Advice on parents and their reaction...

towards my unconventional moveout/journey.

Im 19, still live at home. That will all change however. For years, i have wanted to live on the road, and see new things. New places, people, and experiences. I also feel that doing so will help me find my true calling in life.

I have some money ive saved to the side, and a backup plan the join the navy, in case my journey is fruitless.

I'd like to bicycle my way to the Ocala Gathering. Then after that, I will meander my way up the east coast, taking whatever educational opportunities that may come my way. Communes and ecovillages are also in my plans as I travel. As time passes, I plan to make my way to the National Gathering too.

While on the road, I will work seasonal odd jobs and play music (learning the flute, and maybe the melodica) for money when needed. Sleep on the otherhand will be even more unorthodox. To simply put it, I will sleep wherever I will not be seen or were I am not in danger. (i.e. wooded areas, nooks and crannies in safe places). If I have the extra cash ill fancy a hostel.

My vagabond plans are not unheard of in my family. Back when I was 18, i planned on hitchhiking. That plan was scrapped. Instead, i followed my parent's suggestions/orders to go to community college and work with my father.

While I did feel it was a waste of time, I still cherish some of the skills i learned. But now its time to live my life according to my will.

How can I announce this to my parents efficiently?

My mother is my concern. She is the human incarnation of stress and worry. I do feel it will be the one disease that will kill her. My plans will, however, bring more stress and worry. Yet, if I forsake my plans, again, I will, for lack of a more quaint way to put it, feel like shit.

Dilemmas dilemmas.

What can you suggest?


Thanks.

 

best of luck and keep us posted sounds like fun and about your mom some times you gotta do you see best for your self

 

Just tell them and go. Ask them to help you financially to help ensure that you are eating and staying in nice places, if you want . But if they say no, then leave. You are an adult.

 

My mom also has anxiety issues. If I were ever to undertake such travels, I would know upfront to always make an effort to keep in touch with her to let her know I'm OK. I would just tell them your plans, but make a promise to be diligent in keeping in touch. It may be unrealistic to promise them a daily phone call or something, but if you can write postcards home frequently, and maybe call once a week or something, it might reassure her. Moms in general I think have a harder time than dads in letting their kids go and be independent. I am the more independent kid of my family, and I know my mom was beside herself when I did some travelling that wasn't even nearly as extensive as what you're planning. My youngest sister is going to be studying abroad in England for a semester in the fall, and I know Mom is trying now to emotionally prepare herself. Sometimes anxiety comes from a situation being beyond your knowledge or control. At home, she knows you're safe and can mostly bet on it, but if you're away, she's not always going to know, which will be very challenging to her anxiety. I would even say to her that you know she worries and that you've considered that, but that you have to do this for yourself and your life experiences, and that you will do your best to maintain frequent contact and let her and dad know you're safe and doing fine.