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Connoisseur of Life

Sillouette of a woman drinking champagne

A close relative has recently sold her business and been able to 'retire' early. I use quotations because what she crams into a day would make your average person blanch. She's sharing her observations here.

I am now a Connoisseur of Life (COL). This was achieved through working long and hard and earning enough to enjoy a creative and satisfying lifestyle.

My journey is about my creativity, generosity, spontaneity, sense of humor, peace of mind, my passion for new experiences, happiness and a level of spirituality. This new found journey is now no longer tied to the identity of ‘my career’.

In a word FREEDOM!

For many people early retirement conjures up exotic travel, devouring great books, education/courses in school, long walks in the park, having coffee at 2 pm with friends, social clubs, visiting family and friends in far off places they live. Doing all the things we have envisioned “retirement” to be.

Sounds great right? Well, what is in the equation for this COL (Connoisseur of Life) is waking up my 13 year old daughter at 6 am for school Monday through Friday. Dance classes and a ‘family’ calendar whereby holidays are still tied to her school schedule.

There are bills to pay, repairs and maintenance on vehicles and the house, school fees, parent teacher interviews, Thanksgiving family dinners to organize, birthdays in a large family to celebrate - a lifestyle that mimics pre-COL.

So, yes I’m a NEW Connoisseur of Life.

Today’s task: Off to the printer to have COL cards printed with my name, phone number and email address to hand out during my new journey. You never know who I’ll meet!

Cheers!

Janine (CoL)

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