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Togetherness

“What can you do to promote world peace?
Go home and love your family.”

Mother Teresa

It’s no secret we’re a passionate family and there’s a lot of energy and enthusiasm in our household. If I told you that passion is always channeled in a positive direction, I’d be lying.

One of the biggest motivators behind our decision to leave on an open ended journey, (very soon by sailboat!) is to create as much opportunity for togetherness and unity in our family as possible. By stripping away all of the distractions (jobs, community boards to serve on, sports, etc.) we can focus on building the core foundation of our family. When out on the road or the ocean, there is literally no where to go. We will be forced to learn to work together, or the ship could quite literally sink!

Now as we stand on the verge of the dream, house sold, tickets booked, suitcases at the ready, there are days I find myself overwhelmed with doubt. Doubt that we’ll be able to make enough money, doubt that uprooting our kids and taking them from place to place is good for their development, doubt that we’ll be able to find the right boat. I could go on and on here.

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The UC Berkeley Forestry Camp “home” for the next 4 weeks.

But something happened the other day that put me at peace and affirmed our decision. As we await our October departure, we’re so blessed to be staying at the UC Berkeley Forestry Camp. The surroundings are as tranquil as they are beautiful. With a canopy of towering evergreens in every direction, I feel as if we’re wrapped in a warm embrace. Things are falling into place. Out in the Plumas National Forest, with no electronics and neighbors nearby, the kids played for 4 hours straight. Outside. Together. And there was no fighting. Not even once. They explored the forest together and were literally squealing with delight the whole time. TOGETHER! Like FRIENDS!

YES! I thought to myself, it’s working. Isolate them from their friends for a little while, and they learn to get along because there’s no one else around!

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Look at them! They’re playing TOGETHER!

Diego made a quick video to share with you. Indulge me and tell me they aren’t the sweetest brother/sister pair you’ve ever seen!

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • February 4, 2016, 11:44

    You guys are an inspiration. We’re trying to figure out what comes next in life and long term travel and a simple life is high on the list. Excited to be following your journey. And amazing reading about your kids – what a confirmation you’re doing the right thing!
    Tracy recently posted…How I Survived the Emotional Rollercoaster of InfertilityMy Profile

    • February 6, 2016, 7:37

      Thank you for your kind words Tracy–I think ALL parents are inspiring! I learn something from each of my mom friends–they all amaze me. Sometimes I feel like I’m barely holding it together, and then I realize we must all feel that way at times.

      I DO believe we need to spread the message that life is not over once you have children, in fact in many ways it is a deeper, richer experience. But OH MY, are there some new “experiences” I could have never imagined…RE: bodily fluids, sleep deprivation and more! Love what you’re doing over at Raised Good!

  • AER
    October 1, 2014, 4:01

    Tiffany, I think this is fantastic! It will be an experience you and your kids remember forever. There will be so many tales to tell. I love this idea. This site is also outstanding. This is so very you and has me remembering why I felt so lucky those many years ago now laughing and playing at radio show host. I still think that soggy bread is the worst thing ever on earth.

    Have the time of your lives,
    Anayansi

    • October 9, 2014, 2:49

      Anayansi I have the best memories of cooler talk with you! I look forward to the day our paths cross again and we can share another laugh in sunshine!

      Take good care of you!
      xo

  • September 29, 2014, 3:38

    Yes, your kids are the cutest!!! There is no doubt in my mind that this is a good adventure for your and family and it will all be good.

  • Clare
    September 25, 2014, 4:05

    Tiffiney your kids are so cute!

    Had a motivational speech at work yesterday from Sir Bob Geldof and he quoted a Scottish mountaineer called William Hutchison Murray and I thought of what he said when I read your blog … “Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, the providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.”

    Go you guys! Living the dream! Xoxo

    • September 25, 2014, 4:33

      Wise words from Sir Geldof! Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to rendezvous at port near you soon! xoxo

  • September 25, 2014, 12:48

    A friend of mine and her family regularly take “technology retreats,” which is challenging because her husband is a programmer. But it’s been really good for them and they are such a great team. I think it’s great to get away from all the distractions and give your kids a chance to get to know each other.

    • September 25, 2014, 2:41

      That is a great idea Carmel. I didn’t understand the need for such a thing before, because we’ve always had spotty internet connection. But now that we ALL have an electronic gadget– I totally get the endless notifications that distract us from interacting with each other. It’s just a mindless habit.

  • September 25, 2014, 12:30

    I love that video, your kids are freakin adorable!
    On doubt, it never really goes away. You just learn that you can pretty much cope with anything as long as you have each other and an In Case Of Emergency ONLY credit card. You are going to have a wonderful time. Can’t wait to read more!

    • September 25, 2014, 2:38

      Thanks for the kind words Emma. And for paving the path–showing me that this CAN be done with littles in tow! Looking forward to meeting you in Barcelona at the workshop!