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Photo by James Owen on Unsplash

Where to begin with this story. How about the middle, since you probably already know the beginning. A child was born, grew up and became a man; however, somewhere along the way, he became lost in the game of life. He thought if he studied hard, worked harder, was a good husband and father, then life would be everything he had dreamed. 

It didn’t work out that way though. He did study hard and that led to a great paying job. He found a wife along the way who made him a better person. A son was born happy and healthy. From the outside looking in, he had it all and life was great. 

So, why wasn’t he excited about his life? Why did he lay awake at night wanting something more and what was it he even wanted? Was it less time at work and more time with his family? Was it more toys so he could have fun with his friends? What was he craving? 

The story goes like this, he and his wife decided this life wasn’t for them anymore, so they quit their jobs and decided to take some time off. They sold all their belongings and packed what few things they owned into an RV. Their thought was maybe less is more. 

No longer will we have such a huge mortgage payment. No longer will I give up a couple hours of my life everyday to sit in traffic. No longer will I come home exhausted and irritated. No longer will my to do list take up my weekend. So they decided to try something new. They decided the rat race wasn’t for them anymore. 

In the end, he did achieve more. More time with his family; more time to enjoy life; more time to pursue his photography; more time in nature, and more time for his health. He gained the slower pace of life and an all around happier outlook. The more things he quit, the more things he gained.

— Nicole Barden 4/23/2021