Need some encouragement - RV-Dreams Community Forum

tallan · RV-Dreams Family Member

Need some encouragement

tntlowrider · RV-Dreams Family Member

Don't let the negative comments stop you from your dream!!! I am in the process of selling my house and will full time. I plan to work for a while yet until the cash says I can do something else. How long that will take remains to be seen. I look forward to the time this summer of living out at the lake and enjoying the freedom of the outdoors.
The friends and family I have talked to about this have been supportive. If they are not, well that is their loss. There are many great folks on this site who will support you and give advice. This is the best site I have seen for RVer's. Howard and Linda have done a great job. Hang in there, you are not alone. biggrin

Mike and Terri · RV-Dreams Family Member

Only you know what is right for you and your family. You have done the research, found your new home, and are on the way to a new lifestyle. Keep the faith and have trust. Don't let anyone steal your dream!!! Surround yourself with the positive, respectfully separate yourself from those who are negative, and be proud of yourself for making the decision to change your lifestyle.

--MIKE

dream reachers · RV-Dreams Family Member

When Jeanne and I left our community and family to leap out into this fulltime adventure some of our friends were skeptical and some of our family thought we were deserting them. They have since found that we do return to see them annually as well as keep in touch regularly and are now cheering us on. We did not leave our church but are an outreach of the church as we go to volunteer at church builds across the country as well as other volunteer positions . We love the lifestyle and get to enjoy seeing much of Gods' creation across the USA and Canada as well as meet many wonderful new people on our travels. Had we waited until later in life we may not have been able to do this. We do not know what the future holds, we just know who holds the future.

sgad · RV-Dreams Family Member

Go for it.

I finally made the plunge into full-time in early May of 2007. In February of 2009 I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I'm still plugging along but the whole thing goes to show that you shouldn't postpone your dreams particularly based on the attitude of others. I wouldn't trade one minute of my time on the road for anything. You never know what may lay in the future so grab the present and go with it when you can.

S. Gad

rjenkins · RV-Dreams Family Member

Tallan it has always amazed me on how many people tend to give negative advice based on zero experience. Look at the source of those that have not been supportive. I bet none have been full timers! None have lived in your shoes, so why let their comments bring you down. I have always marched to the beat of a different drummer and that is why I love this forum because I feel many here do the same.
Continue with your plans and move forward. Regardless of the outcome, have no regrets! You have the strong support here of those that have done it so go for it. Honestly, what is the absolute worse that can happen? That you don't like it and you go back to conventional living (yuck!), so enjoy the fact that you have this opportunity to give it a shot and I am looking forward to future posts from you!

Jim01 · RV-Dreams Family Member

We've been full-timing almost 10 years now, and some of the people we know still think we're crazy, but you know what? When I'm sitting out under my awning in a nice warm place in the middle of January, drinking a nice cool beverage, and talking to my new neighbors, I just smile and think about them shoveling snow, worrying about all their "stuff", and living the "rat race".

It's not all "peaches and cream" out here, but after 10 years, we still don't have any plans to quit the lifestyle.

Like others have said, don't let the negative comments stop you from living your dream. Most of those people have no idea what full-timing is all about.

Enjoy the trip! biggrin

Jim

Howard · Host

Hi Troy,

I wrote a little about this topic in a Journal entry a couple of days ago, and then I deleted it before posting because it didn't really fit in with the day.

But perhaps the words were meant for this Forum thread. smile

As others have said, most criticisms of the full-time RVing lifestyle come from those that have never experienced it and from those that will never understand it. It's something that is not for everyone and for many, a more "traditional" way of life is so ingrained that they can't fathom why anyone would live in an RV.

There's a popular saying among Jeep owners: "It's a Jeep thing. You wouldn't understand".

And often, that's how I think it is with full-time RVing. It takes a different mindset than the status quo. Personally, I think that's a good thing. smile

So, try not to let folks get you down. And keep coming back here for advice and encouragement. Perhaps what you learn here can help deflect or temper some of the negativity.

"RV-Dreams.com. Helping you help them understand". biggrin

And, Chaplain Troy, if that doesn't work, perhaps the best option is to invoke a biblical reference and simply "Forgive them for they know not what they do". And then just move on and embrace the new life and all the new friends you will meet that do "understand". smile

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

My experience is those with negative views are often being selfish or insecure. They don't want you to leave the area because they want you around to help them. They wouldn't do what you are doing so therefore you are insulting their own choices. Are these people who listen to you in other situations, or are they just waiting for a chance to tell you about themselves?

We have been on the road for over six years and love it. Right now we are at an Escapees park and many here have been on the road more than us. It is a great lifestyle and your experiences pile up much faster than sitting still somewhere. Go and enjoy it.

Speedhitch · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sherri and I came from normal parents who worked hard all their lives...owned homes...in neighborhoods...you know the average 9 to 5 folks. We decided this was going to be our life style back in 1974...stuck to that dream and now have been living it for the last 4 years in our 5th wheel. If you Dreamed it and you like it...live it... and don't let anything get in your way of having fun.

janieD · RV-Dreams Family Member

Why people have to be so negative is beyond me. What I do know from the working world and teaching is "negativity breeds negativity". If there is one student or co-worker who is negative then soon there are more. That may be the case with you friends or family, not all may feel as negative about your choice as it seems. It's time to reach out and take those positive steps towards your dream, filter their concern, knowing they care about you but just haven't taken the time to understand where you are headed. Surround yourself with positive people, which it is evident you are doing by being a part of this forum and soon meeting those positive like minded people out on the road. We wish you the best on your journey! :)

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

I think a lot of the "negative" responses we all encountered were caused by a combination of fear and jealousy on the part of the objectors.

They fear leaving their comfort zone and experiencing the unknown on one hand and yet are somehow jealous of you for being willing to make the jump.

There's no changing peoples feelings, but your not responsible for them, and have to follow your own course in life.

One try - no do overs!

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just my 2 cents! I started living in an Rv in 1994, then on to fulltiming and yes, workamping since 1998. People thought I was crazy confuse

. I enjoy these forums and learned much. I am now 59, seen many people in their 60-70s in the past and now. Many have said, Only if I would have?, Only if I could have? I sure Should have?. These words made me think, I really wanted to experience this beautiful God given country that I live in. No more coulda, shoulda, woulda, for me. I did It wink

, and am very pleased cause I met, shared and worked with many great RVers. I did not get rich and I have been back to my ole stompin grounds many times. Nothing has changed for many of them, doing the same ol', acting and wishing they could or would or should. I wish you the best. USE THESE FORUMS! INFORMATIVE! POSITIVE! AND UPBEAT!
WELCOME FROM PIEERE!

Ranger375 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have found that virtually any idea can draw negative opinions -- not just full time RVing. It seems to be a part of human nature. smile

I bet you can think of examples of this you have run into in your life.

For us the key to opinions rests on the credibility of the person offering the opinion. This isn't the general credibility of the person but more credibility regarding the subject matter.

To know from where their opinion comes is essential for us. They may mean well but simply don't have the experience of seeing both sides of the equation to make a well formed opinion.

We don't give advice on things we know nothing about. On things we do know something about we are careful to qualify our opinion.

We have been full time for only 3 months now. We have very little experience to suggest much of anything.

Did we have doubts -- you bet! There were times we simply wanted to give it up.

But we had researched and pulled information from as many people that we could find regarding this lifestyle. We made the best decisions we could. We worked hard to do the things we felt were imperative to achieving our goals.

There was no small amount of faith involved I will tell you that.

Through the experience of getting here we came out the other side understanding so much more about ourselves. We also now understand the importance of knowing what we didn't want as much as what we did want.

Through all of this -- there was constant growth for us. We gained a number of new perspectives on many things.

So -- if we went back to a traditional lifestyle tomorrow -- the very experience of getting here was priceless. We will never look at things that same -- no matter what happens.

In our case -- the journey truly was more important then the destination. What we learned is -- this lifestyle -- is a journey -- it always will be.

Like so many things in life -- there are uncertainties -- for those things the offset is faith.

There are also those that would give an opinion that although meaning well is without experiential evidence to back it up -- the offset for those is that you have a bunch of people here that can speak with experience and I believe will tell you like it is -- good and bad.

In the end the decision is yours of course -- so are the consequences -- but most importantly -- so is the dream!

Ken and Nanette

-- Edited by Ranger375 on Friday 12th of March 2010 10:05:55 AM

ntar827 · RV-Dreams Community Member

I am not a full timer but have enjoyed RVing for many years.

If you are considering full timing you probably have enjoyed RVing for a long time.

My feeling is that you should try it.

May be wrong decision but you won't know that if you don't try.

If it is wrong for you there is nothing stopping you from returning to your old life. If you do you will return knowing that you tried and that you have many great memories.

I say "GO FOR IT"

Nick

tallan · RV-Dreams Family Member

WOW!! What a blessing to have so many friends that I don't even know. I went to bed feeling a little down about things and this morning woke up with a handfull of new friends and new hopes! I appreciate each of your comments and help. I truly enjoyed reading about "it is no small step of faith." That is certainly true. It takes a lot of courage, faith and effort to change a life style. Thanks again!

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

"Pioneers take the arrows."

Oh, wait. Supposed to be upbeat and taking arrows doesn't sound like an upbeat thing to say.

So, let me amend that.

It was courage and vision that led the pioneers to leave behind a comfortable, settled life and trek West and begin a new life in a new place. Many of those from the East that went West found a strength within themselves that they didn't see while they were in their old life. Instead of being one of those that just kind of went along with all the others in the old life, they became leaders and visionaries in their new life.

The sentiments of that last paragraph come from a favorite author, Louis L'Amour in many of his books, so I can't really say that it is an original thought from me. However, what he said is very truthful.

Welcome to being a pioneer. Look ahead, and ignore the "barking dogs" that give you negative "vibes". Louis L'Amour also spoke of the barking dogs. In his comments, he stated that the barking dogs never stopped the wagon trains from going West.

Terry

tallan · RV-Dreams Family Member

AWESOME!! All of my great great grandparents were pioneers that came west!! Thank you.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

tallan wrote:

AWESOME!! All of my great great grandparents were pioneers that came west!! Thank you.

I'm pleased that you liked that. While Louis L'Amour was a prolific western writer, he did delve into other genre as well. Within his books are always great stories of men and women in what then would have been just normal circumstances of living, but that many of us would not care to experience for very long of a time.

But also within his books are comments on philosophy, woodlore, nature, and one can even get ideas for places in the U.S. to visit in one's travels. That is part of the reason that I will take all of his books with us in our travels.

While Jo and I now live in the central part of Oklahoma, among the trees and rivers, we originally are from the Panhandle of Oklahoma. That was part of the area of the Dustbowl of the '30's and '40's. We had less serious drought periods in the '50's that even I remember. So, that area was a trying area to live due to the Great Depression followed by the Dustbowl and Dirty Fifties.

Many would think that the term Okie would be a disparaging remark, especially after reading "The Grapes of Wrath". However, from my knowledge of the people of that area and what they were willing to do, such as pack up one's family and head to the west coast without the comfort of knowing one would find work, I know them to be men and women of great courage and tenacity.

So, even when the settlement of an area is done, pioneers still can be found. In that respect, those that choose to live in RV's and travel are pioneering as well. We just do it with a lot more comfort and a LOT better televisions.

When you travel to Fort Hood, if you travel through Oklahoma City and have the time, get in touch with us in advance and we'll see if we could meet up somewhere.

And, thank you for your service to our country and to our military personnel.

Terry

Mike and Terri · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mike and I have always lived our lives feeling like there must be more to the equation than just the normal mainstream. As a result, we've made some decisions over the years that weren't always popular with family and friends. In the end, however, they were right for us. Stay true to yourself and know that you have the support of many.

Terri

Happytrails · RV-Dreams Family Member

There isn't much I can add to the wonderful comments already posted. We started full-timing about 7 months ago and like most others we encountered some negative comments and behind our back statements. Some folks are just gonna say something if you think or do things differently then them. Humans sometimes have to attack what they do not understand.
There is a whole group of folks out here on the road that think differently and have positive comments to make about this lifestyle.....focus on them.

Hang in there. Once you are living the lifestyle many will move on to other causes and those that don't can't argue with someone that is living each day in a peaceful, happy mode. Your life will speak volumes for full-timing.

Welcome and hopefully we will meet you on the road somewhere. We'll be the ones smiling and waving and happy. :)

TXRVr · RV-Dreams Family Member

tallan wrote:

Next Tuesday Annette and will pick up our Damon Outlaw and prepare for fulltiming in May and head to Ft. Hood, TX.
Chaplain Troy

This isn't strictly on subject, but I live nearby and wanted to let you know that I would not rate highly any of the campgrounds around Ft Hood. The one at West Ft Hood is a sardine can and Blora isn't suited for longer rigs because of sloping sites. Commercial CGs are mainly dirt. There is a very nice Corp of Engineer campground at the Lake Belton Dam. It's called Live Oak Ridge and is about a 20 minute drive to Hood.

I assume that "Chaplain" means Army Chaplain. If so and you are interested in it, PM me and I'll pass along some info on a church where the pastor is retired chaplain.

K & E · RV-Dreams Family Member

Although we are not fulltiming yet (waiting for the darn house to sell), we have been planning and researching for over 3 years. I find that most people are a bit bewildered by the concept and many have come right out and said they are envious of our decision. Surprisingly, many men have said they would love to become fulltimers, but their wives would never agree.

I think people who respond in a negative fashion are either frightened of change or jealous. The media puts so much fear out there every day that many people have just become afraid of everything.

We choose not to let society's definition of what we should want rule our lives. It has become ingrained in us to want more and more. We have chosen to live with less and less; leave the stress behind, and find happiness in each other, nature and a more harmonious life.

I refuse to buy into what the media tells us we should want and have. More stuff and money does not make a person happy. It's no surprise so many "wealthy" people are so unhappy.

If your spirit and instinct are telling you this is the right decision for your family, go for it. biggrin

Dreamers · RV-Dreams Family Member

We agree that you should not let other people still your dream. We get replies in both negative and positive. Two of our children are supportive while the third thinks we are crazy. We live in Tuscaloosa, AL. Our two supportive children live in Virginia and Mississipp. The unsupportive one lives in Florida. Where are they? No where around!

Our house is on the market and we are searching for the right 5th wheel. We are not young and have many medical issues against us but have found answers to the problems they bring to the road. We will live our dream until the Lord decides otherwise. He is the one in charge here.

We will not be deserting our church as we will be in attendance somewhere at least every Sunday if not more and will be constantly looking for ways to be of service - whether in a structured setting or on our own. God leads us to ways of service. Our membership will remain here (where we will keep our home base) and we will be back every few months (keeping our doctors here) and do what we can when we are here - just living in our RV. Our tithes will be mailed back to our home church once a month and a donation will be made to the different churches we attend along our journey.

Besides, sometimes there is no better worship of God than seeing the beautiful world he made for us. Looking forward to it.

Judy and Bob

Kerri · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hello Sir...Congratulations on your new home! Are you now going to be known as the Outlaw Chaplain? smile

I have dealt with a similar issue for 14 years where homeschooling is concerned. Now that we are headed toward FTing, I am getting negativity based on that. 99.9% of the time, the people who condemn homeschooling, full-timing - just fill in the blank - have ZERO experience with it! Some may be speaking out of true concern for you. But as has been said here, many are just speaking out of fear and/or jealousy.

I've heard people comment that we shouldn't homeschool "just to keep our children out of the school system". Well I worked in the "system" for several years, and that is precisely WHY I homeschool. It just wasn't for us. My children are happy and well-adjusted, so I must be doing something right. Many parents send their children to public school and are quite satisfied with it. While the paths we take may be different, no one has the right to condemn someone else's choices because they do not reflect their own! Homeschool/institutionalized school... Fulltiming/sticks-n-bricks... Freelancing/J-O-B... Each is a profoundly personal choice, with no right or wrong answers!

I say that to say this... follow your heart. Yes, the negative comments will bother you. Even after 14 years, one "gets to me" now and then, especially when it is stated in TOTAL ignorance. Even if someone actually did have negative experience with what you are about to undertake, THEY are not YOU, and they have no right to push their assumptions, negativity, and misinformed opinions on you!

Comments based on experience we can always use - they push us to think and consider possibilities. Comments made in ignorance are helpful to no one.

Keep talking to the people on this forum. Most of them are amazing!

Remember....

"For those who believe, NO explanation is needed.
For those who do not, NO explanation will suffice."

Prayers sent...

Kerri in Alabama smile

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

Keep on with your dream.

We have been full timing for three 1/2 years now.

It is amazing that some family members that thought we were "crazy" are now saying they are bored with their retirement and wished they could travel, as we do!

This lifestyle is not for everyone, but a vast majority whom try it, love it.

Paula H · RV-Dreams Community Member

There are some awesome words of wisdom and encouragement on this thread. So true what everyone has been saying most people that put others down for their choices are either scared or jealous. Chaplain you just follow your heart and God knows what is in your heart. If you keep your eyes on him and listen to what HE is telling you then you can never go wrong. Good luck in your "new" life. smile

Paula

-- Edited by Paula H on Saturday 13th of March 2010 08:18:24 PM

Jomilt · RV-Dreams Family Member

I see no problem for others to concern themselves with. You are a service Chaplain, you travel anyway and are stationed in one camp or another.

What difference if you stay on base, or in your own home?

Being a Chaplain, fall back on your faith and "Let Go and Let God".

God is THE navigator in your life, so pay no attention to others and go your way with your Lord!!

tallan · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for the heads up about the parks! Not being there before I am hopeful that many of my new friends on this forum will help us with the places to stay. Any contacts in the area will help us get settled, so please feel free to send me a message.

tallan · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful encouragement and reminder of who I work for! Blessings to you all.

Chaplain Troy

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Chaplain! Best Of Luck! God hasn't steered me wrong, He is my Captain! When I do my will, everything goes awry! Following his will I have more Serenity. And Yes Bless ALL THE Awesome RVERS and people who follow His Footprints In The Sand. PIEERE

Paul and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

This thread was just what I needed today.

After a few negative comments regarding selling all our belongings and going fulltime, was feeling a little low.
This is not only inspirational, but offers the encouragment to "Follow my heart"

Jo