Retirement Adventure Travel

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Why Do It?

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Posted by Jon on Feb 10, 2011 in Honduras, Jonathan Look, People, Retirement | 2 comments

Jon on Zip Line on Roatan

Jon on Zip Line on Roatan

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation?” – Henry David Thoreau

Whenever I talk with my associates about plans to liquidate our things and see the world a common theme is, “It is dangerous over there.” Mention Mexico and the conversation usually turns to being killed by Pablo Escobar or being kidnapped and held for ransom. Mention going to Africa and I hear, “Aren’t you afraid of catching a disease?” Even talk of Europe brings, “Those people are so conceited, and besides they are a bunch of socialists.” Usually the less worldly and curious a person is the more bigoted and uninformed the comments are. The most negative commentary comes from those speaking of places they have never been and wishing to remain happily uninformed about them. “Don’t confuse me with facts. My mind is made up and I am perfectly comfortable with my pre-conceived notions and prejudices.”I tend to see things differently. What is more dangerous, climbing a mountain or sitting by the TV letting Glenn Beck control your thoughts? SCUBA diving among sharks or risking that third “Buck Double” from McDonald’s. Is it better to bunker down at home and fear the unknown or go out and make it known?We are not running from life, we are running to it. Some of the most productive and adventurous parts of our life are ahead of us and we want to embrace it. We are absolutely not retiring, we are moving into “Life Part II.”

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain

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  • Paul Schiffer

    Exactly! It is so refreshing to have at least a few people in my life that can think clearly. You are a man of your convictions, meanwhile I have to keep on workin’ for awhile. See you in October though!

  • Debbie Lybrand

    Jon:After losing dear family members, cut short by deadly cancer, Charles and I have adopted the “life, part II” attitude of you and Vonda.Yes, people ask “Are you nuts?” with a vigor that surprises me. After most of our friends have gotten a taste of our life, they suddenly get it and are trying to figure out how to do the same thing.We sold the big house in Virginia in December and sold 99% of our contents and possessions. There was such a liberation knowing that our family would never have to dig through our attic, garages, closets and drawers if we die. Leaving all that behind has lightened our load and our souls! We hoped for that feeling but didn’t know if it would be as good as we hoped. It was better!!!Best wishes to you and Vonda as you make your new journey. We are hoping you will get to Roatan again to visit with us and we will certainly chat about setting a time to come share some time in Mexico in spite of Pablo and the kidnappers! LOL!