Letter #42 – ✍️ Writing in Seattle 🌲

This week’s freedom & joy notes:

• Oh depression!

• Just realized how rich we are

• Same notes, new content

Hi friends and fam, ♥️

It's been over 7 months since I retired. Crazy how fast time flies!

About the 6-month mark, I came pretty close to depression. 

Here's the thing nobody puts in the FIRE brochure:

Retirement doesn’t solve 90% of your problems.

It just removes the one distraction loud enough to drown them out — you know, the one spelled J-O-B.

Turns out, when you finally have all the time and freedom in the world, your unresolved stuff goes: "Great, she's free. Our turn."

Oh depression!

To tell this story right, I need to rewind to 2017.

I was two weeks deep into what I can only describe as an existential grey fog.

Zero motivation to get out of bed. Zero interest in, well, anything.

That was right before my very first meditation retreat where I met my first teacher, who gracefully untangled my thoughts and brought the joy of life back into me.

Fast forward to month six of retirement.

Without a job, a goal, or any real structure, I got swept into the same thought spiral:

"I wasn't born for a reason. I go through life manufacturing purpose. Following social norms, playing the game called life, chasing external happiness. And death is inevitable. No matter how meaningful things seem, no matter how much I weigh my values on them. What's the point of collecting fleeting rewards just to immediately chase the next thing, all while terrified of losing the people I love?"

Fun! Super fun thoughts to have at 10am on a Tuesday with nowhere to be!

This time, another teacher helped me untangle it.

A former close friend, now a well-respected monk.

And just like in 2017, it felt like I'd walked in circles, only to arrive at the same conclusion:

Let life unfold and be present for every moment of it.

I don't love the dark places and heavy thoughts I had to move through.

But I'm grateful for them.

I wouldn't live as deeply — or feel as much joy — without them.

Rock bottom really does only have one exit: UP ⬆️

Just realized how rich we are

Another lesson retirement taught me, the true meaning of being wealthy.

⏰ Total control over how I spend my time and who I want to spend it with
💪 A healthy body
😌 A calm mind
💞 A home full of love
🤝 A supportive and kind community

I sat with that list one morning and thought — wait. This is it.

If that’s not ultra rich, I don’t know what is.

I already knew how blessed I am, to be able to practice mindfulness every day.

Turns out I’m wealthy too! 😳
(Whoa must be all the merits from daily meditation. I'm just saying. 🙏)

The only thing that separates me from my richness is not knowing enough. And I let that happen more than I'd like to admit.

The most valuable assets in life are earned, not bought.

No hacks, no shortcuts — just time, patience, consistency, and kindness.

Especially toward yourself, on the days you forget how rich you already are.

Same notes, new content

With a YouTube channel, Instagram, and this newsletter now, I've been thinking about what to share where.

Since I've covered a lot of practical financial topics on the other platforms, I've decided to use this space for more personal, reflective thoughts — the inner side of navigating retirement and life.

I find myself way more drawn to this kind of content from others, so I hope it resonates with you too. 🙂

May we have so much self-compassion that it overflows into the world. 🙏

Hope it's helpful for your journey to Freedom 🙏 

Love you to freedom and back, 🫰

Angie & Tyler

New-ish on Youtube 📹

Things We are Loving Right Now ❤️‍🔥

• 🍜 Sichuan instant noodle: We’ve tried a lot of brands, including Momofuku, and this is by far our favorite! 🤤

• 🪑 Ultra light camping chair: I’m fully in my camping era right now, so I’ve been testing a bunch of chairs. This one has been my favorite so far. It’s lightweight, compact, and fits my petite frame perfectly.