At my age, I know a lot of people who have worked for years. They had dreams and plans. A big nice home for themselves and their family is often part of the American dream. And though many managed to achieve that dream, why are they not so happy?
I believe that the reason is people don't always recognize that dreams, wants and needs will change over the years. Now, that the work years are over, they find themselves stuck in an old dream. What once seemed like everything they ever wanted, suddenly is much more of a burden than a joy.
Now, I have repeatedly said, "downsizing your life is not for everyone." The same as travel or not working isn't for everyone. If you need to be physically near your grown children or extended family, if a great deal of your life revolves around your location and contacts and you just aren't happy taking more than a short vacation on your own (or with your partner), then you are probably not going to be satisfied with a drastic change of location or even with a smaller home.
The hubby and I spend 3 to 5 months away from our home state each summer. It's a privilege to get to enjoy a beautiful location and though we miss our family and friends, they have lives of their own and they are welcome to visit. We have had the unexpected pleasure of meeting some new friends in this away from home haven. When we are home, we so appreciate and enjoy our grown children, grand children and old friends. You can trust me, there is a world and life out here, away from your roots. Separation and change is not an abandonment of your family and friends.
This is possible for us, because we have down-sized. We do not have large homes in either place. Our resources, funds and energy allow us to have two places to live that we enjoy and we do not have the burden of responsibility of owning and maintaining big homes.
Ask yourself---
Do I only really use and live in a small part of my home these days?
Have I began to feel resentful of the money and work it takes to just have and maintain my home?
Do I envy people that seem to have a simpler life?
Do I see or visit other places and long to spend more time there?
If you really are not happy any longer in the place you thought would be forever, explore some options. Explore YOUR options. In Texas, it's not unusual to own property. We do have friends who have just kept a small piece of their property and sold off the rest and have built smaller. Could you live in a park home or a travel trailer? Could you live in a condo? Think of no taxes, no maintenance. Think of beautiful places. Where there's a will, there's a way. If you achieved your dream and it makes you happy, smile and love it. But, if not, remember that More is optional, find your Less.