We made a home that we always wanted. After that, we left it behind. We decided to live as digital nomads in South East Asia.

Chapter 1: From Comfort to Freedom: Our Journey Starts

Life was moving in a steady way that many people would like. We had five houses. Each house showed a different time in our lives. Some had memories of family times. Some were proof of our strong work and push to keep going. Our jobs gave us steady ground, comfort, and the money we needed to think about bigger dreams. But under all of this, there was a calm question. Was this really all we wanted?

Our journey began a long time ago, before we even noticed it. For many years, we worked hard to grow our careers. We moved up in our jobs, bought homes, and hoped that we would soon be able to relax. We paid close attention to our savings, made plans for retirement, and managed our daily tasks. Life was good and felt safe.

Back then, having more than one home felt like a big win. Every house we had was not just a building. It showed how much work we put in to get there. But as the years went by, we started to wonder about it. Was all that we owned enough? Did all these things really make us happy? Or did they just fill up space, while we still wanted something more?

Our dream home came together here with so much looking back on what we wanted. It sits on a golf course in Canada in a green, beautiful land. We made it to be all we wanted in a perfect place to live. It is full of peace and beauty that feel right together. When it was finished after months of planning and building, it felt like the result of all our work over the years.

Standing there in the middle of long green fields and tall trees made us feel thankful for how far we have gone. It made us see that life’s best gifts are not things you can touch or own. The best moments are found in new places and through new experiences.

We often sat by big windows. We would look out at the endless land and dream about adventure. We wanted to know what was out there, past all the usual plans people had for after they stopped working. The house was great. Still, there was a quiet wish for something more—something that was not just about being comfortable, but about being free.

This came to me slowly. It happened during talks in the evening while having wine, or when taking long walks outside. At these times, the talk about what could happen in the future got stronger. I started to feel that life does not need to stay inside walls, or follow the same plan every day.

The stability from the way we live now made us feel safe. But, it also stopped us in some ways. It kept us from trying new things and growing. We started to wonder if always sticking to what we know could make us miss what we really love. This is about travel, new cultures, and real experiences.

Our story is not one of a kind. Many people feel stuck between safe habits and wanting to try new things at some point in their lives. For us, these feelings grew stronger in the last few years. The troubles from COVID-19 made us feel this even more. The pandemic both started and showed us these feelings.

When lockdowns started in 2020, people had to stay home and feel alone. This made us all think more about our lives. We wondered what really mattered. It was not just health or money. We wanted to find our purpose, too.

During those months, we had to stay away from friends who lived abroad and family members who were far away. They could not come visit us, and we could not travel to them. We found old passions again. We started to love looking at new places, either in books or on the internet. We remembered trips we took before. We began to think about where we will go when everything opens again.

It was in those quiet times, while we had wine on comfortable nights, that ideas started to form. We began to dream about living in another country instead of just visiting for a short time. We pictured days when we would not feel held back by what other people think. We thought about waking up each morning, feeling happy and looking forward to the day, not feeling stuck or tired from work.

One evening comes back to me very clearly. All of us were sitting on the patio. There was soft music on, and we were having red wine under the stars. We began to talk about where to go next. Chile or Portugal came up. Both places call to us. They feel fun and exciting. There is also a chance to work there and to keep things fresh.

That night was when everything changed. A new idea started to grow inside us that would later become a big plan to change our lives. We decided to move away from the usual ways people save for retirement. We wanted to spend all our time living as digital nomads.

We saw that change was not just something we wanted. We needed it if we wanted real happiness in life. This would help us avoid feeling stuck or sorry about things we didn't do.

Our journey toward freedom started here. We knew that real wealth is not just about money in the bank. It is also about courage. This means you have to be ready for things that are not sure. It is also about passion. This is the want to go beyond places you know.

As we look back now and see how far we have come, from owning five houses to building the home we wanted in nature, we know those first ideas mattered a lot. Those early thoughts helped shape all that happened after. They show not only sticking with something but also being open to what can happen.

This chapter is just the start. It is the base for all the adventures that come next. Two people, brave enough to make big changes, decide to build their dream home. Then they leave it behind to go after new dreams. They travel in bright Southeast Asian places and find out what real freedom is.

Chapter 2: The Spark of a Dream: Realizing the Need for Change

This chapter talks about how dreams start. It shows why we feel there is a need for change. People look around them and see things that are not right. They feel that things can be better. A new idea comes up. It is like a spark. The feeling to make it better grows.

We know that life can change. A dream leads people to ask what they can do. It is when they first think about making a difference. A person gets an idea. They feel ready to work for change. This marks the start of their journey. A dream pushes us forward.

The spark makes us look for new ways. We have hope as we try. This is how a dream turns into real actions. Without it, nothing new would happen. So, this chapter shows that we need a spark to start the journey and bring change.

It was in the early months of 2020, when things were quiet, that we began to feel a change inside us. Like many people, we were busy with work, looking after more than one home, and trying to build a life that felt steady and safe. Each day was busy with our jobs, meetings, and some family time now and then. From the outside, it looked like we had everything. We had made five houses with care. We had jobs that were going well. We also had a beautiful home in Canada, right on a golf course, that showed how well things were going for us.

But under this sense of calm, there was a feeling that would not go away. We started to think more about travel and adventure. These dreams had always been there, but not in the front of our minds. The world outside what we knew called to us with ideas of new places and things to do. Still, we could not go after these dreams. There was just too much we had to take care of first.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic.

At first, it looked like a big problem. A global crisis made us stay inside and stopped our daily life. But after some weeks, then months stuck at home, something happened that no one thought about. We started to think. Being alone made all of us stop and see what is really important.

In those quiet days at home, we often sat on our patio after work. We would drink wine together and just enjoy the moment. These simple times meant everything to us. We watched the sunset over the golf course. Sometimes, we listened to the birds through the open window. We talked about the future and what we would do if nothing stood in our way.

One night when we were thinking about life and sipping red wine, we talked about traveling again. But this time, we did not want to go only as tourists or people on vacation. We thought about what it would be like to live in another country for a long time. We talked about the places we have always wanted to see. Chile, with its tall mountains and busy cities. Portugal, with charming villages by the sea. And the green jungles and busy markets of Southeast Asia.

These dreams had been quiet for years because life kept us busy. We all wanted to feel safe, so we saved for retirement or put energy into our work. But then, there was this new moment that helped us see things in a different way. Why wait? Why not try to make these dreams happen now instead of many years from now? If things can change so much in just a short time because of something big that happened around the world, the need to follow these dreams feels stronger than ever.

The spark got bigger when we saw how travel can be part of our life. We did not have to give up money or comfort when we plan it well. We started to read about people who live as digital nomads. This means not just quick trips but a real way to live in another place for a bit and still work online. The idea felt right to us. It let us do what we love. We could explore with a reason. We could feel free and still have things to care for.

As more days passed, we read more in online forums and blogs about remote work chances. We found that many places in Southeast Asia, like Thailand, had low living costs. The country also had good healthcare, which was very important to us because of some health worries in the past. We saw that their communities were full of life. People there wanted to meet new people who are looking for friends and fun.

We also thought about how this lifestyle would give us freedom from old ways of living. There would be no more nine-to-five jobs. We would not have strict routines. We would not feel stuck by jobs that made people stay at home or sit in heavy traffic every cold morning.

Instead, we pictured mornings where we work from a warm café with palm trees outside the window. We saw ourselves walking to an old temple in the afternoon. It seemed so good that we almost could not believe it. Still, it could be real for us if we just decided to go for it.

During this time, there was more and more excitement with some careful hope. It was exciting to think about waking up each day and knowing that, outside my window, there would be new places to see. These would be different than the old snowy streets or the usual things we have known for a long time.

But we had some questions too. To leave five houses might change our money situation. What would happen with our health insurance? Can remote work really be done with the way things work now? Would we be okay if we were not close to family when things come up that we do not expect?

We faced a lot of questions when we started. To deal with this, we began to gather information. We talked to friends who have been to many places. We read online stories from digital nomads who explained what happened to them. We also read articles about what you need to do to get a visa in different countries. Step by step, we made plans that made sense. We did not just dream about it—we found a real way forward.

I remember one night during this time. Both of us were sitting at our dining table. We were going over our notes and drinking coffee, not wine. That showed how serious we were getting, but we were still excited too. We knew there would be lots of change ahead. Still, we both felt it was important for us to grow. We wanted to move beyond just having stuff or living by what others wanted. We were ready to find something that felt more real to us. We wanted to go out, try new things, and see what the world could give us outside of our easy lives.

This moment was a big change. It was not just about dreaming of new things to do, but also about starting to plan them. It showed that real freedom sometimes means you need courage to let go of stuff that does not make you happy anymore. That can be a house you have had for years, or the things you do every day that you once thought showed others who you are.

This chapter is really about waking up. It's about when hidden dreams start to show up while things feel out of control. We see that life is not long, so it matters to enjoy what we have made. It also matters to change who we are by being open to new things. Sometimes to find new chances, we have to let go of old ways.

And so, we started our journey into a place we had never been before. We were not just going to new places in Southeast Asia. We were also looking inside ourselves at what it is to live in the way you want, not just how others think you should. That is when true change starts.

Chapter 3: Trying It Out: First Days as Digital Nomads

Starting life as a digital nomad was very exciting. But it was also a bit scary. We knew we wanted to work from a laptop while we traveled to new countries. We had to try this new way of living and be careful. Our first true try at this was in Costa Rica. This place had lots of greenery and the things we needed to work online. It was a good spot to see if we could really do this, and not just feel like we were still on a trip.

We started our trip feeling both excited and careful. We wanted to find out if we can mix work with time for rest, fun, and seeing new places, and still get things done and feel comfortable. The first thing that came up was sorting out the details: how to work while being in places that feel new. We packed our laptops, portable chargers, adapters that fit other outlets, and a small Wi-Fi device, just in case we need it.

When we got to Costa Rica, we saw lots of bright green trees and felt the warm sun. The air was full of a strong, wet smell from the tropics. It made us feel good but also a bit out of place at first. We stayed in a small rental house close to the beach. The internet there seemed good, but in these quiet spots, "good" is not always the same as back home.

The first few days were about getting used to new places and making new habits. We got up early every morning. After that, we had coffee on the porch. Some people would check emails or join online meetings at this time. The hard part was finding good Wi-Fi when many people were online at the same time. Sometimes, the internet got slow because a lot of people used it or when rain messed with the signal for a while.

We got used to things fast, even if there were a few small problems. We found some good cafes with strong internet. These spots let us work for hours and feel at ease. This was a nice surprise because we had been working from home so much back in Canada. Sometimes, while we worked, we would stop and look at the ocean. We also listened to howler monkeys making sounds in the jungle. This was really different from the busy city life we knew before.

It is true that working away from the office in a new country can be stressful. There were times when the Wi-Fi would stop working all of a sudden. This could happen during a big video meeting. We had to think fast. We would change to a different device. We would look for another place with Internet. Sometimes, we had to move our calls to fit the way the local Internet worked. These small problems made us feel tested. But, they also showed us something important—being flexible is key when you live like this.

As days went by in Costa Rica, we felt both excited and sometimes a bit frustrated. This is how it can feel when you try something out of your normal routine. We saw that this time was not only about seeing if we can work from another country. It was also about seeing how we handle changes in both our work and how we feel.

We saw cultural differences up close. Local customs shaped how we spoke with people. Even ordering food or using public transport needed patience. We had to be open to learning new ways.

This time gave us more to feel and think about. We were not just working in another place, but living as travelers. We really got to know our new home and the people in it.

One good moment was when I had my first “digital nomad” problem. My laptop's battery died while I was in an important client meeting. I had not charged it all the way last night. It was my mistake because I was excited, not careless. This made us see how important it is to be ready when trying to handle many things at once on the road.

There were more than just technical problems. The hard feelings were there too. Sometimes I would feel alone, or I would miss the things I was used to at home. These feelings would show up when I did not expect them. But each time something got in the way, it taught me something. I got stronger and better at dealing with new things. I found out which gear worked for my body as we kept going. I learned more patience while trying to fix problems with poor connection. I started to feel better about myself each time a day went well for us. All of this made me believe that this way of living could really work, not just in ideas, but for real.

By the middle of the trip, something inside us changed. We stopped seeing ourselves as just tourists on a vacation. We started to feel like we could be digital nomads who mix work and adventure, even if it's not perfect every time. The first trips were not perfect. They felt more like tests than the real thing. But these trips showed us one thing for sure: this life can work. More important, it showed us that we can make this work for us.

Trying new things helped make plans for the future. It was not just about where to go next, but also how to get ready in the mind and in practice for long trips in Southeast Asia down the road. This also helped set fair ideas about what to expect. For example, you might see that some places have better roads and places to stay than others. You also learn which places help people do work and which feel more relaxed.

At its heart, those early trips helped us feel sure that we could live with purpose away from old rules. We began to see that “home” can be what you carry with you, not only a place with four walls. In the end, we learned to feel free in our own way.

Looking back now from where we are today as digital nomads, I see those first Costa Rica trips in a different light. They were not just journeys to explore, but big moments when our doubt turned into strong belief. The dream we had was not just a far-off idea. It was already starting to come true, all because we kept going and stayed open to new things.

They taught us very useful lessons about how to adjust. We learned why it helps to try things step by step, instead of rushing into something new. We also saw for ourselves that working from a distance does not mean you lose good work or feel less connected. It just takes some plan, being open to change, and sometimes making things up as you go! Most of all, this made it clear why we started this trip in the first place. Freedom is not just some big idea. You can reach it if you try new things and stay steady.

What we learned in this part gave us a strong base for later. It helped us feel ready for what comes next, even when we do not know what it will be. That is part of making a life you dream of, one you choose yourself—not just doing what you see most people do. This is what it means to be real digital nomads. You keep trying until you feel sure, and then you go farther than you thought you could.

Chapter 4: Being Flexible: Cruises as Short Adventures

After spending months checking things out in Costa Rica and other places, we wanted to try a new kind of travel. Cruises. A cruise looked like a nice way to enjoy some luxury, see many places in one trip, and feel what it is like to always be exploring. We did not know then that this trip would help us learn about being flexible, setting limits, and finding out what really worked for our changing way of living.

We booked our first cruise without much planning. We wanted to get away from our daily life and feel a bit special. A cruise seemed like the right choice for comfort and style. We picked a week-long trip to the Caribbean on a well-known luxury ship. Right from the start, they treated us very well. We had great food, many things to do, pools that looked out over the sea, and nights full of music and dancing.

At first, it looked like what we dreamed of: a feel of luxury on water in a beautiful place. But after some days, small problems started to show up. The biggest problem was trying to work on my laptop while on the ship. The Wi-Fi on cruises is well-known for not working well, and it costs a lot too. Ours was the same. You could not watch videos because they would not load. Video meetings did not work right and often got cut off. Trying to get big files felt like there was no hope.

We soon found out that staying connected was very important for us to work well on these trips. Even with backup plans, like hotspots from local providers or satellite connections, things did not always work out. A lot of the time, the signal would not stay steady. We would sit on deck and try to join meetings, but the sound might cut in and out, or the video would blur while we watched dolphins jump near the ship.

These tech issues made us think again about how much work we could do on the ship. We had to be sure not to drop our work quality or feel too much stress. We saw that there are many good things about cruising. But there are also some limits that can make it hard to do remote work for a long time.

Other than the problems with technology, there were things to think about in the day-to-day. Planning when to eat could be hard if you had to work or wanted to go on an outing or join something fun planned by the cruise line. I saw that short trips were good for a quick break or a special time away. But living on a cruise long-term would need more steadiness than what you get on a ship.

But, going on this short adventure showed us some key parts of how we want to live now. Flexibility is important, but it is also good to know what you need and where your limits are.

One night, we had dinner outside on the deck. The stars were bright above us. The water below looked blue in the light. It was a memory we will never forget. That night, we talked about what we had seen and done together. We saw that being looked after was nice for us both. But we also knew those comforts did not last long when we looked at the freedom we wanted as digital nomads.

Cruises showed us some good things about where work and free time start and end. They helped us see what is best for us when it comes to finding the right mix of rest and doing our tasks. They also made us feel more sure about wanting to have control over our own time and where we spend it.

We also liked to watch other passengers. Each group had a different trip. Some were families who wanted a good vacation. Some were older people who wanted to find some fun again in life. All of them found their own way to enjoy these floating places and be flexible with their plans.

In many ways, cruises were a step in between. They were a special place to try new things. With cruises, we got the chance to enjoy short trips and feel some adventure. But we did not have to change our lives for good or travel all the time, outside of normal life. A cruise gave us the chance to be in a safe and nice place where there was both comfort and the fun of new places. Still, it showed us that doing work in this way was not always easy to fit in.

In the end, going on these cruise trips gave us a better idea of what is needed. Long-term living away from one place needs flexible answers made for steady remote work. It is not about quick trips that feel fancy. You need good routines that last and strong support for your work.

When we got back home each time, we felt better in our bodies. But we started to see what we still needed. We began to think about other options that can help us keep exploring without losing our work or calm.

Living as digital nomads means you have to accept change all the time. You have to be open to seeing new places. You also need to keep changing what you expect, as you get new real-world experiences, like going on these cruises. These trips show us that being flexible is not just about having the freedom to travel. It is also about knowing the places that help you reach your goals and the ones that do not. Then, you have to make smart choices based on this.

Cruising can feel special and make strong memories. But it also shows one main idea: if you want a life that is not common and full of freedom, you need to know your limits. Chasing new goals is good, but you also must know what you want and need.

We plan to keep moving forward after our time on ships. Now, we look for better ways to see the world. We want to find ways that help us keep going, change when we need to, and, most of all, feel real bonds with people. We look for something deeper than comfort that comes and goes.

This chapter was a big step for us as we work to become real digital nomads. It was not just about having every exciting moment. We learned from each thing we did so we could see what fits with our goal. We want to live free in Southeast Asia. We hope to do this with a good reason and keep things balanced, not just look for quick fun on fancy ships.

Chapter 5: Money Planning & Making Choices: Making Sure Things Last

Leaving a settled and easy life to be digital nomads was exciting. But it also needed a lot of planning, especially with money. We knew that if we wanted to live this new way, we had to make sure our money situation was strong. In this chapter, we talk about how we worked with our money adviser, William. We also share the main steps we took to make sure we could keep living this way for a long time.

When thinking about a big change like this, one of the first things we asked was how much money we would need. Our main goal was to be clear. We did not just want to know the amount, but also wanted to see the whole plan for our future spending. We started to make a list of all the costs. This list had accommodation, healthcare, travel insurance, food, entertainment, emergency money, and some other things that could come up by surprise. After we added everything up and thought about many different situations, like if we rent or sell our house, we got a budget that made sense. It came to about 10,000 CAD each month.

Working with William has been very helpful. He has managed our money for years. He knows how things are for us now and what we want in the future. We always talk openly. He helps us know where the risks are and what steps we can take to lower them. One big question was if it’s better for us to sell our home or rent it. Selling would give us cash right away, but we would lose something that could be worth more in time. Renting could give us steady money but might come with problems. There could be things to handle with tenants or work that goes along with it.

We looked at market trends in real estate in Canada. We found that selling the house gave us more options. It also gave us the money we need to travel. We do not have to worry about property management. We can get back into real estate investment if we want in the future.

We also talked about how to keep money safe during this time when people move around a lot. Diversification was very important. Instead of leaving all the money in cash or regular bank accounts, which do not grow much, we saw that low-risk investments would be better. These help keep your money steady for a short time and also let it grow a bit.

Health care was still very important in our planning. In Canada, the health system covers a lot while you are in the country. But when we travel outside, we need to get coverage for emergencies around the world. This is a must because health can be uncertain as we get older and spend a lot of time in the many different parts of Southeast Asia.

We looked at things like international health insurance plans made for people who are living or working outside their home country. These gave us peace of mind without costing too much money. The price of medical care can be very different from country to country. For example, some things cost less in Thailand or Vietnam than in Canada. Because of this, and since medical care can add up, it was clear that having good insurance was not just smart, but something you need to have.

Another important part of making choices was looking at currency exchange risks and local bank options in Southeast Asia. We planned to spend a lot of time there. Setting up multi-currency bank accounts gave us more options. For example, we could keep Canadian dollars in the bank, then spend Thai baht or Vietnamese dong. This helped us avoid losing money each time we took out cash or paid bills.

William showed us how changes in currency can affect the budget over time. We saw this happen before, when exchange rates dropped without warning. The costs went up and that was hard for us.

To make things safer and not too hard to manage, William suggested a few things. One was to keep some extra money ready. He said this should be enough to cover several months’ for all what you need. You should hold this money in strong currencies. This can help you feel more safe if rates change again.

Tax is a big part of our plans. As U.S. people (through marriage) staying outside the country for a while, but still linked to America—like if you own a home—you have to deal with a lot of rules on money you make and the things you own in another country because of U.S. law. People in Canada have to follow different rules there. We talked with people who know a lot about tax. They explained what we need to do, like turning in reports every year about things we own in other countries. They also made sure we follow rules in both America and Canada, so we would not get any shocks later.

During this process, we made plans for money with help from William. We looked at different housing choices. We felt sure that our money plans were set before we started this trip. When we knew how much we spent each month, it made things less stressful. It helped a lot when something happened that we did not expect. When you travel in a new place, not knowing what will happen is a big challenge.

One big idea came up in these talks. Flexibility is important—even in your money plan. Life can change fast. A sudden health problem far away or new visa rules can happen. If you are ready with your money, you can handle things without worry.

So, we made sure to plan everything well from the start. This helped the dream become real in a safe and steady way. We worked step by step with William. He knows about investments and understands things like how money worth can change and getting healthcare in other countries. By doing this together, we made a good safety net for us. This line of action fits what we want—more freedom to move and live anywhere.

This chapter is not only about numbers. It is about helping you feel calm, so you can think about what comes next. The things that make you happy are waiting for you after you move past your usual limits. It is good to know your money will be there for you and help you at every step.

Chapter 6: Letting Go—Selling Our Dream Home & Decluttering

When it was time to let go, we made the choice to sell the home we had always wanted. It was not easy, but we knew it had to be done. We started to clear out things we did not need. This helped us feel lighter and ready for a new start. Letting go was hard at first, but we felt peace after. It was good to simplify our lives and move on to what comes next.

We did not make the choice to sell our home quickly. It came after months and even years of thinking and getting ready for this big step. Our house was more than just a building. It showed our dreams, hard work, and feeling safe. For years, our house stood as a sign that things worked out well. It was big, about 7,000 square feet, right by a green golf course in Canada. This was where our family came together for holidays, where we marked special days, and where we felt good inside walls we knew so well.

But as we got ready to be full-time digital nomads, the idea of “home” changed for us. The house that once gave us a sense of safety now felt like it was keeping us from what we really want. We want to feel free to go to new places and live how we like.

The selling process started during COVID-19. At that time, things changed for everyone. What we do every day, what matters to us, and what we need all felt different. The rules made us stay inside for a long time. It felt like the world was not steady outside. We started to see that keeping this big house did not fit with what we wanted anymore.

Getting the house ready to sell was a big job. We had so many things from over the years. There were old family items from trips, new pieces from times we fixed up the house, and meaningful keepsakes from special days. Going through all of it made us feel like it was too much at some points.

We began to clean up each room step by step. Every closet we emptied showed us memories mixed with things. There were boxes full of photos. The faces looked like they were stuck in time. There were things from old hobbies or interests that had started again in other places. Going through these things made us feel both sad and clear inside. Some stuff had to go for good. Other things could stay as special keepsakes to keep safe.

Moving to a smaller place was hard work, but in the end, it made us feel free. We sold each thing one at a time. Sofas did not fit our simple style now, and many kitchen appliances were not needed after changes in our home. A lot of these things went to charities that help people who do not have as much or are having a tough time right now.

Letting go was harder than we thought. We felt sad, almost like we were saying goodbye to old friends. These things had been with us through big parts of life. You may not realize how much you hold on to the stuff you own. It is there for you in good and bad times. Letting them go can feel like a lot to take in.

Yet with these feelings, there was something I could not ignore. I felt free inside. I saw that having less stuff would give us not only more freedom with our money, but also open up new room in our hearts for what comes next.

Getting ready for sale day can feel hard. We made sure the house looked nice for people who might buy it. There were fresh flowers on the tables. We kept the counters clean. We did small updates like new paint or new handles where they were needed. This was done to help buyers see what the home can be. We also made sure to clear out things that belong to us to let the house show its own beauty.

When buyers came in and looked around the rooms, filled with memories, they could see something bigger. They might even think about what their own life could be like there. They did not see problems. They saw what they could do with the place.

Selling also meant we had to handle law-related things, like contracts, inspections, and talking about deals. This made us feel more stress. At the same time, it showed us how much power we had over this big part of our path to more freedom.

I thought a lot during this time about what it means to let go. It's not just letting go of things we use, but also letting go in our mind and heart. I learned to leave behind who I thought I was because of the things I owned. Instead, I wanted to have the freedom to choose how to live. This is worth more than owning things you can see or touch. I now feel sure that having fewer things will help us live in a way that fits our true dreams. We don't have to live by what other people think we should do or go by what we did before.

As days went by and closing day got closer, we started to feel different things. There was relief, but also some longing for the past. We were excited, but there was a bit of worry about what would happen next. Still, we were thankful. We were glad we made this big move. It felt good to welcome change instead of holding on to things that did not feel right for us anymore.

When settlement day came. We handed over the keys. We felt a deep mix of sadness and hope. It was not just saying goodbye to a house. It was also like letting go of what held us back. Now, we feel ready to start fresh and try new things. We want a life with real meaning instead of just having things. We feel passion, not stuck with what lasts forever. We feel free now and not ruled by fear.

Letting go is not easy. It almost never is. But when you let go, new paths open up. You get more room to breathe and feel free. You can dream bigger. You learn to face the unknown, because sometimes you have to set things aside for a while. That lets you reach for what is really important. Life has many chances waiting for you, but you have to step past your comfort zone and leave behind those old walls you once loved.

Chapter 7: A Fresh Start—Beginning Our Global Life as Travelers

The moment we sold our home in Canada, we felt many things. There was a feeling of being proud. We had worked, planned, and saved for years, and now we had taken this big step. But along with pride, there was some sadness. We remembered the life we had lived and the comfort we felt. Even with those memories, we were excited for what comes next. We looked forward to new things and the chances ahead.

Leaving Canada was more than just moving to a new place. It was a big change in the way we looked at life. For many years, we focused on having steady jobs, making good money, and owning five houses—yes, five! We even designed our dream home by the green fields of a golf course in Canada. That place was a sign of feeling safe and reaching our goals. We built everything on our own, and we felt proud of what we had.

But then, COVID-19 came, and we spent many months at home. We started to think about our lives. We saw that something important was not there—freedom.

You get the freedom to find new places. You also have the freedom to see different cultures for yourself. You can put your health and happiness above having lots of things or what people often say is real winning in life.

Leaving Canada was both needed and hard for us. We knew it would not be easy. Selling a house that big during a worldwide health crisis had big problems. There were worries about the market and limits on open houses because of the lockdowns. It was also tough to say goodbye to a place that felt like home for so long. For months, we got ready for this change. We cleared out years’ worth of things. We packed what we could into small bags that we could take through airports, but, they were still full of memories.

The work was tiring but made us feel clean inside. It was like letting go of things we had kept for so long. As we packed to leave for good, each thing made us think of old times—things from family long ago, things we got from trips far away. These things showed us how holding on too tightly can stop us from growing.

When the day came to leave our known streets and daily habits and go to Bangkok’s busy life or Chiang Mai’s quiet temples (the first place we went to), we felt a big rush of excitement. There was some worry, too. We were proud, but also felt open and unsure. The things we did not know were in front of us like a map that has not been read, just waiting for us to go see it.

Our first weeks outside our home country brought many new things. We did not just learn about the ways in that place or tasty food on the street. We also learned about ourselves. It was hard at first because we did not speak their language. We found it tough to order a coffee or figure out which bus to take. We needed to be calm and not feel upset. But, every win we had made us feel better. Every time we talked with someone showed us we could change and grow.

Health care is one more big thing that we looked into right at the start. Thailand has good doctors and hospitals. Prices are low, which helps a lot. We feel better about staying in Thailand for a long time because of this. We have health worries because of injuries that happened years ago, so knowing these things made us feel more at ease.

As days went by, we got used to life as travelers. We worked from different places while getting to know local ways. Some days, we walked through busy markets. Other days, we went to quiet spots in the countryside. We met new friends that were also moving around. We talked with them and shared stories while having cold tea under palm trees. We found special places that were away from the usual tourist areas. All of these moments helped us learn more about Southeast Asia and about ourselves.

During this journey, I often thought about how far we have come. We built our jobs and homes in Canada. Then we chose to let it all go. We learned to see not knowing what would happen next as something good instead of a problem. Over time, the way we thought also changed. At first, we wanted safety more than anything. But now we know it is good to be able to change fast when life turns or when something new and good comes our way.

We learned invaluable lessons along the way:

• Health is most important: When you live in another country, you need to be careful about your health. At the same time, you can get good healthcare that does not cost too much.
• Community matters: Building close ties in groups of people living outside their home country helped people feel supported and made it easier to get used to new things.

• Self-care is important: Having time for work and for rest helped keep energy up when travel got busy.

• Patience pays: Moving through new places needs patience. You will get good times when you keep trying again and again.

Embracing change has changed us in many ways. This is not just about what we do every day but about how we feel and think. We are now more open to new ideas and new ways to see the world. We like to learn from different people and their lives instead of holding onto old ways.

Now, we sit in a café. We see the busy streets full of neon signs. There are markets all around us, and they feel alive. We are here in Thailand’s cities, and this reminds us why we picked this way of life. We want to live real and on our own terms. Being here helps us feel everything good Southeast Asia brings.

We keep moving forward, and you do the same with us in these pages. I welcome you to see what we do. At the same time, think about the ways you can find your own freedom. This can be outside what most people feel is normal.

I write these words after some months in this chapter of life. We feel thankful for all we have gained. We have better health because local clinics’ services are easy to get. We understand each culture more from talking with people every day. We feel good about ourselves because we got through hard times together as we try to live in a real way.

The road ahead is not easy to know. But, that is what makes it feel exciting. Each time we go to a new city, we learn something new. We also find stories that we have not heard before. These things change who we will be tomorrow and tie to who we are now. The pages we read show courage, curiosity, and the strong wish to live fully no matter where life takes us next.