Dear Jaclyn and Heidi,
When we set out on our endless Big Lap two years ago, we had the feeling that everything was possible. We started off like a firecracker, and were always on the move. We saw all there was to see, took massive bushwalks, and loved chatting to everybody we encountered. It was – and is – fantastic and I know my wife Jean and I are very lucky. However, I have to say it’s all getting a bit much for us now. We are only 72 but some days I feel so tired, I just want to sit and read a book and do nothing else. We also have a 24’ caravan and I’ve started to worry about backing it into spots which I wouldn’t have thought twice about even a year ago. I just feel jaded. Will I get my mojo back?
Sean
It’s too hard If you’re feeling jaded now, imagine how you would have been feeling if you had spent the last couple of years tending your roses in your back garden, Sean! When you head off on the Big Lap with no plans to ever stop, it’s inevitable your lifestyle will evolve as you learn more and see more. Why not spend a week or two to staying with friends or family to enjoy some home comforts and recharge your batteries. I’ve got a feeling that it won’t be long until you are raring to go again. Or perhaps consider doing some housesitting for a while. It’s a great life being a grey nomad but occasionally it can be nice just to stop and learn to re-appreciate it again. You are not in an endurance race, Sean, you are on the trip of a lifetime. Enjoy it.
Jaclyn
Crikey, Sean. I don’t know how to break this to you but you’re just getting older. They say ‘you’re as young as you feel’ and, if you’re beginning to feel like you’re 72, not 42, then listen to your body. Get that book out, put your feet up, and have a day off driving or bushwalking, or even talking to fellow grey nomads if you want to. I don’t think it’s a matter of losing your mojo as much as it is accepting that what we enjoyed doing a few years ago is not necessarily what we enjoy doing to the same extent now. When was the last time you went to the disco, Sean, or chased a football around with your mates? And for Goodness sake, look at getting a smaller rig. If dragging a 24-footer around is stressing you out now, imagine how you’ll feel in another five years.
Heidi
