In Episode 70, we addressed the "why" that prompted us to move toward being an intentional family. A listener asked us, "what prompted you to take the plunge" into full time travel. This ended up being a great two-part series into both the "why" and the "how".
How we decided to take the plunge into full-time travel.
hint: we didn't just LEAP.
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Get over it
Ack - sometimes the scariest aspect of approaching something new is simply the fear of how others will respond or perceive you. How we decided to take the plunge was a process...starting with understanding our unique personality styles, looking at what we wanted in our relationship, and as parents.
Then, and only then, were we ready to start implementing the "how." And that is what is discussed in this episode!
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Um...we love Oregon (kind of). The amazing sights to see in this area did not disappoint, and the vibe is definitely our style. We have loved all the amazing vegan food options, and found that, although Portland was great, Bend is definitely our jam. If I could bottle up all of Bend and put it in Costa Rica's climate, I'd be in heaven. Lesson learned - more time in Oregon in the summer!
Social Expectations can limit your desire
Are you taught/told what is normal for you to be happy, or successful? Are you simply following the "norm" or keeping up with the Joneses?
What do you really want out of this life? What do you want to focus on?
The first for us was looking at alternative education options for our children. We chose to look beyond the box of schooling options, and we tried many! Co-ops, tutors, group classes, etc.
There is no secret formula that guarantees our children will succeed.
Instead of "helicopter parents", now we are dealing with "lawnmower parents". This article here does an incredible job of laying out why this is a major issue: The Rise of the Lawnmower Parent
Keep the conversation going!
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Minimalism - way more than a clean countertop
The second step was clearing out the clutter from our home, our head, and our hearts. This was a very significant step, getting very intentional about what we decided to bring in - not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Pay attention to the toxic relationships and the overwhelm just as much as those clean countertops.
Minimalism is important to address when you feel the heaviness and weight of things pulling you down. It looks different for everyone; it's not just eliminating everything, but not carrying them as a burden.
Full Time Travel
Dreaming of adventure? This is where the question came from - how we decided to take the plunge. Yet before we hit travel, we had to tackle it all - personality styles, marriage, parenting, alternative schooling, minimalism, and now, the "leap"...that isn't so intense.
What do we have to lose other than regret? If you don't ever do it, you'll just regret you didn't. We would ask the question - is this important to us as family? Does this line up with our family vision? Is this worth investing in?
We plunged...even with mishaps
So much has to do with the law of attraction. It's our attitude as we've traveled that has made the adventure so grand. And that is awesome - because it's the one thing you are in complete control of!
You're never going to be fully ready because you never really know what you're getting into. This is simply part of life application. There is risk! And it's worth it.
This was such a big part, we devoted a podcast just to when things go wrong. We broke it down to this:
What can you learn from this?
When you approach life with a teachable mindset, taking responsibility for your own actions and your own growth, you'll be amazed at what all you really are capable of.
We didn't just score the "lucky card." It's a daily workout. It's a mindset practice. Exercise isn't "one and done". It's a daily practice of being intentional and choose the life, the health, the relationships you invest in. You make emotional deposits every single day. Choose to get what you want out of your adventures, even if it rains or your car breaks down.
Your Weekly Challenge:
Talk to us! There are so many ways for you to reach out and connect. So often we can sit through life as bystanders to other people's adventure, yet lack the nerve to reach out and see how we can apply it in our own lives.
To the right, you'll see a little purple tab that says "talk to us" - leave us a voicemail! Reach out below!
Pay attention to where you need to plunge. We all have our own perspectives and viewpoints in the world. And the more we understand that, the more we can see how the uniqueness in each of us strengthens all of us.
Namaste
Questions or comments?
Personality styles, marriage/intimacy, parenting, education, minimalism or travel - what is pressing on your mind?
Or, hop on over to the Mama Says Namaste or Unschooling Families FB groups and ask your question there!
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