I don’t think anyone really prepares you for the moment your first baby turns 18.
One minute you’re exhausted, broke, and surviving on coffee and chaos… and the next, you’re standing at the edge of a brand-new chapter wondering how the years moved so fast. Watching our first born graduate this year has cracked something open in me—in the best way possible. It’s made me rethink everything I thought I wanted out of life.
And here’s the truth:
I don’t want the traditional dream anymore.
The Dream We Were “Supposed” to Want
For years, the narrative was simple:
Grow up. Buy a house. Work forever. Pay the bills. Stay put. Retire… someday.
But now?
Now that our kids are growing up, that dream feels heavy. Restricting. Expensive. And honestly—uninspiring.
I am so tired of paying endless bills, taxes, and interest just to exist in one place while the world waits outside our door.
A New Dream Is Taking Shape
Instead of upgrading houses or settling deeper into one spot, my heart keeps pulling me somewhere else entirely.
I want to leave.
Not in a running-away way—but in a finally-living way.
When our kids are grown, I want to sell the idea of permanent roots and trade it for open roads. I picture my husband, our cats, and me in a small travel van—or maybe a cozy trailer we haul behind our truck—waking up wherever we choose.
Mountains one week. Ocean the next. Quiet forest mornings. New towns. New people. New stories.
Living lighter.
Living freer.
Living on our own terms.
“But What About When Your Kids Have Kids?”
This is always the question people ask.
Don’t you want your kids to be able to come visit you?
And my answer is simple:
I can visit them.
Love doesn’t live in a house.
Connection doesn’t require a fixed address.
I don’t need four walls and a mortgage to be a present parent or grandparent. What I need is time, health, freedom, and joy.
The Next 5–10 Years Have a Purpose
We’re not leaving tomorrow—and that’s okay.
Our plan is to enjoy the next 5–10 years in this home. To be intentional. To save. To prepare. To get everything sorted so when the time comes, we’re ready.
Our youngest is 13, which means we still have about five years before he graduates. And because his autistic journey may look different, we’re open to whatever that means. If he needs to come with us? We’ll make it work. If he thrives elsewhere? We’ll support that too.
We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.
Turning a Dream Into Reality
I won’t sugarcoat it—this dream requires courage.
It also requires money.
That’s why I’m pouring my heart into building this blog. I want it to grow. I want it to boom. I want to turn storytelling, honesty, and real-life experience into something that supports us financially while we travel.
This isn’t just wanderlust.
This is a plan.
This is a goal.
This is me choosing a future that feels alive.
When One Chapter Ends, Another Begins
Watching my first born turn 18 didn’t make me sad—it made me hopeful.
It reminded me that life moves forward whether we’re ready or not. And instead of clinging to the old dream, I’m choosing to let it evolve.
So now I’m asking you:
What are your plans when your kids graduate?
Are you holding onto the dream you were handed—or daring to create one that actually fits who you are now? I want to get out and have some fun with the man I love.
Because dreams don’t die.
They just change.
And this one?
This one feels like freedom. 🚐✨
Want to Follow the Journey?
If this story resonated with you—if you’re dreaming of more freedom, fewer bills, and a life that feels truly yours—I’d love for you to stick around.
This blog isn’t just a place to share stories. It’s how I’m building the life I want for my family—one honest post at a time.
You can help make this dream possible by:
- Subscribing to the blog so you never miss a post
- Sharing this story with someone who feels stuck or ready for change
- Following along on social media for behind-the-scenes moments, real-life planning, and future travel adventures
- Supporting through links, recommendations, and partnerships you see here—every click helps fund our journey
My goal is to turn this blog into a sustainable income so we can trade a fixed address for open roads, freedom, and unforgettable experiences.
If you believe in building a life that feels good—not just looks good—I hope you’ll join us.
Because this next chapter?
We’re writing it together. 💛🚐
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