25 Comments
User's avatar
cmcsween's avatar

Thanks Jada! Who among us couldn’t benefit from taking a daily “chill pill.” What I love about your posts, as well as your lovely writing, is that those of us who are not in a position to be a Midlife Nomad can appreciate and benefit from your experiences as you are able to incorporate them into most of our daily lives. Well done!

Steve

Expand full comment
The Midlife Nomad's avatar

Thank you Steve! It was an eventful few days of learning to let go of thinking I was in control… I sincerely appreciate your comment and support :)

Expand full comment
Krissy Soltman's avatar

This piece particularly spoke to me. Thank you Jada for sharing so thoughtfully about your experience. I’m learning similar lessons about living “on Mexican time.”

Expand full comment
The Midlife Nomad's avatar

Love that it resonates for you! There are so many lessons in letting go I am learning…

Expand full comment
Daniel's avatar

Great insights, and from a fellow Madeiran, no less :)

I find Madeira even more laid back than the mainland.

My "Aha!" moment was when i boarded a bus, and the bus driver waited till all passengers were sited before he started to move. i have never seen that before or since.

I'm not sure the optimism of "Things are always working out for me" is good fit for me, though.

i'm more of "Que Será, Será" kinda guy.

Daniel

Expand full comment
The Midlife Nomad's avatar

Hello! Thank you for your comment! There is not only a laid backness here but also the kindest people I’ve ever met.

We can merge the two mantras… things are always working out for you because of your whatever will be will be attitude 😊

Expand full comment
Sheila Callahan's avatar

"Life always works out for me." That's a keeper. Enjoyed this piece immensely and can picture each step of the "journey." Speaking of photos, I'm a Substacker who's dying to know how you manage to resize your photos so nicely. Mine are ungainly in my posts. Thanks for any suggestions.

Expand full comment
The Midlife Nomad's avatar

Thank you Sheila! As far as the size of the photos, there is a vertical bar midway up on the photo. Just click that and shrink the photo to the size you desire by sliding the tab in. I discovered it by accident 😂..

Expand full comment
Sheila Callahan's avatar

Oh my goodness. I found it. It works. You go to the head of the class. Many, many thanks.

Expand full comment
The Midlife Nomad's avatar

Great! And you are so welcome!

Expand full comment
Kaila Krayewski's avatar

I love this perspective flip! Good for you for turning this inconvenience into not only an important life lesson but also an insightful Substack post. Finding purpose in the disappointment is beautiful.

Expand full comment
The Midlife Nomad's avatar

Thank you Kaila for your comment! Allowing the flow of life can be challenging at times! But there is often a bigger lesson when we can let go of control and trust! I love how you phrased it!

Expand full comment
Asia Dawn's avatar

The fact that you managed to get through all of this without having a nervous breakdown is something to be applauded AND a testament to why you absolutely could adjust to life in Portugal! 👏 It isn’t for everyone, I’m sure. (I’ve lived in Mexico and Italy but never Portugal.)

Expand full comment
The Midlife Nomad's avatar

Thank you for that! I had to use all my skills as a therapist to peel myself off the edge a few times. Box breathing, mantras, letting go... !! I think living anywhere other than where we grew up poses some challenges. I am sure Mexico and Italy have a few differences that has challenged you in some ways ( and also helped you grow... as most challenges seem to do!) Sounds like you are busy writing your "next chapter" with an adventurous life too!

Expand full comment
Asia Dawn's avatar

Yes! I’ve needed those resources quite a few times myself.

Expand full comment
Girl Off The Grid's avatar

Sounds like the Portuguese version of “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” 😀 Glad it worked out. BTW I loved Tavira. So much so I named my new car Tavira. 😂

The Pousada there is fantastic even if you just have a beverage in the courtyard. It’s definitely on my list to go back.

Expand full comment
The Midlife Nomad's avatar

It felt like the movie! I do love Tavira as well. It turned into a mini vacation even though the task at hand was not achieved! We will have to try that when we go back! Thanks for the recommendation! And I love you named your car! 🤍

Expand full comment
Veronica Fall's avatar

Love this very much! The different between being a traveler and a resident of another country: you will deal with government entities, providers of power, water and cell phones, police, etc. with having very little knowledge of “how things work.” Filled with pitfalls but so glorious when you accomplish your task! I just renewed my passport while living in Central America and it was epic.

Expand full comment
The Midlife Nomad's avatar

Yes, there is a difference between visiting and living! I will keep working through the pitfalls as you say. It’s worth it! 🤍

Expand full comment
David Baillie's avatar

Such a brilliant and loving observation and learning: Practice be ing Portuguese. Also, Wine is better in candle light.

I call it "chill, check and (then) choose.

Oh, and now I am wondering what else I want to learn about Portugal as I plan my trip and consider nomadding there.

Namaste

Coach Davey

Expand full comment
The Midlife Nomad's avatar

Thank you for your comment David! I love your “chill, check and choose”. Seems like you are well on your way to “be ing” Portuguese. And agreed, wine is better by candlelight.

Expand full comment
Saved by Grace's avatar

Love this...I think a nomadic lifestyle is a great opportunity to learn to go with the flow; we've commented on exactly that this week. I've always had a tendency to want life to get back to 'normal' after a perceived blip, but life is all of it...blips and all. We've had several 'problems' with both our boat and the van this week and I'm making a conscious decision not to try to control everything as I used to. As you say, we learn so much about ourselves and the culture around us if we just let go 🙂 Karen

Expand full comment
The Midlife Nomad's avatar

Sorry you are having issues with both your boat and van… that can be tough. You can steal my mantra and just know things “are always working out for you”, “blips and all”. Thank you for sharing part of your journey as always Karen 😊

Expand full comment
Saved by Grace's avatar

I guess it's living in 2 vehicles...the boat had to have a whole new set (6) of batteries and the van needed a new roof light...£1800 in total. I'm being very zen about it and just accepting it as part of our chosen lifestyle 😉

Expand full comment
Stella and Lucille's avatar

You nailed it! 100%

Expand full comment