Although what you write about seems a common sentiment among boaters/cruisers, the reaction/coping mechanism must be different for everyone that I think no word of advice is helpful. People may attempt to simplify things by saying, “You can keep working or you can simply leave.” Although I agree, no one can fully understand what your own experience is. I hope you do not remain consumed by the boat.

It is my sincere hope that I and others will find that the two viewpoints (a) and (b) in your post are a false dichotomy. I hope that I find a point at which the sacrifices I have made sit well with living for the moment. As we are starting to enjoy the warmer waters and continue cruising, I am starting to believe that you can have both war AND peace.

Thanks for your insightful post.

but as things get tough, I find myself stepping back from the situation and re-evaluating what the goals were, verses what the realities of today are. Even though there are’t always fun days, this has been a crazy ride. no matter what happens, I’m going sailing — having a set place to get to isn’t realistic. I have no idea what the eventual sailing journey holds, but I do know that our journey over the last few years been been exceedingly rewarding. We can be frustrated about not reaching some specific port, crossing some ocean or whatever — any adventure is about the journey. That part that makes it an adventure is that what happens in that journey is an unknown, I certainly had no idea before I bought the boat that being a mechanic, fiberglass worker, plumber and electrician (granted an EXTREME amature) were in my future and learning those skills would be part of this trip. But the cold beer enjoyed after those days, the people met a long the way and all the sunsets are making this journey worthwhile.

Sometimes the paddle outs are tough, but just making it out there makes it all worth it.