I often like to talk about how I’ve been a nomad for 25 years and that I’ve currently been living in France for 20 years. However, at this moment, I’m in Maryland looking after my mother who is 85 years old. As I wandered around the world, I always knew that at some point I would have to return home to take care of her. But I suppose I always thought it would be when the very end was near. I should say that my mother is my best friend and I’ll always hope that she can live as long as possible. In the situation I’m in, however, I don’t think the end is near. I think my mom has a few good years left, which is great, but it’s not a good idea to have her living alone while I’m in France.

The right decision is that I should live with her. The challenge is that now, here in Maryland, my life is in limbo. I will be in Maryland for the duration but I have no idea how long that will be and my life is in France. This includes how I earn money. In France, I run a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Course. Native English speakers come to Montpellier, France to learn how to teach English to non-native English students. Upon completion of the four-week course, graduates go on to teach English in France, other parts of Europe, and the rest of the world. I am also a triathlon coach. And while I coach online, it’s difficult to make the transition between France and the U.S. though I’m making progress with some clients. The point is that while some money is coming in, it’s not enough.

After a lot of reflection these last few months, I’ve decided to see this period as a transitional phase where I’ll enjoy my mother’s company, declutter both her things and mine, (I’ll go to France twice a year to get rid of things) mentally prepare to say good-bye to my mom and plan what I want my life to look like post- mother. The last two items are pretty difficult. And again, there’s the little snafu with money.

Since the pandemic, I started writing. I’ve always been a lover of words and languages so when business slowed I started writing. I wrote articles as a paid writer and I finished my first novel, which I hope to publish. At 56 years old, while it may be my imagination, companies don’t seem to be interested in the skills I have to offer. As such, after a lot of thought, I’ve decided to build a business around my life. Hey, if the young people can do it, why can’t I? I’ve built a business before and in a foreign country no less, I can do it again. Only this time, I’m wading through new territory in a 100% digital brand company. Sure, for my TEFL course, I have a website and during the pandemic, I created a comparable virtual TEFL course program. But this time starting from scratch, it’s all about having followers and a solid platform. And what is there about my life that is sellable anyway?

The themes I’ve detailed that might be of interest to people are my nomadic adventures, such as living abroad and making a meaningful life abroad. They are not the same thing. There’s the subject of acquiring a second language, in particular French and Spanish. Everything triathlon and endurance sports for people over fifty is a good, massive topic. I could talk about that for days nonstop. And of course, themes that touch on psychological transformation as we reach fifty and beyond. I believe everything is connected between the mind and body but I also believe that adventure through both realms can change your life.

So here’s where I am in the process of creating my brand. I think through any journey, things have to get messy before they can become beautiful. So let’s say that right now, my life is really messy and that’s okay.

A Phase of Reinvention After 50

TEFL Course: What is It? Why Should Digital Nomads Care?

Leverage The Sharing Economy as a Digital Nomad