After My 5 Years Of Living In Spain, I Offer A Brutally Honest View Of Life There.

To my surprise, I discovered an abundance of freedom, community, and quality of life. . . Above all humanity.

After almost two decades or half of my adult life living in the United States, where I had aimed to become “a self-made man and build a new life with community and support”, I decided to move out for good.

Despite America’s claims of being the most prosperous country full of possibilities and freedom, I was left feeling embittered, exhausted, and hugely disappointed.

All I found in America was hustling consumerism and obsession with technology wrapped up with loneliness.

I couldn’t find in America any deeper human values, communities, or friendships…

Hence, in 2018 I made the bold decision to say goodbye to my life in “the promised land” and explore laid-back Spain. Despite arriving there with no plans or expectations, I was surprised by all it had to offer — from its vibrant culture to stunning architecture, rich history, and community life.

To my surprise, I discovered an abundance of freedom, community, and quality of life that exceeded what America could ever offer me.

Above all, humanity.

Life in Spain

If you’re looking for a place to let go and live life on your own terms, then Spain is the ultimate destination! You can freely express yourself in whatever way that makes you feel at ease — from being nude outdoors without any legal consequences to having drinks al fresco sans worry.

Plus, you may have the privilege of picking between working part-time or full-time — or even if at all! But more about that later.

All thanks to its affordability here and amazing lifestyle options.

Freedom

Freedom for me means feeling safe, first. No need for me to lock my doors; something I never had experienced while living in the US! There are absolutely no mass shootings happening nor guns pointed around. The safety in Spain has enabled me to experience true freedom in ways unimaginable before now.

Possessing a gun is not an expression of liberty to me; it’s more like living in combat or a war zone.

Every morning when I open my computer, another mass shooting happened somewhere in the US, in places that should be safe for the average citizen. That isn’t freedom?

Jaywalking, holding a beer on the street, being naked, and even pissing on the street will not make you a criminal here, and you won’t get a ticket.

Finally, I feel truly free!!!

Work-Life Balance

Also, since I moved out of America where I only remember working and sleeping, work has been unnecessary for my life here.

My spouse works as a travel nurse for three months each year and this income alone is more than enough for 3 of us.

Despite living within our means and working year-round, life in America was still a financial struggle. We were consistently running from one paycheck to the next.

Today, even the wealthiest Americans feel the desire to leave. Nobody feels safe, everything is insanely expensive. The opportunities are not as they use to be.

In Spain, we decided to live off the grid using less than 75% of our income that we needed in the States to survive.

Despite living off the grid, the quality of life here in Spain is truly remarkable; I have access to some incredible foods, community, and culture.

I feel so much less stressed than in my previous life in America. I believe it is because I don’t need to hustle anymore.

Also, since my daughter can be involved in her favorite sports or hobbies without draining our wallet, she’s able to participate freely!

On top of all this convenience and relaxation, there aren’t any long traffic jams or endless bills for me to worry about.

Universal Healthcare is a right, not a privilege

I know many Americans including the government don’t believe in universal healthcare because it sounds too “socialist” but having one gives me peace of mind.

Health insurance is costing less than 150 Euros a month for a family of three which is nothing considering the astronomical prices in the US.

My point is: I am not afraid to go to the hospital or a doctor, or a specialist. We have no copay and no deductible.

ER is free after you paid your monthly private insurance but for public hospitals your universal healthcare covers it, all.

Nobody asks you to sign anything. You come in; they check you, treat you, and upon discharge, you just leave. No bills are coming from the hospital. Ever.

And that is a humane way to live.

Community

In Europe, especially in southern countries, communities are at the root of society, and interpersonal relationships take precedence over individual wants and needs.

On the other hand, America’s collective mentality is often focused on advancing one’s self with little regard for others; also much of American culture revolves around learning how to become successful as an individual.

It is never about the community.

It is all about hustling and the preoccupation with money-making which is deeply detrimental to a happy human life.

But when I walk down the street in Granada or here in the village, people notice me and they stare at me.

I feel finally visible.

When I walked through the streets of American cities or towns, I don’t meet many people walking or if they do, they have headphones and heads down, so they don’t see you.

For example, in Madrid, a metropolitan city usually brimming with people, I felt lost and confused. To my surprise though, the construction workers noticed me standing there bewildered — they came up to ask if I needed any assistance!

It may sound silly, but I was welcomed with open arms and quickly felt like a member of the community despite I spent there only a few hours.

After living nearly for two decades in a place where profit and technology are the highest priority, leaving humanity behind as an afterthought, I have finally found solace: I felt seen, validated, valued, and recognized.

And that is what means to me a happy successful life.

Living here in Spain allows me to make the most of my life and enjoy what is important.

I can no longer go back to the hustling life.

Life is simpler, more manageable, and far less stressful. My family has found a balance between living on our own and living connected with others.

This is why living in Spain has been such a liberating experience: it means freedom from expectations, conformity, and stress; it means living authentically with myself and others.

The opportunities are still there; they’re just humane.

And I feel I’m living a much happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life.

This is the Spanish way of life.

Humane way of life as it should be. A life that I am proud to live every day.

More about my lifestyle in Spain: