Comments on: The Downside to Lifestyle Design

By: 30 Bloggers To Watch In 2010 Who Didn’t Make Jade’s List At Problogger | Serene Journey

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:01:25 +0000

[...] The Downside to Lifestyle Design [...]

By: WellHeeled

WellHeeled — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:20:48 +0000

Sean – if you were let go (involuntary termination), then you are eligible for reduced COBRA premiums for 9 month. The federal government will pay 65% of your COBRA premiums and you will be responsible for 35%. This subsidy is because of ARRA – American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. You will need to fill out a form that should be included with your COBRA election form that you receive from your medical and dental providers.

By: Sean

Sean — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:42:45 +0000

@Jackie Thanks for the comment, and excellent advice. I try and do the exact same thing. If something is entirely out of my control, there is no reason to stress out and worry about it!

By: Jackie

Jackie — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:37:03 +0000

One thing that I do to try and limit worry is to ask myself if there is anything I can do about the situation. If there is, I go do that thing. If there isn’t, I remind myself that most of what I worry about never happens anyway, and so I should let it go.

By: Financial Samurai

Financial Samurai — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:19:55 +0000

Hey Sean – That’s strange about your health care denial. That is a problem indeed, given one never knows when disaster will strike.

It comes down to money unfortunately. With enough money, we can buy anything and anyone for that matter!! Happens in Washington DC all the time!

By: Ash

Ash — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:47:47 +0000

“That’s been the case with these issues. Will it matter a year from now whether or not I get a few weeks of unemployment? Probably not.

What about health care? It will work itself out one way or another. I might have to pay more, but in the end, it really isn’t worth stressing over. After all, it is stress that got me here in the first place!”

You make a great point, Sean – it’s easy to get wrapped up in the drama of daily life, but you’re right – will it matter a year from now? I always try and base important decisions on this – Does this REALLY matter? How much of a difference will it make 5 years out? If the answer is not much, then I try not to worry about it…even though sometimes that’s easier said than done. Especially when others are putting external pressure on you to do x, y, z because those things are important to THEM. But that’s another distinction that needs to be recognized, and if that’s the case, discarded in favor of prioritizing the things that are important to YOU.

By: Jane

Jane — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:27:50 +0000

I’ve spent today worrying about choices I’ve made and making, about whether I’ve eligible for a loan – this has reminded me that (being British) at least I don’t have to worry about healthcare. hope that doesn’t sound too callous! I guess it good to remind ourselves that we’re not the only people facing a problem or two.

I also think that the trick to living with some sort of serenity is being able to deal with things were the 1 year rule very much applies; realising that something has happened which will change the course of your life, and not in a way that you’d like, but that that isn’t going to stop your life being interesting and worthwhile.

By: DeeAnne

DeeAnne — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:45:41 +0000

Bravo for being honest, and for staying so positive! It will help so many other people in their quest to find their own ideal lifestyle.

Very best wishes!

By: nick gates

nick gates — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:01:15 +0000

Sean, you are so knowledgeable and correct!!!!

By: John Bardos - JetSetCitizen

John Bardos - JetSetCitizen — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:29:15 +0000

I am still amazed that the richest country in the world is so far behind on providing medical care to its citizens. In most countries, medical care is a basic right. What is wrong with the US?

There definitely are ups and downs to lifestyle design. It has been glamorized mostly by people who are dreaming of making big changes. The people in the trenches know that it takes hard work and sacrifice to designing your ideal life.

I am scared as hell, but also excited to be able to change my country again and restart my life. I am glad to be alive at a time with so much opportunity.