Hello French Claire!
Being new to ES I was intrigued by and drawn to your post. There was an initial "uh-oh" feeling that came with remembering that every relationship goes through a honeymoon period. And I thought, "Gulp! What will happen after my honeymoon with ES is over?" I became riveted to your post.
As for your being a novice at expressing ... nonsense! I read you completely ... and appreciated your candor and honesty. It was also inspiring to read about all the aspects of your life where you consider progress and the new directions have been found. Wow! - I must admit that I can not imagine financial independence. Typically I consider independence from worry/concern about finances to be a lofty goal. Methinks that I've been merely avoiding facing my beliefs ... the ones that have me not believing I could be FI. Looks like an area that calls me to begin some work!
What I appreciated most about your post was your admission that progress/success came about from sticking with ES ... through thick and thin. Reminds me of another kind of vow.
So with reading your post, I was reminded that every relationship has a honeymoon period ... get beyond the honeymoon,and the real work of relationship begins. Do the work and the benefits and joy of a relationship that has traversed the ups and downs, stops and starts, laughter and tears is won.
You've helped further inspire me to engage with my relationship to ES ... and I thank you kindly!
Jense
