the hot goddess

(Still) Dreaming Big in Midlife

This Monday, September 30, marks five years since I started my solo 70-day around-the-world trip in Portugal, and two years since I boarded a one-way flight to Portugal to start a new life — a bigger midlife — as a solo retiree and immigrant/expat. Two years of a dream come true by the ocean. Two years of a dream that’s still unfolding. The following is a repost from early 2022, in recognition of this anniversary.

Changing in midlife is hard,
with more to let go
but less time to lose.

The Hot Goddess
Oeiras, Portugal
2024
It hurts to dream big
I am choosing to leave you
I'm letting you down








Opportunity cost is what you give up when you choose one thing over another. Should you be sorry for your choice…be sorry for choosing your dream?





I choose to dream big 
I choose to change in midlife
I am not sorry








What if it hurts people you love? Is a choice wrong if it’s not what important people want it to be? Is a choice worth the tears…the sadness…the guilt?





I have permission 
To change the life I'm living
To love a new life








Does the other side of choosing to change your life make up for the wreckage left behind?






Changing in midlife
Is hard, with more to let go
But less time to lose






Lisbon, Portugal 
2019





Sintra, Portugal 
2019















Loving my home in Portugal 
2022-2024





First sunset of autumn 2024 from my backyard.










No regrets. I made the right choice. Living overseas continues to enrich my life, grow my connection to the world, and expand my understanding of who I am. I can’t thank you enough for all the support, encouragement, and kindness you’ve given me before, during, and through this journey. I am grateful for you, dear reader, and the connection we’ve forged here. 





Thank you for reading! ❤️ May your weekend  be short on regrets and long on dreams.










All images are my own.

The Hot Goddess

On Instagram: retired_rewired_inspired










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    Happy Anniversary, Natalie. You are doing something that many people don’t have the courage to do, so bravo for taking the leap of faith and enjoying the rewards. The photos are wonderful, and the quote, “Changing in midlife is hard, with more to let go but less time to lose,” is excellent. Congratulations!
    

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    Wow! Congratulations, Natalie! Many things to celebrate. I celebrate meeting you along the way and thank you for the inspiration, humor, photos, and information that you beautifully share. 👏🏻🎉🥂
    

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