Want to Become a Nomad? Tune Out Negative People!

We all have dreams, hopes, and aspirations.

For many, these may be more traditional and common; becoming a teacher, a mother, starting a book club, or maybe helping out at a soup kitchen.

For some, their aims might be a bit loftier; climbing a dangerous mountain, running in a difficult marathon, desiring a competitive career in the arts, etc.

Choosing to become a full-time nomad definitely falls under the latter group!

To be sure, living on the road out of a car, truck, van or RV is NOT the norm. But that doesn't mean that it's a bad way to experience life.

Concern is Fine. Criticism is Not.

If you're surrounded by people who genuinely care about you, you are truly blessed. Having friends, family members, and co-workers who look out for your well-being is a great gift.

And it's perfectly normal when a loved one expresses concern over risky endeavors we might take. However...

There is a very fine line between concern and criticism.

To be blunt, there are a lot of haters out there. People who go beyond caring, and feel the need to criticize something just because it doesn't meet the status quo.

If you desire to join the nomad lifestyle - or do anything else in this world that's considered bold - you MUST avoid these individuals at all costs.

Their negativity and pessimism will cover you like a wet blanket and keep you down.

We Fear That Which We Don't Understand

The unknown can be scary. Things can go wrong. There's not enough data to rely on. The risk is too great. And so on.

Much of criticism and negativity come from these fears. If we don't truly understand something, it makes us anxious. This is pretty standard.

But it's not rational or healthy.

A lot of the resistance you'll encounter when sharing your nomadic plans with others will be due to this.

So your job is simple...You should illustrate that you have a researched plan of action, have done your homework, and will move forward with your plan to make your dream become a reality.

If someone TRULY loves you, they will accept this and stand behind you fully.

They may still have reservations, concerns, and worries (which is totally acceptable), but these issues should be put aside to allow you to follow your heart.

If someone cannot do this - and accept things as they will be - in a nurturing, supportive fashion, you absolutely must question their motives. Further...

It might be best to keep future plans to yourself, or even to create some distance.

"When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching...they are your family." Jim Butcher

Life is Too Damn Short

Let's face it, mankind doesn't really know what our grand purpose is here on earth. We're all stuck on a giant spinning orb in an infinite galaxy of wonder and mystery.

But there ARE two certainties...and no, not death and taxes...although both are true!

The first is that our time on this planet is painfully short.

The second is that being happy is universal. We all strive for this in some form or another.

If this is the case, why should we deny ourselves things that bring us joy?

As long as our desires aren't harmful to us or others, life is to be lived thoroughly.

Don't let the criticisms and negativities of those around you stifle your dreams...no matter how crazy they may be.

Don't permit fear or the unknown to keep you shackled.

The reason for your creation might be unknown, but your heart is certain of its truths.

Make a Plan and Stick to It

I've lived in my car for the past 13 months, and I can positively, definitively say that choosing this path was one of the greatest decisions I have ever made. No regrets.

This doesn't mean that it will ultimately be the right path for you, but if you really desire this lifestyle, the only way to find out is by doing it. Though...

This means researching and formulating a plan first, not just jumping in.

As great as being a nomad is, there ARE compromises and challenges that come with the territory. You need to be aware of them upfront, so that you're well-prepared and can handle most of what's thrown at you.

Aside from covering your bases, doing this might also help ease the concerns that your loved ones have. As well as any that you may have.

So go ahead and get moving. Read up on this blog. Scour the net for information you need. Join online groups that cater to nomads and vehicle-dwellers.

I'm here if you need me. Email me your questions, concerns or anything else.

Finally, if you only remember a single thing from this article, let it be this...

The hardest part of being a nomad - or doing anything else in life - is starting.

I hope to see you on the road :)

LIVE WISELY, LIVE WELL!