We've started... made the tough decision, and question ourselves everyday. Ultimately happy on the adventure, but we still get sucked back into the old life as we continue to cut the invisible ties to societies anchors.
We had no idea of the extent that our old lives were controlled by government and the so-called "Normal Life", everything we touch has an element of control, restriction and is part of the complex trap of "normality".
One thing we have discovered early on... If you try to escape the trappings of a normal life, you quickly become an outlaw, shunned, misunderstood and the odds stack up against you overnight. But, the bright light is that your eyes open and you see other unusual people, a community of distinct individuals who give you hope and lead by example.
This has nothing to do with being progressive, in fact it's really the opposite, it's about finding a balance and figuring out what is right for you and your family.
The question is... can you really live a fulfilling life outside societies boundaries. Shed the trappings and perception of the "safety net" that modern society uses to keep the worker bees in place?
i want to get away from all this techno crap. cant stand watching the news anymore. my husband and i would like to take a break from this crazy world...would like to live off the land and help local people as well. and learn from them. tho we have two children, my daughter, 21 yrs old and is in college and wants to be a doctor, my son, 25 yrs old and has a great job at cnbc. we are blessed, but i feel at this point in my life i need a change. just turned 50 and need something besides stupid depression drugs to live the rest of my life. i want to be a part of my own existence and our world. help!
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous
DeleteWelcome to the club, and you're not alone. You've done a wonderful job bringing up your children and can only help them navigate through the world if they let you. Turning 50 is a big deal... only a few short months away before I reach that milestone. But, that's the point, the best thing that anyone can do is "reframe" their world and drive towards milestones, not try to put on the breaks.
We struggle with issues of the day just like anyone else, but we do try to drive forward without fear. At this moment our adventurous life is on hold while our children finish high school... even though this is a sacrifice, it's the right one. So, we're reframing yet again... finding passions and embracing our situation. For me it's a cause... the plastic that plagues the oceans, for my wife it's challenging herself to go to school and become a nurse. This reframe and obvious goal to better ourselves and prepare for the next big adventure gives us purpose. I know what it's like to feel out of place in what we call the modern world... realizing your purpose is the secret to a happy and fulfilling life.
I can't change the world, and I'm comfortable with that... I can help people, inspire people and give my children a good start... this is purpose.
Sometime you just have to put your foot down and get on with it... the best thing that you can do to help yourself is get rid everything that stands in your way. Start with TV, unplug the most powerful drug there is... then move on to the next thing one step at a time, before you know it you'll have purpose and wonder why it took you so long.
I hope this helps, there's no recipe, you just have to throw caution to the wind and get on with it.