Is it retirement, unemployment or a once in a lifetime opportunity?
By: Don Darling
Tags: Travel, Adventure, Purpose, Values, Rv Lifestyle

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience.” — Eleanor Roosevelt.

I love this quote, and it summarizes the state of mind that Patti Darling and I have been in for a long time. What is our life’s purpose, what are we passionate about, what would it look like to live our best lives, and what fears do we need to deal with to make it happen.

It’s been almost 90 days since I finished my term as the mayor, and there are aspects of the job that I miss every day. It was a humbling responsibility to apply every ounce of my competency, motivation and skill, to improving the lives of citizens of this great city.

What I don’t miss is the energy consumed by navigating a slow and complex system. Knowing that putting citizens first, was often a catchphrase and that the self-interests of so many groups and individuals often trumped the needs and well-being of the many.

When I decided that I would not reoffer as your Mayor, it was one of the most challenging decisions of my life. I’m passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, solving complex issues and improving outcomes. It was the first time in my life that I had to admit that the price paid to do something was more than I could bear. Simply put, it was the first time that I choose myself and my family over being of service to others. I will find a way to channel my love for our city and my insights and engage in a meaningful way.

There are times in our lives where great opportunities are presented to live more fulfilled lives, aligned with our passion and values despite what is happening to us. This can be very scary, and it takes courage to focus more on what we know instead of being paralyzed by what we don’t.

Have you sat quietly and reflected on the gifts of Covid-19? I know that feels uncomfortable, but I genuinely believe it is an excellent opportunity to dream about and, even more importantly, strive for a new normal — one where we benefit individually and as a society. I happen to believe the old normal was good for some and not so great for many. True happiness is achieved when we realize that wealth is measured in more ways than money and that we are in control when it comes to defining what true happiness looks like. Forget what Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat think. What do you want? It’s a very personal journey. I urge you to lean into yours.

Later in September, Patti, Gus and I, are leaving on an epic journey. We will travel across our beautiful country, through the US, including a stop-off in Vegas to renew our wedding vows for our 30th wedding anniversary.

This trip is about fresh air, appreciating sunrises and beautiful sunsets; it’s about the prairies, mountains, oceans, salt air, solitude and of course the sea glass. It’s about slowing down, searching for some answers while reconnecting to what we already know. It’s about shedding society’s definition of success and redefining a meaning that aligns with who we are. It’s a journey to celebrate thirty years of work, marriage and gratitudes. Are we scared? We sure are. Despite our fear, we are choosing to live courageously and go for it.

Yes, we’ll have to work. Patti is a gifted therapist and will continue to follow her passions, with a lighter schedule over the next few months.

I certainly know what I don’t want to do if that makes sense. What I do want is to wake up every morning full of passion, living my values and making a difference in people’s lives. I’ll work for myself with a passion for inspiring others to live vulnerable and authentic lives. When I combine my life experiences, a corporate career with my political experience, I’m confident that opportunities exist. I’m excited to open this next chapter more confident and aligned with what matters to me than at any other time in my life.

Here’s a video from our pick-up of our rolling home and a conversation Patti and I had, about our thoughts on our trip.

We look forward to sharing our adventures with you from the road, having essential and authentic conversations with interesting people and hopefully, in some small way, motivating you to chase your dreams too.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Maya Angelou