Happy Transformation Anniversary to me! This weekend has marked the beginning of changing my life since 2019. Four years ago, I retired from my second career and took off on a 70-day around-the-world trip between seven countries. Just one carry-on bag and me as a first-time solo traveler. Portugal was my first stop on October 1, 2019. I didn’t know then that, three years later, I would leave the U.S. on September 30, 2022, and land in my new home in Portugal’s Silver Coast…again on October 1.
Moral of this story: Don’t be afraid to give yourself permission to change the life you’re living so you can live a life you love.

(And, yes, “MIDLIFE” spans from ages 40-65, according to the “experts,” so I’m gonna keep claiming it for two more years!)
This blog post is taken from my Instagram page. The accompanying travel-clip reel is below.
Thank you for reading 💜.


Celebration fare of champions. 😋
All images are my own.
The Hot Goddess
Instagram: retired_rewired_inspired
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Enjoy the bounty of beauty & accomplishment to the max, ms hg. The gelatto & wine rival the evening views IMHO!
😎
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Oooh, I second that!! As I told Wynne, I am close to wine+gelato shakes and floats. Maybe toss in some pomegranate seeds and call it a smoothie too. Thank you so much for your support, Laura! ❤️
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LOL – smoothie, good one Ms HG!
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Happy Anniversary! Travel can certainly be life changing.
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Thank you so much, John! I haven’t traveled nearly as much as you, but it certainly has changed my life.
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Happy anniversary of the start of your new phase of life, Natalie. You rock, girl!
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Thank you so much, Jane! ❤️ It is a fun thing to celebrate, and one I couldn’t have predicted even two years ago.
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Happy anniversary, Natalie!!! And cheers to many more!
💕 Deb
p.s. That gelato dessert looks seriously amazing
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Thank you so much, Deb! ❤️
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Happy transformation anniversary! I admire how you are living your life to the fullest. May your fun adventures continue.
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Thank you so much, Rebecca! ❤️ Happy anniversary to you. Celebrating the first date with your husband of many years is a wonderful thing!
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Thanks, Natalie! Have a great week.
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You are a great role model for me Natalie! I hope to muster the courage and clarity to do some traveling and exploring. Those are gorgeous images from your Instagram slide show. Kudos and Happy Anniversary!
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Brad, I appreciate all your support, which gas meant so much! Thank you 💛. I almost canceled my trip in 2019 the night before departure because I was terrified. A shot (or two) of whiskey calmed my panic attack, and I told myself I only had to focus on stepping onto the plane; nothing else. Focusing on one baby step at a time is key for me. Now…how about a shot or four of your stiffest kombucha 😁🤗
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You’re most welcome Natalie. And great reminder for me to tackle it one baby step at a time. Where’s the whiskey! 🍷😋
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You must have even exceeded your own high expectations. Congrats on a great transition year.
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Geoff, thank you so much! Cheers to year 2.
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Yes, cheers to that!
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You did it. And you did it well. Congratulations.
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Thank you so much, Jennifer! Still pinching myself some days.
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Happy anniversary. Wine and gelato – perfect celebration fare. Enjoy the fruits of your incredible hard work and courage!
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I’m coming !! Can’t wait till the day! Thanks for your information and insight.
Jor
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Awesome! Thank you for reading!
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Thank you so much, Wynne! I’m this close to making wine+gelato floats and shakes a thing.
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Oh yes! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Adventure on, Natalie!
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Thank you, Mitch!
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What an awesome post! Everyone should live midlife your way.
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Thank you so much for stopping by, Diane! Your pizza tortillas will be on a post-celebration menu.
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I admire your courage to just go for it. Not too many people I know would leave the safe confines of their own country.
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Thank you for your kind words, Pete.
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Congrats on the transformation and Happy Anniversary! Your story inspires me, Natalie!
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Thank you so much, Crystal! You are inspiration ❤️
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Hello Natalie-The Hot Goddess,
I so enjoyed the awesome beautiful pics of the sun setting over the beach, the wine in those pretty glasses-and my daughter and I were in awe of the yummy dessert. Giirrll!
You are living that dream life! I’m so happy for you. Congratulations on your 1st year anniversary. Thank you so very much for sharing and keeping it 100. We hope to see you next summer on our scouting trip.
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Jessica, thank you, thank you, thank you! ❤️ I appreciate your reading and commenting. Cheers to your scouting trip! 🍷🍦
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Goosebumps! 💖 Congratulations, courageous Natalie! Thank you for this beautiful share and for continuing to be an inspiration for your readers.
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Michele, I appreciate you and your goddess support more than you know. Thank you so much! 💜
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Thanks for filling up my cup! 💗
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Love this! Kuddos to you! The experts may be a little behind the times, I’m thinking “middle-life” may extend beyond 65, if our mindset and physical abilities show us they do! I’m gonna hold onto that thought!
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Ha! I’m in! Thank you for extending the definition 😁❤️
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Yay! I feel I’ve just accepted being in mid-life, not ready to look at “senior”!!
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I’m with you, Tamara! Thank you so much for always cheering me on!❤️
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Happy anniversary, and here’s to October 1st, which is also happens to be my birthday! 🙂 May you keep creating wonderful memories in your new home. ❤
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Happy birthday, Khaya! ❤️💐🥂Thank you so much for the well wishes 😊
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Many thanks, Natalie. ❤
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Happy anniversary of second innings🎉🎉
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Yes! Thank you so much 💜
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Love this and happy anniversary Natalie.. of new beginnings❤️
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Thank you, Cindy! ❤️
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Congratulations, Natalie!
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Thank you, Kathy! ❤️
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Happy Anniversary! You are such a motivator.
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Thank you so much ❤️❤️
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