Your mission is to represent the US citizens like yourself, and share your views in the world so they know we haven’t all abandoned them. You’re still a US citizen. You still vote. Carry on.
Wow - reading your words made me kind of emotional. Thank you for the support, encouragement and permission to follow my truth. I didn’t realize how much I needed that! 💜
Basically: be who you are, own your path, and don’t steal someone else’s wine at the vineyard.
That last part might be a loose translation… but it fits the spirit of early retirement and slow travel. We’re all out here trying to find our own version of freedom - ideally with good bread and a sunset.
Yes, though I wonder if some of that is due to my immigrant view of my new country—like I don’t know it well enough yet to know the underbelly. Though once again, maybe that’s my American mentality saying there must be a darker side. I’ve come to the point where I know no place is perfect. But some places are better for me than others at various times in my life. And that’s fine.
100% agree with you, Rebecca. Since we move every month, we never get the full reality of any one place—we’re just passing through. But it is fascinating how many people we meet in Europe light up when they hear we’re from Texas. There’s a real sense of admiration or curiosity about the U.S. Stay tuned, though…Our travels usually take us to smaller towns, and I have a feeling Paris might feel like a whole different planet compared to Provence!
Love this piece! Coincidentally I wrote a similar piece as my 1st Substack post last month after moving back to France. I agree with you as to the whys, and with several of the earlier comments that we represent a kinder America. We are still citizens, we vote, PLUS we have a voice both on the ground and right here on Substack.
At this very moment I am back in Santa Fe, NM. I arrived last night for 3 weeks to attend to something in my house which I’m hoping will go into escrow while I’m here. 🤞🏻. The contrast is shocking on more levels then I can even begin to outline, or care to. The news on my phone is a constant assault… designed to numb and overwhelm. I resist. And will resist while here.
Nice to meet you Kelly. We are sisters on a journey of discovery and disconnecting from a very sad, inhuman system. May the US survive this chapter. ❤️
It is important to focus on the things that we desire to create, the things that enrich our life, and raise our vibrations. To do that, I too have had to bow out a bit.
I did not leave the country, but I can empathize with your ghost feeling. Ghosts may not be seen, but that just means they can observe the truth more readily, …don’t you think?
I hear you. And I agree — no more excuses. But also, sometimes stepping back isn’t about avoidance. It’s about choosing stillness so I can create from a deeper place. I love what you said about ghosts seeing the truth — maybe that’s why I’ve been so quiet. Watching. Listening. Learning what’s worth returning for.
Yes — I love that take. Ghosts do see more. We just trade visibility for clarity. And honestly, being mistaken for imaginary doesn’t sound half bad some days.
Thank you for the kindest and harshest — I welcome both. And I completely agree: stepping back doesn’t mean giving up. It’s just making space to choose more intentionally.
Here’s to the quiet creators, the gentle observers… and the ghosts with good taste.
I don't think you should be judged at all for choosing to stay sane. Sounds very sensible to me. Real escapism is closing your eyes from what's happening - you're actively talking about it. Plus, we all can benefit from some travel to find perspective - I'd argue you're leading with a good example :)
Thank you — truly. That means a lot. I’ve wrestled with whether this path is escapism or something more intentional, and your perspective helps quiet that little inner critic.
And I love how you framed it: real escapism is closing your eyes. I might be walking the edges, but I’m still looking. Just… with better light and fewer news alerts.
Your mission is to represent the US citizens like yourself, and share your views in the world so they know we haven’t all abandoned them. You’re still a US citizen. You still vote. Carry on.
Wow - reading your words made me kind of emotional. Thank you for the support, encouragement and permission to follow my truth. I didn’t realize how much I needed that! 💜
Vir Quisque Vir
Suum caique
Ooh, bring on the Latin! I had to look it up.
Vir quisque vir — every man a man.
Suum cuique — to each their own.
Basically: be who you are, own your path, and don’t steal someone else’s wine at the vineyard.
That last part might be a loose translation… but it fits the spirit of early retirement and slow travel. We’re all out here trying to find our own version of freedom - ideally with good bread and a sunset.
Kindest: I’m the same. Thanks for putting words to it.
Harshest: Eh. This is a hard one. I’m not a huge fan of harsh. Which is one reason I like living outside the US.
Kindred spirits, then. I think there are more of us than we realize - quietly opting out of the noise, but still deeply tuned in.
And I’m right there with you on the harsh stuff. Life feels a little softer from a few time zones away, doesn’t it?
Yes, though I wonder if some of that is due to my immigrant view of my new country—like I don’t know it well enough yet to know the underbelly. Though once again, maybe that’s my American mentality saying there must be a darker side. I’ve come to the point where I know no place is perfect. But some places are better for me than others at various times in my life. And that’s fine.
100% agree with you, Rebecca. Since we move every month, we never get the full reality of any one place—we’re just passing through. But it is fascinating how many people we meet in Europe light up when they hear we’re from Texas. There’s a real sense of admiration or curiosity about the U.S. Stay tuned, though…Our travels usually take us to smaller towns, and I have a feeling Paris might feel like a whole different planet compared to Provence!
Love this piece! Coincidentally I wrote a similar piece as my 1st Substack post last month after moving back to France. I agree with you as to the whys, and with several of the earlier comments that we represent a kinder America. We are still citizens, we vote, PLUS we have a voice both on the ground and right here on Substack.
At this very moment I am back in Santa Fe, NM. I arrived last night for 3 weeks to attend to something in my house which I’m hoping will go into escrow while I’m here. 🤞🏻. The contrast is shocking on more levels then I can even begin to outline, or care to. The news on my phone is a constant assault… designed to numb and overwhelm. I resist. And will resist while here.
Nice to meet you Kelly. We are sisters on a journey of discovery and disconnecting from a very sad, inhuman system. May the US survive this chapter. ❤️
Sisters 👯♀️ This brought a tear to my eye (or maybe both). So nice to meet you in this space.
It reminded me of that Twain quote: “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.”
That’s how I feels…deeply in love with a country I had to step away from. Still watching, still caring, still hoping.
Looking forward to getting to know you here. I feel a little less alone because of you!
Kindest: I agree
Harshest: Stop making excuses.
It is important to focus on the things that we desire to create, the things that enrich our life, and raise our vibrations. To do that, I too have had to bow out a bit.
I did not leave the country, but I can empathize with your ghost feeling. Ghosts may not be seen, but that just means they can observe the truth more readily, …don’t you think?
I hear you. And I agree — no more excuses. But also, sometimes stepping back isn’t about avoidance. It’s about choosing stillness so I can create from a deeper place. I love what you said about ghosts seeing the truth — maybe that’s why I’ve been so quiet. Watching. Listening. Learning what’s worth returning for.
Yes — I love that take. Ghosts do see more. We just trade visibility for clarity. And honestly, being mistaken for imaginary doesn’t sound half bad some days.
Thank you for the kindest and harshest — I welcome both. And I completely agree: stepping back doesn’t mean giving up. It’s just making space to choose more intentionally.
Here’s to the quiet creators, the gentle observers… and the ghosts with good taste.
I don't think you should be judged at all for choosing to stay sane. Sounds very sensible to me. Real escapism is closing your eyes from what's happening - you're actively talking about it. Plus, we all can benefit from some travel to find perspective - I'd argue you're leading with a good example :)
Thank you — truly. That means a lot. I’ve wrestled with whether this path is escapism or something more intentional, and your perspective helps quiet that little inner critic.
And I love how you framed it: real escapism is closing your eyes. I might be walking the edges, but I’m still looking. Just… with better light and fewer news alerts.
Yes! I like that: with better light and fewer news alerts.
Our own inner critic is always the loudest. I really enjoyed reading your reflections - thank you for sharing!
Kindest: You doing you!
Harshest: Nothing; nitpicking’s trivial.
Not even “quitter expat cowards”