Comments on: Can I Summon the Courage to Go Vagabond? http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/ Green and Natural Parenting Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:28:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Heidi http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12709 Heidi Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:31:53 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12709 Hey I just found your site because I have this exact question. My husband just lost his job and we are seriously thinking about hitting the road and building a business online in the process. It is so scary but so exciting. Actually I am 90% sure we will be gone out of our comfy home withing the month. I'll let you know how it goes :) Good luck with your plans! Hey I just found your site because I have this exact question. My husband just lost his job and we are seriously thinking about hitting the road and building a business online in the process. It is so scary but so exciting.
Actually I am 90% sure we will be gone out of our comfy home withing the month.
I’ll let you know how it goes :)
Good luck with your plans!

]]> By: Shanti http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12708 Shanti Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:56:15 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12708 I have myself been seriously considering doing this...and I stumbled upon your blog doing research. I am a single mom with an 8 year old son. Would safety be an issue do you think?? Any experience with that?? I have myself been seriously considering doing this…and I stumbled upon your blog doing research. I am a single mom with an 8 year old son. Would safety be an issue do you think?? Any experience with that??

]]> By: Jessica http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12707 Jessica Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:50:05 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12707 I am so inspired!! That is exactly what I want to do, but have always been afraid of the lack of security. I am single and in my twenties, and currently couldn't even afford a tank of gas, much less a plane ticket or apartment. But I want to work toward this goal. I want to finish nursing school then travel and experience the world while using my skills to help others in need. And with this post and the book you suggested, I think it might be possible!! I am so inspired!! That is exactly what I want to do, but have always been afraid of the lack of security. I am single and in my twenties, and currently couldn’t even afford a tank of gas, much less a plane ticket or apartment. But I want to work toward this goal. I want to finish nursing school then travel and experience the world while using my skills to help others in need. And with this post and the book you suggested, I think it might be possible!!

]]> By: AJ http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12706 AJ Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:18:45 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12706 I am new to your blog, and ooooooh, how I can see the influence you will be on me! (In good ways!) I have been in an existential funk, thinking a lot about "what's the point?" feeling we have settled into such a routine. We too have no grand aspirations of accumulating more stuff, a new home, or private education for our children. We want to LIVE! This entry is inspirational! I am so glad I found your blog. I needed to read this entry! I am new to your blog, and ooooooh, how I can see the influence you will be on me! (In good ways!) I have been in an existential funk, thinking a lot about “what’s the point?” feeling we have settled into such a routine. We too have no grand aspirations of accumulating more stuff, a new home, or private education for our children. We want to LIVE!

This entry is inspirational! I am so glad I found your blog. I needed to read this entry!

]]> By: Katja http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12705 Katja Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:32:30 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12705 Hi Tiffany, I find it wonderful to read such blog among your green and healthy world. I am German and together with my Lithuanian partner we live on the road for nearly four years. We have hitchhiked 3 years through Latin America, from Mexico down to Argentina, and are now for already 8 months in Europe. We never know where our road will lead, we simply listen to our feelings, have no plans, and no time limits. Our biggest dream is founding a family right on the road and continue our traveling lifestyle as long as it suits us all. We love the road and I wrote already a book about the first part of our journey in Middle America. Feel invited to find more information about our journey and the book on our website - http://followtheroad.com Looking forward to see you on the road! Katja ;)) PS: by the way, there is a website for families traveling in US and Canada: http://www.familiesontheroad.com/ have a look that might be interesting and useful for you ;) Hi Tiffany, I find it wonderful to read such blog among your green and healthy world. I am German and together with my Lithuanian partner we live on the road for nearly four years. We have hitchhiked 3 years through Latin America, from Mexico down to Argentina, and are now for already 8 months in Europe. We never know where our road will lead, we simply listen to our feelings, have no plans, and no time limits. Our biggest dream is founding a family right on the road and continue our traveling lifestyle as long as it suits us all. We love the road and I wrote already a book about the first part of our journey in Middle America. Feel invited to find more information about our journey and the book on our website – http://followtheroad.com

Looking forward to see you on the road!

Katja ;))

PS: by the way, there is a website for families traveling in US and Canada: http://www.familiesontheroad.com/ have a look that might be interesting and useful for you ;)

]]> By: Terra http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12704 Terra Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:58:05 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12704 Nothing is impossible. If you can imagine it, you can live it. I wish you all the best in whatever path you choose! Nothing is impossible. If you can imagine it, you can live it. I wish you all the best in whatever path you choose!

]]> By: erin http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12703 erin Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:44:24 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12703 we lived in Madagascar for 6 years as young marrieds, and then young parents. We've been back in Canada for 2 years now and I'm feeling the knocking on my heart to get my kids out of this North American life again. We're changed. We've made some goals/dreams to be back 'out there' by the time our kids are 10 & 12 ( a few years away still). If you have a child who doesn't want to go (as one writer above says), just start prepping them for a future time. I think that if you are tied to your child's 'needs' at age 9, she will certainly have you anchored in Seattle for the rest of her school years. That's a long time. But perhaps if a seed is planted - the idea of a one year trip - with assurances of some security in the new place like a reasonable & secure home, opportunities to make friends, somewhat familiar food, a child can look ahead and allow the idea to take root. I have one child who is particularly anxious and uncomfortable in new or unknown situations, and we have begun doing the same thing. Good Luck everyone! we lived in Madagascar for 6 years as young marrieds, and then young parents. We’ve been back in Canada for 2 years now and I’m feeling the knocking on my heart to get my kids out of this North American life again. We’re changed. We’ve made some goals/dreams to be back ‘out there’ by the time our kids are 10 & 12 ( a few years away still).
If you have a child who doesn’t want to go (as one writer above says), just start prepping them for a future time. I think that if you are tied to your child’s ‘needs’ at age 9, she will certainly have you anchored in Seattle for the rest of her school years. That’s a long time. But perhaps if a seed is planted – the idea of a one year trip – with assurances of some security in the new place like a reasonable & secure home, opportunities to make friends, somewhat familiar food, a child can look ahead and allow the idea to take root.
I have one child who is particularly anxious and uncomfortable in new or unknown situations, and we have begun doing the same thing.
Good Luck everyone!

]]> By: Tiffany http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12702 Tiffany Tue, 21 Jul 2009 04:05:00 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12702 My husband and I yearn for the day we can sell our house and downsize our lifestyle for a simpler one, too. But it will likely involve moving to a smaller, slower paced city. 5 years ago, (before we had kids) we moved to a small ski town in another state and took lower paying, less complicated jobs. We skiied, biked and traveled to new places every weekend and after 6 months we headed back home. We realized that life without family and close friends wasn't complete. I don't regret the experience at all because we learned a lot about what makes us happy in life. My husband and I yearn for the day we can sell our house and downsize our lifestyle for a simpler one, too. But it will likely involve moving to a smaller, slower paced city. 5 years ago, (before we had kids) we moved to a small ski town in another state and took lower paying, less complicated jobs. We skiied, biked and traveled to new places every weekend and after 6 months we headed back home. We realized that life without family and close friends wasn’t complete. I don’t regret the experience at all because we learned a lot about what makes us happy in life.

]]> By: Marya http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12701 Marya Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:08:46 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12701 We have talked about this off and on. I have a child with special needs and think moving abroad with him probably isn't the best idea! But, you never know... We have talked about this off and on. I have a child with special needs and think moving abroad with him probably isn’t the best idea! But, you never know…

]]> By: Tami http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12700 Tami Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:54:54 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12700 I stumbled upon Kombucha Chic and although she doesn't have children to think about, she and her kombucha man have moved to Costa Rica. Check out her blog. I would love to do that, but family and work. I guess I am too Americanized. I stumbled upon Kombucha Chic and although she doesn’t have children to think about, she and her kombucha man have moved to Costa Rica. Check out her blog. I would love to do that, but family and work. I guess I am too Americanized.

]]> By: Elizabeth http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12699 Elizabeth Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:40:47 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12699 Go for it! We did this when my daughter was a year old- spent 10 months in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, and only returned due to challenges in my 2nd pregnancy. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I now have the confidence to do it again! Go for it! We did this when my daughter was a year old- spent 10 months in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, and only returned due to challenges in my 2nd pregnancy. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I now have the confidence to do it again!

]]> By: Judy http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12698 Judy Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:40:54 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12698 Such a great topic!!! As an avid traveler before I was married with baby, I do miss the excitement and feeling on "oneness" and understanding the came with experiencing other cultures. I also recommend "Surfwise" - although it might not encourage you to make the leap, it will fortify you with some negatives to be aware of and avoid. I read you often and rarely comment, but I applaud your courage in examining your life and bravely considering big changes!!! Such a great topic!!! As an avid traveler before I was married with baby, I do miss the excitement and feeling on “oneness” and understanding the came with experiencing other cultures.
I also recommend “Surfwise” – although it might not encourage you to make the leap, it will fortify you with some negatives to be aware of and avoid.
I read you often and rarely comment, but I applaud your courage in examining your life and bravely considering big changes!!!

]]> By: PureMothers http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12697 PureMothers Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:47:21 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12697 This sounds awesome! There is more to life than acquiring stuff and just subsisting. My husband just got a job in London and we are so excited to live the European lifestyle! Traveling on weekends, long vacations seeing new countries and meeting new people - experiencing other cultures. We are selling a ton of our stuff and down-sizing considerably to focus on just the necessities for our family. We are bringing my mom to live with us too. My son is only 2, so he's the perfect age for this new life of ours. Maybe we'll stay a long time. Maybe we'll return to California in a couple o years. Who knows. I like not knowing. What an adventure. I applaud your family's decision to trade stuff for experience! YAY! This sounds awesome! There is more to life than acquiring stuff and just subsisting. My husband just got a job in London and we are so excited to live the European lifestyle! Traveling on weekends, long vacations seeing new countries and meeting new people – experiencing other cultures. We are selling a ton of our stuff and down-sizing considerably to focus on just the necessities for our family. We are bringing my mom to live with us too. My son is only 2, so he’s the perfect age for this new life of ours. Maybe we’ll stay a long time. Maybe we’ll return to California in a couple o years. Who knows. I like not knowing. What an adventure. I applaud your family’s decision to trade stuff for experience! YAY!

]]> By: Esther Hawkins http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12696 Esther Hawkins Sat, 18 Jul 2009 21:53:59 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12696 Risky? Yes. Crazy? No! We have been thinking the same thing! Have you looked into WWOOFing? This seems like the most viable option for us as we have been looking into Europe which isn't cheap. Take a look at the website. You basically sign up to work for free on an organic farm anywhere in the world in exchange for room and board! http://www.wwoof.org/ WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms It sounds right up your street if you ask me! Risky? Yes. Crazy? No! We have been thinking the same thing! Have you looked into WWOOFing? This seems like the most viable option for us as we have been looking into Europe which isn’t cheap. Take a look at the website. You basically sign up to work for free on an organic farm anywhere in the world in exchange for room and board!

http://www.wwoof.org/

WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms

It sounds right up your street if you ask me!

]]> By: Tiffany http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12695 Tiffany Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:20:05 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12695 Our kids are onboard with it at the moment. If we don't seize the opportunity it may be too late very soon. Our 5 year will be the one to form attachments and not want to leave. Our kids are onboard with it at the moment. If we don’t seize the opportunity it may be too late very soon. Our 5 year will be the one to form attachments and not want to leave.

]]> By: Tiffany http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12694 Tiffany Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:18:19 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12694 Thanks for stopping by Maria! Your site has been very inspiring... Thanks for stopping by Maria! Your site has been very inspiring…

]]> By: Tiffany http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12693 Tiffany Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:17:14 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12693 Melissa, I do Internet and affiliate marketing, blogging, and I write and sell ebooks for my income. Melissa, I do Internet and affiliate marketing, blogging, and I write and sell ebooks for my income.

]]> By: Jamie Ervin http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12692 Jamie Ervin Sat, 18 Jul 2009 16:43:50 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12692 I say go for it!!!! We definitely would if my income was sufficient (part of it's not portable). Can't wait to hear about your adventures! I say go for it!!!! We definitely would if my income was sufficient (part of it’s not portable). Can’t wait to hear about your adventures!

]]> By: Michelle http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12691 Michelle Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:41:12 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12691 Robert Louis Stevenson: "The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be happy as kings." Robert Louis Stevenson:

“The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be happy as kings.”

]]> By: robin http://naturemoms.com/blog/2009/07/17/can-i-summon-the-courage-to-go-vagabond/#comment-12690 robin Sat, 18 Jul 2009 07:50:57 +0000 http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/?p=3095#comment-12690 This is exactly what I've been trying to get dh to do but only modified b/c we have 2 adult daughters and 1 granddaughter that we'd miss terribly if we were to go for more than a month. lol. But I would LOVE to. That said I've been looking and crunching numbers for RVs and I think we've just decided to travel with a backpack and use air travel for now... for a few weeks here and there. We are like you in many ways; everything you said about the lifestyle and being debt free. But dh gets stuck in trying to save for retirement... and there are no guarantees we'll be able to travel after retirement age (we are only 44 now.) so I want to do the fun stuff now! lol. I think our first excursion will be to southern Mexico... I hear some surf calling my name. Good luck in whatever you decide - I think you should go for it! This is exactly what I’ve been trying to get dh to do but only modified b/c we have 2 adult daughters and 1 granddaughter that we’d miss terribly if we were to go for more than a month. lol. But I would LOVE to. That said I’ve been looking and crunching numbers for RVs and I think we’ve just decided to travel with a backpack and use air travel for now… for a few weeks here and there. We are like you in many ways; everything you said about the lifestyle and being debt free. But dh gets stuck in trying to save for retirement… and there are no guarantees we’ll be able to travel after retirement age (we are only 44 now.) so I want to do the fun stuff now! lol. I think our first excursion will be to southern Mexico… I hear some surf calling my name.
Good luck in whatever you decide – I think you should go for it!

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