Here's a question I think we should all ask ourselves occasionally:

Is my life still working for me?

Not: Is my life good? Is my life successful? Do other people think I'm lucky? But simply: Does the life I'm living still fit me?

Because we change. Our priorities, energy and relationships change. What mattered at 30 may not matter

nearly as much at 50 or 60.

Sometimes the life we've built continues moving forward long after we've stopped choosing it consciously.

We keep the house because we've always had it. We keep the job because it's what we've always done.

We stay because it's familiar. We keep saying “Maybe someday.” Until suddenly we realize that someday is

now.

That doesn't necessarily mean you need to move to Panama. It doesn't necessarily mean you need to move

anywhere.

Maybe you need to work less, spend more time outside, meet new people, travel, or stop doing

things simply because you've always done them.

And sometimes the answer really is a change of country. But if you're going to make a change that big,

understand what you're actually changing for.

Are you looking for freedom, a slower pace, better weather, a different community, a more active lifestyle, a

fresh start or more time? Or are you simply exhausted with the life you're living right now?

I've lived in Panama for more than 20 years. I love many things about life here. But moving countries

doesn't magically solve everything. You still bring yourself with you: your habits, fears, expectations,

relationships and baggage.

So before you ask “Should I move to Panama?” maybe ask “What am I hoping will change?”

That's where the real conversation begins.

Sometimes a new country isn't the answer.

But asking the right question can be the beginning of a new life.

Anne Marie Bergeron