Extended World Travel

Family and Friends

“Of Course I Want to Travel but My Friends and Family Will Think I’m Crazy!”

One of the most common concerns we have when making a decision about something a bit ”different” is what other people will say. Making a long term trip is something many consider out of the ordinary.

Stay in contact with your dream – don’t let others discourage you!

It’s not totally uncommon for travelers or becoming travelers to be met with different kinds of criticism from people who are close to them.

This is a challenge which can be more limiting for the realization of our dreams than we may think.

You can hear things like: “Should you really quit your job, don’t you have any idea what the job market look like these days?”

Or maybe; “So, how will you be able to support your family when you get back totally broke?”

Another one might be: “How can you only think about taking your children out of school to go traveling, what if they fall behind or lose all their friends?”

Whereas some well meaning people may focus more on: How are you going to cope with all the diseases that are out there and have you really considered the risks of terrorist attacks?

Taking a new step, or stepping a little different to what most people do, can awaken all kinds of fears in people.

Close relatives may think they will never see you again. Friends may be afraid of losing a good friend. People may start to think that they are not enough fun or interesting to be with.

They can also feel confronted with questions about their own lives. They may start to think about if they themselves really are living the life they want and should they also make some changes, do something they really want? Or, are they really doing all they can for their children? Or, should they really stay another year in their old boring job?

When someone close to us does something out of the ordinary it can be very inspiring but for some people, it can also feel like a threat.

It can force us to take a look at our own life, and if we are not prepared and open for that, it’s not uncommon to react with some kind of defense against this new, and say and do things that we hope will keep things the same. Something that makes us not having to confront this new that we think is too much for us. It’s not actually about being mean but more a natural reaction to a fear of change.

For a becoming traveler who might be a little sensitive to what people around him think, it can be quite discouraging though.

So what can you do when you suddenly experience yourself discouraged by people in your surrounding? If (when) you meet dream stealers who tell you everything you can’t do, aren’t capable of, or that’s not appropriate, responsible or realistic?

Here Are Some Suggestions:

1. Remember, your trip (and your life) is for you, not for them.

Remember that they are probably afraid of something and should you let their fear (even though it’s well meaning) stand in the way for who you want to be and what you want to do? Instead, make a reality of your dream and show them what’s possible.

If you can do it, they can do it! Maybe they need a longer time to get in contact with, or start acting on their dreams,-maybe a whole life time. Instead, be an example and realize what you dream about and whatever people say, they’ll be affected by it.Remember…

“The turtle doesn’t get anywhere until he dares
to stick his neck out”

Besides, the people who want to keep you in your place, are they all a great role model for you? How do they live themselves? Are they happy persons who live a life you would like to live? Are their advice and ideas something you really want to follow?

2. Show your surrounding that you have made a decision.

Make it clear to them that you understand that they want what’s best for you. Also make it clear that what you want to do is based on a conscious decision, that it’s something that’s really important to you and that you would appreciate to get their support on this.

To really “go public” with what you intend and let people know you’re serious about it will also help to convince yourself that it’s real and that you are serious about it.

Whenever you spread your wings and fly, you show others that it’s possible too!

3. Make people part of your trip (those you want to).

If there are people who are close to you and who you want a continuing good relationship with, see if you can engage them in some way. Ask them to help you with something that has to do with your trip.

Help them feel that they are needed and important. But, at the same time, beware not to load them with lots of boring everyday things to do while you’re away and having the time of your life.

4. Don’t let people take your dream away from you!

Stick to it and remember why did you want to go in the first place? This is a question to ask yourself if you feel discouraged. Furthermore, surround yourself with people and things which help you to be in contact with and strengthen your dream.

“The kindergarten teacher told me he’d never be able to manage school routines if he didn’t build it up now. Relatives called me irresponsible… It requires good role models and strong focus not to get trapped in such destructive discussions”
Lydia, world traveler, journalist and personal friend (about travelling with her son when he was young)

Meet and/or read about people who have travelled, who travel and people who follow their hearts. Get some role models for what you want to do. Watch films and read books, magazines which are in line with what you want to do and who you want to be, and of course, to really be in the flow, take our e-course!