We talk about the challenges of being childfree a lot here, but at this time of year, let’s talk about what is great about having chosen not to have children–when it comes to the childfree life, what is on your list to be thankful for? I’ll start.

Here are just a few I’m thankful for :

~having been able to pursue a variety of fulfilling experiences in my work life, including authoring, and my mission to contribute to making  the childfree choice a totally accepted choice in society.

~the chance to travel to many countries around the world, and the ability to take chunks of time to do it.

~having been able to create a lifestyle where I get to work from wherever I am, like during my upcoming 7 week trip to Brazil, Argentina and Chile  (I’ll be blogging all the way-more on that soon).

~the chance to restore and live in a vintage riverfront cabin at the foot of Mount Hood, one of the most beautiful mountain and forest environments I have ever seen.

~the opportunity to bring back to life another one-of-a kind vintage cabin near the one we lived in that tragically floated down river (that’s it at about 1:00 into this video link not long before the river took it out) over 10 years later.  I love bringing back the truth of places, and have done it with other older homes, too.

~the chance to take risks to blaze new trails, seize new learning opportunities, and paths to personal and professional growth.

If I had had children, my life would have not included these things, or at least not to the degree they’ve been part of my life, to be sure. My husband and I have imagined what would have happened if we would have had children. We would probably still live in the house we would have bought in the northern bay area early in our marriage, and still worked together in corporate and trial consulting as we also did early in our marriage.  It was a way to make a great living, but sure not where our life passions were.  Without having children, we have been able to pursue our passions, and our lives have been much more full as a result.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday!

Pin It on Pinterest