The Only Thing Constant Is Change
Jun 8th, 2007 by Don Ray
The recent changes that are going on in Panama are sparking fears in many people who had previously considered making Panama their retirement destination. Well I think it is obvious that the old adage “the only thing constant is change” is right on.
When I moved to Panama, I made up my mind to live in the present and enjoy each day to the best that I could (remember the story of the marbles). Everything I have found here has not been perfect. It was not perfect where I had come from or I would not have left. If I measure things on balance, I still have never been happier with any decision I have ever made than the decision to move to Panama.
If I were one of those people that was now in a quandary about moving to Panama, I would still go through the same process I would have gone through before. The first thing to understand is if I qualify for one of the long term visas and if I want to or can fulfill their requirements. Then I would evaluate Panama first hand to see if it is right for me. It will be right for some and it will drive others nuts.
If I came and liked what I found, I would make the move. If I made the move, I would do it with an open mind knowing that if future changes came, I would be the one adjusting and not the country adjusting to my wishes. Nothing is forever. Those of us on the downhill slope of life should spend more time enjoying each day also less time worrying about what will happen next week (again remember the story of the marbles).
If I think back over my life and all the things I spent time worrying about, I bet less than 10% of the bad things ever came to pass. I probably did more damage to myself and others around me by the stress I placed on myself, than any of the bad things could have ever done if they had happened.
Life is a constant journey. If my journey had not included Panama, it would have been incomplete.
Nice approach to life! A good example to imitate. Have a nice day, Mr. Willims.
Don,
I agree with you whole heartedly! My husband was stressing with the rumor of being 65 to get a Jubilado Pension. I told him not to worry, that we had other visa options, and that we would just deal with whatever new requirements they came up with. Just because Panama is changing some of the rules does not mean it isn’t still a great place to live.
Anne
Don,
Your thoughts on this all are very true. Since we cannot move until at least November, our home will still be there. Should things not work out as planned, we can always try to get one of the other visas. Worrying about this now does us no good at all. We will find a way to make Panama our home. It may just take more patience.
Doug
Don Ray,
I know that you are getting fatigued with the immigration visa issues (or maybe it is just me & I am projecting), but The Panama Guide has provided more information based upon a conversation that Don had with a lawyer in the legal section of Immigration. See:
http://www.panama-guide.com/article.php/20070611151851534
It appears that the special visa can deal with a number of issues that have been brought up.
Rob
Thanks for keeping us up to date. I can always use a little help.