Have you ever thought of just packing it all in and heading off in search of something better for yourself? The road less traveled by is exactly what the doctor ordered from some people. Not everyone is meant for a house in the ‘burbs and a desk job, and no one knows that better than me! Six years ago I found my own happy place in a beach town in Mexico, far from my accustomed way of life. Other folks like the idea of sailing away on a boat into the sunset. Jeff Thrope and Colleen Hammond happened to find their sweet spot in an off-grid cabin located in Abiquiu New Mexico.
Sure, they spent some time living the “normal life”. They lived a few years in the Los Angeles area, and before that, it was Brooklyn New York for many years. But there was something about that stark desert landscape that called to Jeff. So, they went for it. With a shrug and a “how hard can it really be?” they followed their hearts and found themselves deeply rewarded. I think many people who take the leap ultimately feel that reward. There’s something about DIYing your own life, tailoring it to suit you perfectly. People are most beautiful when they’re honoring who they are. It feels best too when you know you’re in the right place, doing right by you.
Life Off The Grid In New Mexico
Speaking of “doing it right”, Jeff and Colleen are living the good life in their off-grid life! Their 1200 square foot cabin has mud and stone construction which helps it retain heat in the winter months and repel the sun in the hot summer months. The walls are nearly two feet thick which allows for total comfort no matter what time of year. They both work online, so a strong internet connection is a must. For this, they rely on satellite internet and enjoy a lightning-fast connection for all their online needs. You can even follow them on Instagram @tract_f (so-named for their rural address). In their spare time, Jeff and Colleen love to cook big meals with their neighbors and utilize that strong internet connection for Netflix marathons. Not exactly roughing it, these two.
The cabin came with two large water cisterns that needed scrubbing and filling. Their roof doubles as a rain catchment system, and since their initial top off from the local water supply, their coffers remain full thanks to their conservation efforts and a little assist from Mother Nature every now and then.
With a seemingly endless supply of sunshine, keeping their solar banks full is no trouble at all. In fact, when some of their on-grid neighbors experience power loss, guess who comes a-calling at Tract F?
Is Off-Grid New Mexico Life For You?
A lot like my own move to Mexico, Jeff and Colleen allowed their hearts and intuition to guide them in their choices. And a little naivete goes a long way… not necessarily knowing all the information, or what the odds are, is sometimes the best thing. By simply asking themselves “well, how hard could it be?” they made clear their own trust in themselves… their ability to build a life that suits both of them.
Is off-grid life right for you? It may be as simple as asking the question.
If you believe that you too are meant for a different kind of life, then my best advice is to keep asking the questions that pique your interest. One day, the answer you’re looking for will echo back at you, clear as day. And in that moment, you’ll think to yourself “Oh yes, of course!” and that’s when the leap becomes the reward. That’s when you end up with your own story of “how I ended up living …”
