There comes a time in life when you realize that the grind isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. You’ve hustled hard, earned your living, and played by the rules, yet something feels amiss. For many in America, it’s a cycle of constant work, escalating prices, and a dwindling sense of fulfillment. I reached a point where I no longer wanted to sacrifice my peace for a rat race that felt never-ending. That’s why, after much consideration and that life changing visit to West Africa, I made the decision to retire in the tranquil mountains of Ghana.
The Pursuit of True Freedom
My move to Ghana wasn’t about fleeing America, but rather seeking a new kind of freedom. Growing up in New York City, I lived through the hustle and bustle, and I embraced the fast pace of the streets. I’m a product of the hip-hop culture and I’ve carried that energy with me throughout my life. But as I reached my 60s, I started to crave something different—a lifestyle that mirrored the carefree days of my childhood when I didn’t have to worry about mortgages, bills, or the ever-rising cost of living.
Retirement should be a time when you reconnect with that childlike sense of freedom, where you’re no longer tethered to the endless demands of modern society. In America, it feels as though you’re expected to work yourself to the bone until your last breath. The culture pushes you to chase money just to make ends meet, and even then, you’re getting less and less for your efforts. The weight of that reality was simply too heavy to bear. I didn’t want to spend the rest of my days feeling like I was running a race that had no finish line.
Escaping the Stressors of Modern America
The decision to move wasn’t driven by hate for America. It was about stepping away from a system that no longer served my well-being. I was tired of the crime, the drugs, the underlying tension of racism, and the oppressive culture of work, work, and more work. While America is often viewed as the land of opportunity, I found that for many, it’s a land where you’re constantly chasing after a life you can barely afford. The rat race felt like an endless cycle that only escalated my stress and robbed me of genuine joy.
Ghana, on the other hand, offers me a sense of peace that I never quite found in the States. Here, I can wake up to the sound of nature, breathe fresh mountain air, and live in a society where life moves at a more relaxed pace. The cost of living is far more reasonable, allowing my retirement funds to stretch much further. It’s not about accumulating more; it’s about living more fully.
Reconnecting With My Roots
Another beautiful part of this journey is the deeper connection I feel to my ancestral roots. My bloodline traces back to Ghana, unfortunately through the history of slavery, but to be able to come back home and establish a life here is a profound and joyful experience. Although some may see me as an American first, I feel a genuine connection to the culture, the people, and the land. It’s a reclamation of a history that was taken from my ancestors, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here.
In the mountains of Ghana, I’ve found not only peace of mind but also a sense of belonging that goes beyond geographical location. It’s as if I’ve returned to a place that my spirit has always longed for, a place where I can embrace the fullness of life without the daily burdens that come with living in America.
The Joy of Slowing Down
Living in a slower-paced environment doesn’t mean life is without its challenges, but it does mean that I get to decide how I engage with those challenges. I can take my time, enjoy the moments, and prioritize what truly matters—my health, my peace, and my happiness. It’s not just about retirement; it’s about reclaiming my days. I don’t want to spend my life rushing around only to realize I never really lived. In Ghana, I’m free to enjoy my days however I please, to rediscover the simple pleasures, and to live a life that feels meaningful.
Not Telling Others What to Do
This decision to relocate was deeply personal, and while it was the best choice for me, I’m not suggesting that everyone pack their bags and move to Ghana. Each person’s path is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. What I do encourage, however, is that we all take the time to consider whether our current environment is truly serving us. Are we living the life we want, or are we merely surviving?
Sometimes, it’s not about the geographical change but a mindset shift—realizing that we have the power to shape our lives in ways that bring us closer to peace. For me, that peace was found in the mountains of Ghana, but for someone else, it might be a different journey altogether. The point is to be brave enough to seek out the life that allows you to breathe freely.
A New Beginning
In the end, my move to Ghana is about more than escaping the grind; it’s about embracing a life that feels right for me. It’s about finding joy, peace, and fulfillment in the days that I have left, and knowing that I’m not tied to a system that demands more than it gives. I’ve chosen a path that lets me wake up without the weight of the world on my shoulders, a path where I can genuinely enjoy this stage of my life.
Whether you’re considering a similar move or simply reevaluating your current situation, know that it’s okay to seek more than what society tells you is enough. Sometimes, that means breaking free from what you’ve always known and venturing into the unknown to find a place where you can truly be yourself.
TO PURCHASE, CLICK HERE OR THE IMAGE BELOW
