Do we let our decisions define us?

Making tough decisions that put us on totally different life paths than we were originally on can affect both ourselves, our family and the way the outside world perceives us.  Should we let the opinions of others dwell inside us knowing that the decision we made or are about to make puts us in an “irresponsible” light with those around us?  How about if it creates an “uncomfortableness” when you are among others because of their thoughts regarding your decision?  Why did you do this? Why are you doing this? What about the kids? Are you sure this is the best decision?

Pre conceived notions as to the agenda we have for ourselves and our family can make for awkward interaction amongst both friends and families before a decision is made and after it has been vocalized. The “idea” of doing something out of the norm of your inner and outer circle can be almost more devastating to our well being then the decision itself.

Hey… Did you hear that they are going to do this? Hey don’t you think that’s crazy? Can you believe they are doing this?  The chatter can become DEAFENING…

It’s so easy to discount another’s opinion and say to yourself and others, I don’t care what they think. It’s just their opinion. Etc.  Of course we care what people think.  We can say it all we want that we don’t but… WE DO.  We don’t want to be known as “the ones that did that” or “the ones that are going to do that”

Recently WE made such a decision…

We sold our home. We will sell our possessions less an enclosed trailer full of necessities to start over and a backpack each full of clothes. We will leave our perfect life here. We will take our kids out of school.  My wife will quit her high paying management position at a financial institution.

We will leave our friends and family…

All of this we will do to travel around the globe for a year… Maybe more, maybe less.

To experience different cultures. To see things only seen on a screen. To taste different foods. To show our kids how others live. To make contacts from around the world.  To inspire others to do the same.

The chatter is DEAFENING.

No… my wife doesn’t have a good job that she is thankful for. She has a very well-paying job that she works very hard at. Its stressful as f*ck.

No… we don’t have a perfect life here. We have a life filled with struggles just like anyone else and we do not believe our struggles will end by leaving. We want “different” struggles.

No… we are not discounting the thoughts of our children. They have been in this conversation from day one… AS AN EQUAL.

No… we are not ABANDONING the community. We have been involved for many years and we would like to take our talents and visions to another community that perhaps need us.

Yes… we have thought of the safety of all involved.

Yes… we have thought of the financial ramifications.

Yes… we know we may never return.

Yes… we know that we may not enjoy what we plan to do.

These are but a mere few of the things that we face because we opened up to our friends and family about the thought of selling all of our possessions and travelling around the world for a year.

I am not complaining. This is why.

Those closest to us have accepted what we have chosen to do and fully support us.

Those closest to us know that we are being pulled to something from which we have no resistance. Something that does not pull at everyone. Something BIG, HUGE…

LIFE CHANGING.

For that we thank you… soooo much. You have no idea.

Making decisions in life, about life and for a different life can be most difficult. The difficulty is not in the decision itself. It is in the perception of the decision.

Do we let our decisions define us?

NO…

They just do.

Every brush stroke that we paint on the canvas of life makes us who we are. We may or may not be known to others as “the ones that chose to do that”

But why not?

We F*CKIN’ did!

And that’s the facts jack…