Chasing the Horizon: A Journey Toward Freedom and Wonder

Happy New Year to all my dear friends across the globe! I am praying that your 2026 is infinitely brighter than the years behind us. As we all know, the past few years have been quite the rollercoaster—filled with loss, grief, and those sudden "life adjustments" we all had to make as prices climbed. Here’s to leaving the rough patches in the rearview mirror and embracing a year of joy, stability, and new adventures! 🥂✨

As February approaches, many households continue to grapple with persistent financial strain that has lingered since 2022. Reports from social media and surveys indicate a widespread struggle with maintaining stable housing, affording adequate food, and building savings. Nearly half of Americans feel they are falling behind financially as the cost of living remains elevated.

The burden is exacerbated by increased food prices, with year-over-year increases continuing to strain household budgets. Recent data indicate significant price jumps in various categories, forcing many to make difficult decisions. For many families, this results in a choice between paying essential bills, such as rent, and ensuring consistent meals; tragically, many homes are experiencing hunger to avoid eviction.

The overall cost for food at home in August 2025 was 3.2 percent higher than in August 2024. The situation is a pressing concern for a large portion of the population, highlighting a persistent crisis of economic insecurity.

Nationally, 11.8% of renters have faced steep rent hikes of $250 or more. As of 2026, only a few states, including California, Oregon, and most recently Washington, have enacted statewide rent control or stabilization laws. Consequently, the vast majority of renters across the country remain unprotected from significant price increases.

While I don’t have the solutions to these systemic issues, I have found the answer for how I want to live my own life. My husband and I are choosing to fully immerse ourselves in nature. We are hitting the road in search of freedom, inspiration, and adventure.

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For 2023, our goal is to live with less stress regarding the things we cannot change. My husband and I would like to invite you to join us on this wholesome adventure. We are both excited to live within our means and fully embrace a lifestyle of full-time, off-grid minimalism.

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” - Kung-Fu Panda