Right! I stepped outside the lanes 58 years ago without a dime and survived. I won't say that the "authentic life" is easy, but authenticity / integrity seems to act like a life preserver bringing one to the surface in time and time after time. Trustworthy people attract each other. You do your best. Things work out. Also, life is interesting---learning never stops; you get good at stuff. You become more and more attuned to the present moment. Which turns out to be its own reward and more than enough.
Keep writing, Cait!