That's an important distinction, I agree. Even Warren Buffett and Bill Gates are limited in the amount of time they have, just as we are! Proper management of that time becomes even more crucial, I think, the more that is at stake.

No probs, and cool post about the credit card rewards!

That's very true; sometimes our minds and genetics fail us, but in many other times, we can improve things just by changing our mental outlook. Sometimes, it really is about the color of shades that you're wearing.

Perhaps ;) I do know that expectations and reality often battle with each other, and it sometimes takes a while to get the two in balance for some people.

Congrats on the progress with your DRIPs so far!

I think we actually have to learn to enjoy the journey, and if we can't, then we have to work on changing things so that we can! I believe that in one sense, we need to be selfish and live for ourselves, and do the things we enjoy; not do the things that other people tell us we should be doing. This doesn't mean that we have to act selfish toward other people; what some people enjoy the most is doing volunteer work for poor countries and reaping significant emotional rewards in return.

I think it's really great that you've found the ideal lifestyle for yourself! So many people haven't, and in many cases, I think it's simply because of unbalanced expectations about life, which are often influenced by perceptions of social status, parental expectations, etc... what I consider the rat race is keeping up the daily grind because you feel pressured to do so. We all have our own set points for creature comforts, of course, but once we've gotten there, it's so much easier to relax a little bit and cultivate relationships, instead of grinding ourselves away simply to match the flagrancy of others!

Thanks for the feedback; I also enjoy reading your blog, and my girlfriend is especially fond of your blog as she finds many similarities between her philosophy and yours! Coupons, for instance ;)

I think you're both right. The journey is the destination. You didn't say that, but I think you referred to it.
Every day we have is precious. Making the most out of each one is the key.
Kevin, do you remember that millionaire mechanic I told you about? Well, after a few years, I thought he was nuts. He just worked and worked, stockpiling millions of dollars and not spending any of it.
So, at first, he was my hero. But when I thought about him working and not enjoying his money, I thought he was a fool. But I've come "full-circle". The guy LOVES doing what he does, and he loves stockpiling money. Sitting on a beach, playing golf or hanging out at a 5 star resort would really bum this guy out---even if it was free.
We're all so unique in what we want. The only fools out there are the ones that don't count their blessings daily, and don't work their perspectives to find the best they can in everything and everyone.

Completely agree with both of you. If someone is doing what they love and they enjoy their daily job, then the phrase "getting out of the rat race" doesn't really apply to them. Getting out of the rat race for me is about getting out of the 9 to 5 grind, for sure, but it isn't just about that. There are many other things I can do along the way to increase my satisfaction in life and make the journey that much better.

I think the focus should be on adding fuel to the fire to keep it burning, and to never let it degrade into the cold embers of what you could have been.

I think you're both right. The journey is the destination. You didn't say that, but I think you referred to it.
Every day we have is precious. Making the most out of each one is the key.
Kevin, do you remember that millionaire mechanic I told you about? Well, after a few years, I thought he was nuts. He just worked and worked, stockpiling millions of dollars and not spending any of it.
So, at first, he was my hero. But when I thought about him working and not enjoying his money, I thought he was a fool. But I've come "full-circle". The guy LOVES doing what he does, and he loves stockpiling money. Sitting on a beach, playing golf or hanging out at a 5 star resort would really bum this guy out---even if it was free.
We're all so unique in what we want. The only fools out there are the ones that don't count their blessings daily, and don't work their perspectives to find the best they can in everything and everyone.