That’s a great point. I found fewer naysayers blogging than I did in the real world. While friends might have said, “Good luck retiring at 45,” bloggers said, “why not try it!”

I’m glad you started blogging. I really enjoy your posts!

A few blogs were also helpful to me in confirming my decision to retire early. All my real life friends told me I was crazy and I’d be bored. But there were blogs on the internet that said early retirement wasn’t crazy, it was awesome. My blog friends were right! My real life friends still think I’m crazy.

I love reading your blog- thanks for continuing to write it!

Oh April, I love this! I started blogging while I was working, but it definitely gave me something to hold on to after I left my corporate job. It was a comfort when everything else was shifting and changing, including my identity. Thank you for your kind words. I totally feel your desire to be defined by something other than “mom.” I love my children, but this corner of the Internet has helped me be myself outside of my children. What is your blog called?

A fellow blogger once told me my blog was too serious. Looking back I can see why. I started during such a distressing time in my life. It definitely wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns. I am so glad that you stumbled into blogging and that I’ve been following your story for so long!

Thank you friend. Without you I wouldn’t have hit the 15 year mark!