The crisp air and shorter days signal that fall is here, bringing not just a shift in weather but also some big personal changes. I find myself single for the first time in five and a half years, and while this is a significant adjustment, it’s also an opportunity to focus on me. Navigating life as a mid-forties gay man is a unique experience, but I’m diving into it with open arms, knowing I’ve already laid the groundwork for a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Yoga has been my anchor through this transition. I’m still dedicated to my daily routine, showing up for an intense one-hour yoga class five days a week. That commitment to health extends into my kitchen, where I’ve got my diet mostly dialed in. I’m eating clean, cooking at home, and my alcohol intake has shrunk to a few glasses of wine when I’m with friends. It feels good—really good—to see the benefits of these choices manifest in my body and mind.
A surprising and generous offer from a close friend has also opened up a world of possibilities. He and his family offered to watch my dog, Denali, for extended periods, which means I’ve got the chance to take a long-anticipated bucket-list trip. In March 2025, I’ll be heading to France and walking the Camino Frances to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It’s a 40-day journey I plan to finish on Easter Sunday, April 20th. This pilgrimage holds even more meaning as I’ll be carrying a small portion of my father’s ashes with me. He was my best friend, and this walk feels like a tribute to the adventures we would’ve shared together.
But that’s not all—I’m squeezing in a trip to Scotland after the Camino to see two dear friends, and I’ve also booked a December getaway to Zipolite, Mexico, where I’ll embrace the sun at a nude resort. Zipolite is known for its laid-back vibe and being Mexico’s only government-sanctioned nude beach, so it promises to be a unique experience. I’m also attending my first-ever Gay Naked Yoga Camp in May 2025, which should be an interesting twist on my yoga practice. A mix of indoor and outdoor sessions in the Texas sun? Count me in.
Beyond travel, I’ve been busy on the local front as well. I’m working on starting a regular ChooseFI meetup group here in Seattle and potentially leading a neighborhood nonprofit group. Community engagement is calling, and it looks like my time here in Seattle will be well spent, even when I’m not on the road.
On the financial side, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. My original post-retirement budget was set at around $6,000 a month, but I’ve been spending significantly less—closer to $4,500 or $5,000, even with some additional travel sprinkled in. That’s giving me even more room to explore, and it feels great to know I can enjoy these experiences without stretching my finances thin.
As the seasons change, I’m stepping into this new chapter with excitement and gratitude. There’s so much ahead to explore, and I’m ready for every bit of it.
Cheers!
