How do you want to retire?

WP Writing Prompt

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You know, some people think I’m too young to be dreaming about retirement. But honestly, I realize I’m only 15 to 20 years away from it! That’s not long at all when you think about it—time really does fly. So, I figured, why not start dreaming about my future now?

I picture myself escaping the chaos of city life for a small, chill town, like Naalehu on the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s such a hidden gem, with just over 800 residents and those stunning black sand beaches—and even a green sand beach! How cool is that?

My friend Monique is living this dream. We’ve been buddies for over 20 years, ever since we met as coworkers. She’s originally from France and speaks fluent French, which is why I lovingly call her beautiful bamboo home “Château Monmon.” Monique built that place almost all by herself, which is seriously impressive! Her yard is like a paradise, filled with lush fruits and veggies, colorful flowers, and three cozy ponds with koi fish swimming around.

I can totally see myself there, working on my art, soaking in those stunning ocean views. I love the idea of setting up at the local farmers’ market to showcase my work and maybe sell a piece or two. The community vibe at the farmers’ market is just wonderful!

I’m really looking forward to visiting Monique in August. We always laugh about how I should go ahead and make a reservation for the guest suite. Just being there is enough to refresh my spirit and spark my creativity. And have I mentioned that Monique is an amazing cook? We even joke that she runs “Café Monmon” with all her delicious meals!

Now, I’ll be real with you—thinking about moving to a place like Naalehu feels like a big leap. I love my city life with all its conveniences. But as I get older, everything feels a bit different. The fast-paced, noisy life that once excited me now feels overwhelming. I find myself craving a simpler, more peaceful lifestyle, and Naalehu is just calling my name.

Life there seems so laid-back. Besides the farmers’ market, there’s a cute bakery, some nice restaurants, a grocery store, and a bank. It’s a bummer that the local theater just got torn down—how was that not a historic landmark? Still, the sense of community and charm really makes Naalehu something special.

I dream about buying a piece of land, building a modest house, and truly living off the land—growing my own fruits and veggies. I imagine waking up to peaceful sunrises and relaxing while I paint the beautiful sunsets. Being able to visit good friends and share meals with them makes it feel so right. For now, I’ll enjoy my visits to Monique and soak up all the inspiration and good vibes she brings.

As I think about my future retirement, I can’t help but feel excited. I want a peaceful life. I envision myself digging in the dirt and connecting with nature. I also aspire to build strong relationships within a close-knit community. The beauty of Château Monmon inspires me, and the thought of sharing my art at the farmers’ market makes this dream feel more real every day. I know I need to start thinking about it now because those years will fly by quicker than I can imagine. So stay tuned! I’ll keep you posted on my journey!