Semi-Charmed Life: What’s the Price of Living Your Dream?

This morning, I walked to get my nails done, and the whole time, Pike’s Peak was just there, chilling in the background like something out of a painting. Who even lives like this?

I do. That’s my life.

And honestly, it’s wild to think about.

I don’t have to wake up to an alarm clock. I don’t have to go to an office. I get to write about whatever I want, whenever I want. I get to spend my days discovering new things and following my own rhythm. It’s amazing.

But—because there’s always a but—what does this kind of life actually cost?

The Hidden Cost of a Semi-Charmed Life

People assume I have all the free time in the world because I don’t have a “real job.” That’s the first thing people get wrong. Just because I don’t clock in at 9 AM doesn’t mean I’m not constantly working. My job doesn’t come with a set paycheck, guaranteed stability, or a roadmap. Every single day, I wake up knowing that if I don’t hustle, if I don’t create, if I don’t push forward—there’s no safety net. I love the freedom, but damn, it can be exhausting.

And then there’s the other stuff. The stuff no one really talks about.

Normalcy? Gone.

Most people know exactly what their week looks like. I don’t. Stability isn’t a thing when you’re building your own path.

Relationships? Complicated.

I can’t help but wonder—did my divorces happen because I’m just too much? Because I don’t fit into a traditional mold? Is this why Kevin hurt me? Because I’m difficult to be with, because I live a life most people can’t understand? And does that mean I’ll always be a little bit alone?

I think about that a lot. About how choosing to live this way, to chase this dream, might mean sacrificing stability, predictability, maybe even connection. And yeah, sometimes that’s a lot to carry.

Is It Worth It?

But here’s the thing—I wouldn’t trade it. Not for a second.

I love my life. I love that I get to wake up every day and decide what to make of it. I love that I get to share these adventures with my kiddo, that she gets to see firsthand what it means to carve out your own path. That kind of freedom? It’s everything.

Still, there are moments when I miss the predictable stuff—like knowing exactly how much money I’m bringing in every month, or what my schedule will look like next week. Sometimes, I even miss being a schoolteacher, just because back then, I always knew what came next.

But that’s not my life anymore. My life is chaos and adventure and uncertainty, and that’s the price I pay for this semi-charmed life.

What About You?

What’s your version of a semi-charmed life? What’s the dream you’re chasing, and what does it cost? And when you think about the price—whatever it is—do you think it’s worth it?

Some days, I don’t even know myself. But today? Today, with the mountains in front of me and my nails looking fresh? Yeah. Today, it’s worth it.