Freedom: step by step

Friday was my 54th birthday. Everything was going well until Coco, my dog, started showing signs that he wasn’t feeling well. Saturday and Sunday were stressful; just imagining that the decision to let him rest will come sooner than I expected brought tears to my eyes every time I looked at him. I feel emotionally exhausted. 

It’s Monday. I bought a new coffee, and it tasted delicious this morning. I had to cancel a work trip because of my dog. My soul needs to recharge. On days like today, despite my exquisite coffee, I wish I could be free: live in nature, on a mountain by a river, and make a deal with the forest: let’s exchange love for food and solitude for water. No obligations, no to‑do lists, no heavy responsibilities. 

I’m a Sagittarius, a free soul: I do what I want, when I want; I come and go as I please. No one ties me down or tells me what to do… well, except my dog and my corporate job. 

I wish I didn’t need potable water, toilet paper, toothpaste, or air conditioning. The price of modern comfort feels extremely high today! And yet, I prefer to shower with hot water and brush my teeth every day—actually, more than once a day. And yes, I also prefer using toilet paper. And, among other things, I enjoy using my espresso machine, which is a luxury I truly savor every single day. I am so grateful and appreciative of the comforts of modern life. 

So, what do I do to stop feeling tied down and dependent on a job that consumes almost half of my existence? How do I find joy and motivation to work with passion every day? How do I find the freedom my soul longs for and truly needs? 

If you read my previous blog, you may remember that over the past six months I’ve been working somewhat excessively. By the fourth or fifth month, I started having migraines almost every week, which is truly exhausting because, in my case, the effects last two or three days after the episode. A week ago, I was ready to throw everything out the window: sell everything—yes, everything—and buy a trailer or live in my car; get a part‑time job or sign up to be an Uber driver just to survive and run off to live a completely wild adventure. 

I was fed up, totally drained, and deeply disappointed in myself, in the company, in everything. And although that wild adventure might have been epic, my soul stopped me for a moment and gave me the chance to breathe. And I breathed. 

Instead of making impulsive decisions, I decided to listen: “Wait. Stop running in circles. Breathe. Reflect…” she said. From that pause, a plan emerged—one focused on making subtler, more realistic, and sustainable changes so I can live a happier, more balanced life without sacrificing the comforts of modern living, including my precious espresso machine. We are in that first step now: Reflection and Purpose. 

Reflection 

Although I enjoy car camping and don’t mind being somewhat uncomfortable for a day or two, the comforts of modern life—potable water, air conditioning, plumbing—and other amenities I enjoy at home are honestly wonderful. Even living in a hundred‑thousand‑dollar campervan would not be the same as living in a house. For now, I am not willing to live uncomfortably on a permanent basis. 

However, I do want to feel and have more freedom to use my time as I choose: to be in nature more often, exercise, travel, camp, or take road trips. I also want to feel more appreciated at work and enjoy what I do more. 

Purpose 

To live a happier, more balanced life in which I can enjoy the pleasures and advantages of working from home, find more enjoyment in my work, spend more time in nature, and travel whenever I choose. 

Passo dopo passo (Step by Step) 

I will begin with small, achievable, and realistic steps: 

1. I will block time on my calendar to go to the gym or work out at home—no excuses. I will find that hour and a half or so (maybe even less) during the day. 
• This will clearly be time with no meetings or pending tasks. 
• I will have an exercise plan to follow, so I don’t waste time deciding what to do each day or doing disorganized or scattered routines. 
2. I will work from the park once a week for one or two hours, with or without my dog. 
3. I will work from a coffee shop or restaurant by myself on Fridays for one or two hours. 

Other steps that support this plan and benefit my physical and mental health 

• Prepare breakfast the night before and eat early so I’m ready to go out or work out during the day. 
• Prepare meals for the week on Sundays, which will also help me avoid “decision fatigue”. 

Although these changes sound realistic, I will implement one per week so I don’t overwhelm or stress myself. That is definitely not the purpose. I start today, Monday. Once these changes feel more natural, I will continue making additional adjustments, guided by the same intention of living a happier, more balanced life. 

And you—what’s your purpose? What’s your plan for today or for this week? Do you have a specific goal you want to accomplish? Have you built your plan? 

Here’s to a happier, more balanced life—step by step. Cheers! 🥂

Versión en español