I have only lurked on the forums, this is my first post so please forgive me if this topic has been covered before. Links to previous posts with advice would be welcomed!
TL;DR:
I used to be inspired by the thought of FIRE. Now it feels like I'm so desperate to reach it that I get frustrated when I read about others who have done so, and I'm not even close yet. Suggestions for not losing faith? I'd like planning for FIRE to be a positive experience.
Long Version:
I have been following MMM's blog since almost the beginning and find so much inspiration with this lifestyle. I grew up with working people all around me and never knew early retirement was even an option until MMM. Once I realized it could be done, I got so excited as I'd rather spend my time not working, and instead having freedom to choose what to do each day. I must admit, it spoiled my hard-working mindset once and for all.
I fit the profile of the MMM target audience: college-educated, mid-career high-salary IT job, late 30s female, married, no children, mortgage is our only debt, sizable 'stache saved in conservative investments. Husband doesn't work as my salary is enough and he has some health issues, but he is naturally very frugal, enjoys the simple things, and is extremely supportive of me retiring early.
Nothing to complain about, right? Seems obvious we are on a good track. However, I really want to retire NOW. I'm so tired of working. I don't have the savings yet to support retirement. I have explored many options for passive income, and for spreading around our 'stache to make it grow, etc. No matter which option I choose, it will take 8-10 years of more work. I understand this clearly. I know that I am lucky with my options, and any way I choose it would be considered EARLY retirement and I should be happy with that.
But I find myself becoming impatient. Instead of feeling motivated after reading MMM, I feel frustrated, discouraged and envious. This is not helpful for my plans. I feel my problem is 80% psychological and 20% financial (yes I could be doing better with frugality and investing). I need to change my attitude.
Has anyone else experienced this? How did you overcome it? Any and all suggestions welcome!