When you tell people that one day you will live on a boat and sail around the world, they smile and say, “That would be awesome! I would love to do something like that. Who wouldn’t??” And you say, “Yes! Exactly!” And they don’t believe you. Because they’ve probably dreamed about something similar, too. But it is just a dream. They’ve never met anyone who has ever actually done it. Because no one really does that. They just dream about doing it. So they don’t believe you.

When you tell people that you bought a boat, they laugh and say, “Oh yeah? Are you really going to sail around the world?” And you say, “Yes. Exactly.” But they still don’t believe you. Because they never realized that someone could actually do it. And now you’ve bought a boat, and they don’t know how to process that. So they ask questions like, “Do you even know how to sail? What are you going to do about food & water? Where will everyone sleep? Are you going to homeschool the kids? Aren’t there pirates? What about hurricanes?” But they still don’t really believe you are going to do it. Because no one really does that. They just dream about doing it. And they secretly think you are delusional because you bought a boat. So they don’t believe you, and they think you’re crazy.

When you sell your house and quit your job, they look shocked and say, “Holy Shit! You are really doing this?” And you say, “Yes. Exactly!” But they never believed you. Because they couldn’t fathom actually doing it. And now they say things like, “I bet you don’t last six months, hahahah! But seriously, what are you going to do if you hate it? You are selling everything? You should keep it all just in case. You’re crazy.” So now they don’t believe you know what you are getting into. Because no one really does that. They just dream about doing it. And they no longer keep it to themselves that they think you are crazy. And they secretly hope it isn’t that awesome because they’ve always wanted to do something like this and didn’t have the nerve. And if they are your father, they send you articles about shipwrecks.

The end.

 

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13 Responses

  1. You are right, I never thought it would happen! Now that it has I am scared and happy for you all at once! I get selling everything because you can always start over if and when your sailing days end. However, like your father I worry about you and the family being on the big scary ocean! We’re traveling the highways of the USA which has some hazards, just not the ones I can imagine happening while you are sailing the ocean or in a foreign country with hostiles [how’s that for my imagination?]! Just as long as you stay in touch and I know you are safe and the boys [including Matt] are okay I will be okay with your adventure! Love you all crazy people!

  2. As we get ready to depart around the same time you do, I can complete relate to this!! I have heard all the same comments!! Love the quote and hope to see you out there!!

    1. Oh wow!! We are on the same timeline… where are you? This is all so exciting!

      1. We are in Beaufort, SC. We plan on heading up the east coast during hurricane season and then to the Keys and Bahamas. Yes, this is such an exciting time!!

  3. With a 5 year plan coming an end in 5 weeks, and a launch date of July 1st, I’ve heard all of this. ….Surere, you can live your dreams through me, I’ll experience them and might let you know how they were for me, ….or not. FIL sends messages about retirement and how I’m messing mine up at 45. Oh well.

    1. That’s awesome! We had a five year plan also… (I love the five year plan.) We are on same timeframe… I checked out your blog… my boys love minecraft also! Good luck with your launch. We will keep up with you – just liked your FB page – and hope to meet up one day on the water.

  4. I am excited for you. I do believe you. When I was younger, I set out to travel the US and Europe with a backpack and a shoestring budget. Also, no plan. Sometimes made decisions with the flip of a coin.

    Back then, no cell phones and I only communicated via post card. Folks, including my family, said I was crazy.

    In my case, I didn’t have a family so I commend you on taking this risk. All I can tell you is that it was the single greatest adventure I have ever known. The sensation of being free liberated me in ways that still positively empower and effect me today.

    I will be following. I do believe you. And, I wish you well for daring to live your dream, live your adventure, and sharing with all of us.

    Godspeed.

    Cheers,
    Steve Crawford

    1. Thank you!
      We are excited for the adventure for our boys… We feel extremely lucky to have been at your school for the past three years. You foster an environment that allows the kids the ability to think for themselves. So awesome to hear about your travels. Freedom is definitely empowering… Thanks for following along!

      Maybe we can set up a skype call with the 5th graders sometime next school year and Austin can do a presentation on all of the stuff he’s been learning while living on a boat?! That would be awesome.

      Have a great summer! – Michelle

  5. Our parents mean well, they just don’t fully grasp the idea or understand. We can’t wait to keep up with your journey. We are about 4 years behind you! Please keep up with the posts.

    The Jarrell family
    (crazy jealous family you met on spring break and allowed to crawl all over your new home!!!!)

    1. Hi Kyle (and Jarrell family!)
      Let us know if you’ll be back down to Port A in the next month (or in Kemah the following month) and we can get together! Hopefully GIRO will be ready for a sail soon. 🙂 Thanks for following along.
      -Michelle

  6. I think I actually love you! My husband and I and our two boys have just got back from backpacking around Asia for a year. This is our next adventure. But I’m not sure we’ll actually do it. So I will follow your adventure with interest. Well done for growing a pair!!

    Sian

    x

    1. Awww!! Thank you!

      Backpacking around Asia seems way more difficult than sailing. 🙂
      Thanks for following… I love your blog name “Growing a pair!” hahaha