I recently polled my friends on social media. I wanted to understand why those who were interested in exiting the matrix/living a life outside the status quo weren’t taking steps to do so, or if they were taking steps, I wanted to know which ones they had. 

I also wanted to understand their biggest fears about embarking on such a journey.

I had already made my assumptions based on my fears but it was interesting to hear it repeated again and again.

People’s Biggest Fear

People’s biggest fear of exiting the matrix was not having enough money to pay for basic things. 

I get it. Capitalism thrives off of our fear of not having enough. The entire industry of Marketing was built on making everyone feel insecure, that they never have enough, and that they will always need more. The products we buy are not built to last because, well, what good is a consumer if they are only going to buy your product once? 

Once you understand that Capitalism is a parasite, one that feeds off of the participation of its host (aka YOU), you can start to make different choices, choices that don’t continue to nourish this beast. 

All of these tips may not work for everyone, especially those who are not able-bodied or have to be in a physical location for one reason or another (kids, family, sick parents, etc.) but I hope the list will help you to start reprogramming your mind, to stop falling into the fallacy that you have a finite number of possibilities to live a more fulfilling life. Because it’s not true. Where there is a will, there is a way.

Tips to True Financial Freedom

1. Move somewhere cheaper, somewhere with a lower cost of living

2. Move somewhere with higher wages/earning potential, or increase your wages through passive income/remote job

3. You can decrease the quality of your lifestyle (such as downsizing your home), cook more than eat out

4. Consider work/trade - exchange your skills for services/goods/rent instead of currency

5. Volunteer in exchange for food/accommodation using sites like Workaway or Trustedhousesitters

6. Move in with friends and family for a while while you save money to buy land or an off-grid home

7. Pool your money with friends or family to buy land and start creating a tiny home village

If your ideal lifestyle is to be in nature or to create more than grind, I want you to know that it’s possible. The path may not be what you think it is but if you stretch your mind beyond its limitations you can have everything you want and more. You can wake up every day feeling refreshed and energized instead of overwhelmed and stressed. 

But first, you have to ask yourself the following questions…. 

Is this something you REALLY want? And if so, WHY do you want it? 

Answering these questions will help you stay connected to the purpose when you go through a period of uncertainty. 

One person who I polled answered that they had a fear that they would be homeless. At first, I thought, “Well that’s a valid fear.” But then I remembered that I was “technically” homeless. I travel and live in my van and break it up with house sits, visiting friends, and occasionally splurging on a hotel like when I am on my period and need extra comfort. And guess what - I am living my dream! I get to see the world, connect with people from different cultures, hike in unfamiliar mountains, and gain inspiration for my writing. 

We have been trained (by Capitalism) to believe that certain things are bad or shameful - like being “homeless” or living with a friend for a while to save money. But you don’t have to uphold this shame. You can be the main character of your own story and write it any damn way you want.

Now, let me be clear, I am not here to convince you that van life is amazing and you should go out and buy one. Peeing in a jar is not for everyone. But if you are serious about wanting to spend more time with family and friends, creating art, enjoying your hobbies, and nourishing your mind and body - then you’ll first have to decide what you value and how you want to feel — and then, here comes the hard part, you’ll have to take steps, real steps towards achieving those goals (like some of the tips listed above.)

I hope this helps. Let me know, if so. 

Do you have an interest in living an alternative lifestyle? What is your biggest fear surrounding this topic?