My month started quite simply – the first two weekends would be spent attending CampFI Rocky Mountain Colorado. I’d also have a nice 4 days in between in Longmont, CO, the Mecca of FI life.
Just days before the camps began, I decided to change from weekend 2 to mid-week 1.5 with a return to Phx , then the beach in the days after.
While at the first weekend of Camp, I realized many friends (“FI cousins”) were attending the 2nd weekend–the weekend I had planned to attend. I was lucky and able to purchase a weekend 2 ticket and attend with many friends.
It was so nice to have the freedom and finances to add a CampFI registration with little more than a “Hell Yes.” I was the first person to sign up to attend 3 CampFIs in ONE week until Daniel grabbed a ticket on Friday to do the same.
While I was at weekend 2, I found out I had the opportunity to attend weekend 3, which seemed like a great goal even though I was super tired and every bit of my batteries absolutely drained.
The super-extra bonus was the addition of a Longmont week 2.5 between the final 2 camps.
While in Longmont for 3.5 days, I rode ebikes, went to the MMM HQ potluck with 40+ people/friends/FI cousins, I hiked Rocky Mountain National Park with a gang, I walked Main street, I had a lunch with friends, I had a dinner with friends, I went to two gyms (one with a friend), went to Sam’s Club and a near-empty Costco, went to the Jensen’s house(s) three times, and went on a stick-shift driving lesson with Claire.
At the camps, I went on 5 mountain hikes, did the Manitou Incline with 9 friends, went to the Garden of the Gods with 20ish friend, went to the gym 3 times with two different friends, 1 lunch with friends, and had 32+ meals with 250+friends.
Notice I didn’t even have to mention the excellent presentations, breakout sessions, or community building.
I arrived home today after relaxing in the lounge with Stephen Baughier after a planned 7-day trip that turned into 17 days–17 days generating HUNDREDS of memory dividends costing only a couple thousand dollars.
I could spend hours typing all the knowledge that I gained. I could also spend hours writing about all the amazing people I met and hung out with. I’m too retired for that. I’m a slacker.
I will say that every single conversation that I had CampFI touched me. Maybe it’s an energy thing. Maybe it’s a knowledge thing. Maybe it’s being with intentional people. Maybe it’s the kindness, wisdom, and bravery of those who open themselves up to share and grow. I don’t know. Maybe when my batteries recharge and my brain cells replenish (in a good way) then I’ll get more clarity.
But right now, I just feel the surging energy that Stephen cultivated in our community, in our world.
*** Nothing in this article is to be construed as financial advice. I am not a financial planner, nor do I pretend to be. You should always consult your own professional when seeking advice. This post is not a piece of literary mastery, just a random thought I had.