PART 2; STAY IN YOUR COMFORT ZONE OR NOT

Hi Steemers, how are you all doing today?
In my last post I mentioned that everybody where I come from, Antwerp, Belgium and most parts of the world have the same opportunities. That is to choose if you want to stay in your protective comfort zone, or not.

My hometown Antwerp, Belgium

It’s all about the mindset you have since young age or getting fed up with the mainstream of ‘The real life’ later on. So, you need to ask yourself; "what do you really want out of life?" Generalized, it’s all about a growing curiosity boiling in your mind about how the world looks like ‘outside’ that comfort zone.

It also depends on the human’s choice to reproduce, yes or no. That means that if you have the ‘urge’ to have kids at a young age, most likely you will stay in that comfort zone for the reason of protection and security. Of course, there are always exceptions and I met a lot of those people on my travels, who choose for the ‘medium way’ … to travel with their kids.

This all depends on the age and individual development of the youngsters involved.
I would say, the smaller the better as they are more adaptable and not yet required to attend school. That ‘medium way’ is to be found with parents who researched and went for an interesting expat job in another country or got lucky to represent their company abroad. You’re in the best position when the company pays for accommodation and your kid’s educational expenses. It gets a bit more complicated when the kids are bigger and already created their own circle of friends and own environment.

Happy friend's kids loving the new life abroad.

I have a few friends who did exactly that and could convince their kids to go on an great adventure. In this case it requires some serious research, organization and needs a masterplan. With some it went just fine and others had to turn back due to insufficient financial income to pay expensive international or private schooling. When the local ‘free’ education in the land of new residence is of low quality. They didn’t have another choice but at least they tried and only got smarter in the process.

Hmmm Sashimi. Phuket, Thailand and Loy Krathong, sending out their wishes.

Of course this comes with a new issue; find a way to convince the kids to go back where they ‘escaped’ from with their parents. At least they learned a lot more in the mean time living abroad, about the difference in customs, rituals and beauty of other cultures made them smarter and more experienced than the peers in their home country.
I choose not to have kids since my first relationships because I saw my friends being swallowed up to ‘keep up with life’, putting all the energy in their youngster’s education and well been.
They all say; “It’s the best thing that ever happened to me” and “ The unconditional love of my life”, are really beautiful statements and I understand that it can fulfill most parents needs. However, I’m blessed with the similar feelings that I have for and from my lovely wife, that fulfills my needs. Meanwhile, we can focus on our own lives and enjoy to the max in full freedom without too much 'extra' responsibilities, ... traveling 'light'.
There are many moments we share with kids, of traveling friends and family visits or voluntary projects to interact with the local’s youngest generation. But, without further attachments…

My favorite, Gloria and School project, traditional dance. Sapli, Thailand
Now it's time for a nice cold beer near the river enjoing another beautiful sunset.
In my next chapter I will explain how and what I did to sustain my free lifestyle... So stay tuned.
Hasta la proxima