Once Upon A Time I woke up and realised the Australia Dream was not for me (or our family). I have been thinking about our “Different Lifestyle” a lot lately. Why did we wait for so long for us to begin the journey? Why did we put off for so many years what we had been talking about? Was the fear of not being able to live and travel around Australia holding us back, or where we holding ourselves back? It took a lot of soul searching and asking questions…the right questions about how we were Living The Australian Dream!

Living The Australian Dream On Our Terms

But then again what is Living The Australian dream all about? I thought I would ask a few of our great followers who are also friends what they thought was the Australian Dream (lifestyle). It was so amazing to read the responses that came in!

At first when I read the words “Australian Dream” I kept thinking of a TV ad that was on years ago. It featured the typical Australian Family. Which was 2.5 kids (how the hell do you have 0.5 of a kid?), both parents working 9-5 jobs five days a week, two cars, a mortgage, a nice big house, weekend sports, cooking, cleaning, shopping and trying to find time for yourself. For many years David and I have lived the Australian Dream ad…well almost!

Our Five boys in our house at D’gauilar celebrating Haydens Birthday

Maybe we broke that mold years ago….David worked, I stayed home, we have five boys, for many years one car, a small mortage, never anytime for living and a family that was not dreaming!

So did Living the Australian Dream mean that we had to always live in a house, pay off the mortage and retire one day (if we could afford to retire) at the age of 65?

Here are a few ideas that were given to us about the Great Australian Dream

• 12 months traveling around Australia (yep love the idea of that dream!) was from Lee Jenkins
• Go around Australia twice if we had enough tyres and petrol – thank you Neesha
• To own 50 000 acres in the Outback running cattle and making money from it – Jackie Stenhouse amazing idea!
• Doing what I want, when I want, and not having to answer to a boss – from the legend Darren Gaurdy!
• The Australian Dream is about freedom, and to do what you think is right and bugger what anyone else reckons – Thanks Jody Chambers!
• Wining the Rugby World Cup – Thanks Mpho Molefe for that great insight! I reckon my oldest son will agree with you there!
• A townhouse in the suburbs, happy kids and a bit of financial security – from Robyn Williams
• For all my family to be healthy and happy, to sell our house and explore this amazing country - Great feedback from Marion
• To see this country return to be one where you felt safe and carefree – Thanks Rita

There are so many different ideas and stories about what the Australian Dream is really all about! It depends on what you want from life, what your lifestyle is, what you want for your family and what your dreams are in life!

I so wished that we had discovered (for our family) that we can live with Less Stuff and still be happy.

So wished that we had followed our dreams years ago, of travelling Australia

So wished that we had homeschooled from the day they went to school

So wished that we were discovered Don Tolmans way of life years ago

So wished that we had learnt different parenting skills – I have since discovered how I want to parent with Free-Range Kids, How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts with Worry) (See all Child Care Books)

So wished that we had never let society tell us how to live our life!

Never ever will I wish again.

I will dream.

I will take Action.

I will succeed. I will be following my heart.

I will live The Australian Dream with a life that is full of love and adventure.

I will not let anyone judge me (or this blog)

My family are my reasons why I do what I do. If I write from the heart, that is because who I am. If I share our family, that is because I love to connect with other families. Living The Australian Dreams means that I am able to share my love of travelling with our family. This is what life is all about.

What does Living The Australian Dream mean for you?

Cheers
Lisa

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This blog post was part of a group writing project. To see what other Travelling families think about “Once Upon a Time I woke up and realised the American Dream…..” (New Life on the Road did the Australian version!)

Families on Bikes – What is the American Dream

Around The World In Easy Ways – An American Dream Fairy Tale

Brandon Peace From Fullness of Life – Global American Dream

1 Dad 1 Kid – The American Dream

A Kings Life – Redefining an American Dream

Raising Miro – Erosion of the American Dream

 Fulltime Families – Trapped in the American Dream

Bohemian Mom – The Illusion of the American Dream

A Kings Life – Living The Not So American Dream

Family Travel Bucket List – Bye Bye Miss American Pie

The Great Family Escape – The Real American Dream

Break out of Buswick – Good Morning, America, Lets Occupy Wall Street

Livin on the Road – To Dream A Little Dream of Travel

 The Nomadic Family – International American Dreams