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I had some interesting reactions from family and friends when I made my announcement in 2001 that I was going to become a fulltime RVer. They mostly fell into two groups: those who thought I was insane, and those who thought what I was doing was inspiring. I've often thought it was a good thing that the second group weighed in more than the first. Not that it would have changed my mind, but it may have changed the name of my motorhome. I named my rolling home "Inspiration." I would have still started fulltiming even if its name had to be "Roving Lunatic."

I've also had diverse reactions from others I've met along the way - some who find my lifestyle fascinating, others who couldn't even imagine living this way. In any case, I'm extremely happy with my chosen lifestyle and the people I've met during it, and I hope they are with theirs.

I'm particularly touched by the people I hear from who say they'd love more than anything to live this way, but it's just not possible for them. Sometimes that may be true for whatever reason, and maybe it's just a matter of waiting, but to everyone else, here's some applicable advice from a very wise man:

"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
- St. Francis of Assisi

Or, when asked how I was able to start fulltiming, despite not having won the lottery, I say, "Baby steps." If you want something bad enough, just take a small step every day toward that goal - no matter what it is - research, writing, visualizing, praying. But do something consistently and before you know it, things open up in such a way that you couldn't have foreseen in the beginning. And you find yourself on the road, remembering another of my favorite quotes, "The longest journey begins with but a single step."

If you want to read more about my decision to go fulltime, see my personal journal at Inspiration's Journey.
I got to thinking about these things tonight as I read a thread on the RV.Net Forum about one guy's reaction from an in-law that fulltiming is not "normal." Here's a link to the whole subject, but following are excerpts I found particularly interesting:

A relative (by marriage) doesn’t think “Fulltiming” is normal. He wrote this in an email:

The 'RV Lifestyle' you have evolved into is a symptom of underlying problems. Normal, productive, full time employed people seldom choose to live in RVs on a permanent camping trip.

Sure he’s entitled to his opinion, but he’s really ‘down’ on us because of it. Fulltimers are normal productive folks!
Fulltimer Bill

Here are some of the responses:

Sounds like a bit of jealousy coming through. Keep on camping!
When we decided to leave the so-called normal world for fulltiming, we also had that reaction from some folks. We finally figured out that we had "escaped" and they couldn't or wouldn't. Don't worry about it, and laugh and be happy that you are able to live your dream!
Dianne - Fulltimers....spending our kids' inheritence

Treatment for his disease can only be obtained by RV'ing!
Wacky.... my "underlying problems" are due to a severe allergy to the norm.
Tony - Full-timing retired Fire Captain

...and, always remember, "one man's underlying problem is another man's transition to tranquility."
Jerry and Katie - More than 20 great years motorhoming and still loving it...

I would send him a post card from every stop I make thanking him for minding the home front.
Steve, Central CA

Why is it that so many people are all worked up about other people doing what they think is not normal... I mean what is normal, is what is right for you, and if that means getting away living the free life, suffering through those beautiful sunsets, meeting new interesting people, then that's the way it is. Too many people spend their lives working the same old job and miss the chance to do, see and meet, and then their lives are over and it's too late. That life may work for some, but it's not for everybody. I'm glad you are realizing your dream and living it. - Tom & Beth

That boy needs help.
Home away from home: 2003 Jayco Eagle 10UD - Born to camp. Forced to work. Finally retired.


We aren't fulltiming yet, but when we told the kids our son was concerned. He thought we might be giving up too much and end up destitute and homeless in our dotage. What he doesn't understand is that, sure, the house will continue to appreciate but we have to live in it for another 20 years to make a fortune on it. So what is that 20 years worth? I think he might have a different perspective after he's been working for 30 years. Getting out of the rat race is worth a lot!
2 dirt bike enthusiasts and 1 cool Weimaraner - Attack life! It's gonna kill you anyway.

Fulltiming is not camping in any way. We just choose to "live" in a house on wheels in a variety of places around the country. To those who don't understand, so be it.
2002 Newmar Kountry Star 34RLCK Fifth Wheel - "Lovin' this Full-timer thing."

This relative of yours has to be related to the colleage of mine who questioned me at length about the full-time lifestyle. . . in the end she just looked at me and said, "I could NEVER do anything like that. I LOVE my FURNITURE too much." I guess I could say I don't think it is normal to stay at home because you love your furniture, but hey. . . the road is less crowded with her at home taking care of her sofa.
Dale

I'll be adding to this section as I come across other such discussions. If you have any thoughts on fulltiming you'd like to share, email them to me at Malia@MaliasMiles.com - I'd love to hear from you!

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