Homer, Alaska
“If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable,
you disconnect yourself from what you truly want,
and all that is left is compromise.”
Robert Fritz
We received sundry and disparate responses when we made the decision to leave behind the conventional family life, sell all of our stuff and do something radically different.
Some people are inspired by our actions, determined to follow their own, but similarly unconventional path.
Others question the wisdom behind our madness.
A few are hostile; some outwardly cordial yet secretly disturbed by the non-conformity.
Then there are those who feel the need to defend themselves - as though our commitment to live life 'differently' is a personal attack on their lifestyle choices.
- Bishops Beach~Homer, AK
According to the hypnosis of social conditioning, deciding to travel with children is not 'normal'.
Becoming nomadic is detrimental to your family. Self-inflicted homelessness is harmful.
All sorts of concerns are raised about 'structure', 'routine', 'stability' and 'education'.
Ultimately it comes down to deciding what's important to you - what you value as a couple and a family - and pursing that passion despite all the naysayers.
You have to dig deep and discover the courage to live your life, defined on your terms, no matter how decidedly different it may seem to others.
For our family, we place a high value on things such as:
- quality and quantity family time together
- exploration, discovery and adventure
- personal growth and education through new experiences
- freedom
- giving back, spreading love and helping to make the world a better place
- simplicity- eliminating 'stuff' and replacing it with 'living life'
"There's nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you...
as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."
Marianne Williamson
Traveling with children isn't always easy, even if you're fully committed to it.
There's still tantrums, contention, sibling rivalry, and potty breaks.
The unending, uber-annoying potty breaks. (My husband's personal arch enemy, and nearly victorious justification for giving up family travel.)
Then there's all the stuff.
Even if you pack lightly, and take only one bag each, that's still seven bags when you multiple it by each family member.
(We've yet to succeed at packing only ONE bag each - but we've miraculously survived the insanity of two bags and two carry-ons each, plus extra 'personals' for a grand total of....27 pieces of luggage. Ahhh! Enough to send you screaming from the airport! )
I digress.
- Salt Lake City, UT
Our ultimate goal is to do what makes us happy. And while the above insane scenario is not a 'recipe for happiness,' it is a stepping stone (and a learning experience) toward reaching our ultimate goals.
Deciding to leave behind a 'comfortable' and 'secure' life was a difficult decision, and not without it's obstacles.
We've faced a lot of failures along the way.
But with the passing of each new day, our conviction is solidified that we've made the correct choice.
We've overcome fear (3rd world countries are 'scary'), ignorance (is there a road through Central America?), limiting beliefs (you can't go 'there' with kids), and gained new appreciation for peoples and cultures outside our own.
We've grown more than we could have known was possible.
I write this blog not to gloat over others who are living 'pathetic' lives, or to illustrate how amazing we are (we're just average people who have made uncommon choices).
I write to inspire other 'average' but secretly amazing people to gain the courage necessary to take a chance, make a change, take that first step and BREAK AWAY!
What is your big dream? Have the courage to take a step toward it right now!
Comments
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My husband and I are very very seriously considering doing this. Have sold one business, next is house and car and then we are unsure. The more we talk and think the more we are leaning towards a nomadic life for us and our two children (7 & 2). We just need a little more courage to take the plunge, however I think it is slowly building up. Emma
Emma,
How awesome to read your comment. We love the nomadic life, it eliminates the excess of ‘things’ and focuses on experiences together.
I just love this article. couldn’t have said it better myself.
I have a feeling our paths will cross next year.
xxxx
Hope so!
Just stopping in to say that is absolutely INSPIRING to witness your family in action. It’s been about a year and half since I started following blogs on minimalism… which led to blogs about the nomadic lifestyle. It was an immediate YES for me, though admittedly I’ve still not committed entirely.
As a single parent, there’s even more working against me… like the permission I need to travel with the kids. However, I’m committed to living an extra-ordinary life that includes showing my kids as much of the planet as possible, while they’re still kids!
So, the plan is to start out “practicing” by going on nomadic summer adventures. I’m not in charge of the “how,” as I trust all will be provided. Many thanks for your inspiring story, and to the Minimalist Mom for sharing your link!
Thanks Faith!
Yes, I can only imagine how much more challenging it would be as a single parent. But I think you have the right idea for starting out. And the ‘how’ will always be discovered as we move toward our dream.
I’m sooo happy to have come across your blog! Your family has truly inspired me! My wife and I are leaving to start the same trip in June. We decided to do it now before we have kids, but after reading about you guys, we are already dreaming about a second trip with our future family! hahaha Its refreshing to know we aren’t the only crazy people in the world, with similar values.
May the heavens watch over you and keep you safe on your adventures as you use this time to fulfill your destiny, leave your legacy, and live life to the the fullest!
-John and Patty
Thanks so much for your comment. What a great adventure you will have! We are loving it, and it’s a wonderful experience to share as a family!
Take care.
Hi.I think that you are lucky to do this trip with you’re family and La Terre de feu are so beautiful , I was there a few weeks ago . Andre from Quebec,Cabada
Thanks Andre!
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