T.G.I.F. Friday: Volume 56
Welcome to “Thank God I’m FI” Friday, Volume #56!
Here are some things I really like and that you might too.
Financial Independence/Retirement Articles
Did Limiting Beliefs About Money Make Me a Millionaire? (One Frugal Girl) – “The list of limiting beliefs is different for every person. Some people grow up believing money is evil. Others think money is complicated or that they are undeserving of wealth”
Maximize ACA Subsidies and Minimize Health Insurance Costs in 2022 (Can I Retire Yet) – Dave’s comment – this is an impressively comprehensive and well-researched post from Chris and a must read for anyone considering ACA coverage in 2022
Video
Wyoming is one of my favorite outdoor playgrounds. I’ve summited the Grand Teton, and hiked and backpacked all through Yellowstone National Park and the Wind River Mountains. Sit back and enjoy some Wyoming bliss.
As an add on Chris Istace asked me to share this YouTube channel of his friend who is fighting plastic pollution in the Philippines.
Who’s Inspired Me
Nicola Bagioli.
Bagioli is a 26 year old Italian pro cyclist. Check that, was a pro cyclist. In the prime of his career, he recently announced his retirement from pro cycling to pursue… being a soapstone potter.
In this Velonews article he says “I arrived at a moment in my life in which I have to choose, in which I have to make an important decision and so I decided to choose with my heart, to make a choice that many may consider crazy, but which for me represents following a dream, my passion,” Bagioli said in his Instagram post.
Sounds like a story that many of us in the FIRE movement can relate to right? Ditch the job, and follow something else. It’s what I’m getting closer and closer to. The article ends with this:
Having made a major life decision to give up one career in pursuit of building another, Bagioli doesn’t know what the future holds for him but he’s looking forward to finding out. “What will await me? I don’t know, but I will certainly face it with the determination, constancy, and sacrifice that the bike has taught me in all these years.”
After reading that last line, I could relate, and his story warmed my heart. I’m slowly transitioning from a long career in a technical field, to a new passion using the other half of my brain and creating art. Where will it go? I have no clue. But it’s been a blast and very rewarding so far, so I’m hitting the accelerator.
What I’m Grateful For
You. My readers. This past Tuesday I posted about my 4th year of semi-retirement and blogaversary and the comments blew me away. Thank you all.
Lyrically Speaking
On the tv I saw a man selling second chance
I thought what kind of sucker needs to buy self confidence
I sit alone on Friday night in boxer briefs and realize these guys are pointed straight at me
From “Good Grief” by The Southland
The Southland were a “one and done” band, meaning they made one album and went away. But of all the one and dones out there they are one of my favorites. Led by Jed Whedon who is more famous for his screenwriting career, The Southlands only record, released in 2005 and titled The Influence of Geography, is an indie gem. With a diverse range of musical styles and some great playing, it’s worth a place in your library.
And I love the lines above as it’s exactly what I thought the first time I saw Tony Robbins on TV. I can’t recall if I was in boxer briefs however.
Miscellaneous
Burn, baby, burn: the new science of metabolism – “The reason we’re gaining weight is not only because there’s more food available than we have evolved to expect, but because they’re modern, industrialized foods, designed to be overeaten.”
When Facebook Came Calling… – “…researchers quantified changes in the mental health status of students right before and right after they were given access to Facebook.”
Americans are more generous than Europeans — by a large margin – “The American disposition is to rely far more on the communal and local help than Europeans, who rely on government to do their charity for them.”
I love the inspiring story about Bagioli. I can relate a little. I’m taking a bit of a step down at my job because I want more time to focus on my art (plus the step down is my dream job! #forthewin). At some point you have to make way for the things that matter most to you, even if they aren’t understood by others, but it’s inspiring seeing that others are following their true paths and that I’ll survive this:)
Thanks for the music reccy. So good! I love these Friday posts. Have a great weekend! A
Congrats to you Andrea, you’re following your heart and while sometimes difficult I think that’s always a path that ends up in a good place. Glad you like my round ups!
about that cyclist: sometimes overlooked is the fact that a person may spend almost their entire life in the same geographic region and can be happy with that. hell, i could have stuck around my home town and made it as almost anything i think. it’s dirt cheap to exist and thrive in some places so long as you don’t want much materially.
also, excellent reading on the ACA stuff. i must have spent an hour reading and thinking about that. i’m glad i have company health coverage for now.
Great point dude, as a geographer myself I understand the impact of place, it’s huge. And for Bagioli it’s also a family lineage thing. As for the ACA, it’s likely in my future
I actually read and thought the ACA article was worth re-reading before you had posted. Well-researched and written. What was new to me was the research conducted behind the metabolism article. No one can blame slow metabolism as a factor in weight gain until after 60 years old. Thanks for sharing interesting links.
That metabolism article was eye opening to me too. If anything it shows there’s just so much about the human body that science doesn’t fully understand. Let’s hope they learn faster… thanks for the kudos and for being a long time reader!