much better now. Enjoying life and excited about our upcoming adventures! No regrets! Just have to give it time ♥️
I went through something similar. Thank you for sharing this. I hired a Life Coach who specializes in people transitioning into retirement and that has really helped me.
Thank you, this was a wonderful story about how you dealt with you grief. I for sure have my moments since I first became a nomad traveling mainly Latin America since 2019. I am in a beautiful surroundings here in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, yet just last night, I was feeling like, now what. I do understand where some of my emotions are stemming from, but, too there are more serious things like my lifelong battle with depression that challenges me to not feel as much joy as I did when I first started this travel journey. Funny thing is, once I am back in the US, I can't wait to get back on the horse and venture out again. Being a solo traveler it can be quite the adjustment nowadays. I am working on it all, time will tell what happens in the future with all these emotions I feel on and off. I also have some physical limitations and get knee injections, but, will get hip and shoulder ones next time back in the states. Thank you so much for sharing your story, it truly helps being able to hear about others who have faced some similar experiences as nomadic travelers. May you continue to overcome all challenges and keep finding your joy, both of you.
On our way to Argentina last August during our 3 month house sit in Florida I hurt my back lifting. Being Canadians in the USA with no insurance is not good. I returned to Canada for my back operation and Maxine joined me after the sit. This May I had 2 operations (successfully) and now on our way to Japan, China and the rest of Asia for 9 months. Shot happens eh! 😂
We have been traveling for 23 years and I still occasionally feel overwhelmed by life. This was an excellent presentation for anyone. Thanks
Thank you so much
We are 5 months into our nomad life... in our 3rd country. The reality of nomad life is a bit different than the dream leading up to it. We very much enjoy what we are doing but there are negatives. Recently it has been a bit tough not having any meaningful friends around us. Even though we stay longer term, we are always outsiders unless we are in an expat area. Other short stay tourists are in and out in a day and have no time or desire to make connections.
Are you reaching out to other nomads and meeting up with them? We have a possee of about a dozen or so nomad couples we routinely get together with as we travel around. As we don't see them, we have virtual meetups.
@@EatWalkLearn we did meet lots of people in Albania and have kept in touch via WhatsApp video calls and such. Some returned home, some continued on their nomad journeys. One of the problems we found with how we planned our first year was that we booked 8 months of travel at the onset, feeling like less stress would exist as we started doing this. In hindsight, we probably should have kept it open so we could have even travelled to other places with people who we connected with. We are hoping to meet up with some of the people we have met in the future by keeping our options more flexible. It's all trial and error and learning, but it does get lonely at times in countries where there are really no expats. We are currently in Mostar for 5 weeks and our only meaningful English speaking connections are in the tourist area, and nobody is staying here long term, many are on day trips or a 2 days something like that. We might try to focus on places more expat heavy. Meeting locals is great, but the language barrier is often insurmountable for our age group and of course, their lives are not really on the same trajectory as ours... they are working and busy with their own lives.
It's certainly a dance, and it takes a while to figure it all out. The more we travel, the better we're getting at it. Tonight we volunteered at an English get together for Ukranian refugees. We were invited back next week, and since we'll be here for 3 more weeks, I suspect we'll make some good friends.
So get this, I realize, now that I lost a long-term friend of 30+ years just how lost I feel without that kind of connection. I have loads of wonderful people I communicate with, but, they are not what I would consider friends who loved me and care for me worry for me like those I had close connections to in the past. This trip, I feel especially lonely at times, something I rarely ever used to feel early in my travels. I am in constant contact via FB and sometimes off line with a few what I consider fairweather friends. I have been at this since 2019, still don't want to stop, but, I feel a need to have more connection. It is beautiful here in Costa Rica, and though, I am surrounded by nature and monkeys flying through trees, some days I just long for seeing people in the states who I volunteer with at the foodbank an other such activities.
Even positive change is hard sometimes.
True
A different type of grief than what I thought when I read the video title, but just as impactful. I traveled to 40 countries when I was younger as a corporate expat and digital nomad and always looked forward to new experiences. But after becoming seriously ill last year in Asia, and still recuperating 8 months later in the US, I’m grieving for the loss of the person I used to be. Now I can’t trust my body to support me, to be well enough to get around by myself, to enjoy exploring new places like I did in my younger days. It seems wasteful to spend money traveling if I end up sick in bed most days, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. So I’m taking 2024 (maybe longer) to regain my strength and plan a different future for the 65+ me.
It's good to rest and reposition yourself. I hope in your healing you find the direction you want.
I too worry about my body how it often betrays me, though, I still try to at least walk to the stores here in Costa Rica, as I maneuver these not so great sidewalks. I know, I just am not up to doing all that I did when I first started out on this journey back in 2019. I too grieve many loses of those I love even though it has been many years since their passings it is more pronounced at times especially when back in the US during holidays which I first started leaving the US partly for just that reason. I didn't want to deal with all the hoopla and smiling faces of those enjoying the exchanges between loved ones when I couldn't do the same. Wishing you much better days.
Great video. Solid advice !
Glad you liked it!
An important topic. Thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome!
This definitely happened to me. We sold everything a year ago and left New York for our early retirement nomad adventure in July 2023. It was early October that year when it hit me. Felt the grief /depression on and off for a few months through the holidays. Missed my kids, friends, work routine, comforts of home, etc... It took some time to overcome! I'm much better now. Enjoying life and excited about our upcoming adventures! No regrets! Just have to give it time ♥️
I'm so glad you were able to identify what was happening and you've figured out how to manage it. hugs.
I went through something similar. Thank you for sharing this. I hired a Life Coach who specializes in people transitioning into retirement and that has really helped me.
Thanks for sharing!! That's a great idea
Thank you, this was a wonderful story about how you dealt with you grief. I for sure have my moments since I first became a nomad traveling mainly Latin America since 2019. I am in a beautiful surroundings here in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, yet just last night, I was feeling like, now what. I do understand where some of my emotions are stemming from, but, too there are more serious things like my lifelong battle with depression that challenges me to not feel as much joy as I did when I first started this travel journey. Funny thing is, once I am back in the US, I can't wait to get back on the horse and venture out again. Being a solo traveler it can be quite the adjustment nowadays. I am working on it all, time will tell what happens in the future with all these emotions I feel on and off. I also have some physical limitations and get knee injections, but, will get hip and shoulder ones next time back in the states. Thank you so much for sharing your story, it truly helps being able to hear about others who have faced some similar experiences as nomadic travelers. May you continue to overcome all challenges and keep finding your joy, both of you.
And you too. Take care of yourself
Thanks for sharing your story. 😊
My pleasure 😊
On our way to Argentina last August during our 3 month house sit in Florida I hurt my back lifting. Being Canadians in the USA with no insurance is not good. I returned to Canada for my back operation and Maxine joined me after the sit. This May I had 2 operations (successfully) and now on our way to Japan, China and the rest of Asia for 9 months. Shot happens eh! 😂
So glad you got treatment