Maps

Caveman and I on our anniversary

     Caveman and I have been married almost 11 years now.... 11. Wow. Anyways. We didn't always know what we wanted, and sometimes still don't agree. We never discussed any details before getting hitched. It's as if we thought life would take us where we wanted to go. HAHAHA. Anyone with life experience knows that's not how things work. And because of that, we made so many mistakes. It has taken us so long to even start considering a life well lived. 

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 MAKE A PLAN

​    Life does not just let you float around having fun. If you don't know where you're going, life is going to throw you around like a ship caught in a hurricane.  Even if your plan is to just buy a house, sit down and discuss what type of house. Where are you willing to live? What is your expected budget? Do you know what your credit scores are?  These things make a HUGE difference. Map out your future so you can take the necessary steps to get there.
     
CAUTION: Don't add TOO many details. You need to leave room for life to shake it up.  
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good things to have on your map:

• Your end goal

This is probably one of the most important. It's what the whole idea of creating a map is based upon. Have a general end in mind. Where do you want to be? What is your ideal situation, place or goal? Without that, you won't get anywhere.
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• Your needs
  

​ What both you and your family NEED in order to keep going. These can include job, school, and health requirements.
 

• Your wants

Things you WANT for "the dream" to come true. This section includes things that you could survive without, but would rather not. I know Caveman would put technology here, ;). Personally, I would add things like chickens, and more garden space.

• Your ideal location(s)

The place, or places, you would feel most at home. It can be as specific, or general as you like. I know a lot of people just starting on their maps may not have any preferences, and that's OK too. Or, if you choose, use this space to put places you DON'T want to be.

• Your deal breakers

This spot is for those things that are unacceptable to you. i.e.) If you want a peaceful place, nearby airports are a deal breaker. Or, if you have medical needs, being more than 10 miles from the nearest hospital may be a deal breaker. Keep your family's needs, and then wants, into consideration.


Now, as life advances and things change, so too, should your map. This is not a static plan. You and your family should be re-evaluating this map constantly to make sure you are still happy with your end goal, headed in the right direction and learning from your mistakes.

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