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 ๐
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 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
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
Livin on the Road – To Dream A Little Dream of Travel
Hi Lisa
The Australian Dream… I have no idea what that means. So I can’t exactly answer what Living the Australian Dream means. If having 2.5 kids is the dream, does that mean you’ve doubled the dream with 5 kids? LOL…
Living the Australian Dream for me and my family, has always been about freedom. The freedom to believe and say and do, whatever is important to us. The freedom fighter is in my blood, and is what brought me to this country.
Lina
Hi Lina,
There seemed to be an “Image” of what the Australia Dream (lifestyle) should be like! Now days everyone has different dreams, and we are all living a life that suits each others peronal needs.
I like your Australian Dream!
Cheers
Lisa
I love seeing how everyone’s responses were their own and not some cliched expectation. That is what the dream is all about right? Just being able to have a dream you can achieve, I think that is it. And it’s great to see so many people like you and those noted here are taking advantage of it.
Justin@GreatFamilyEscape recently posted..The Real American Dream
Hi Justin,
I so think you are right – the Australian Dream is different for everyone and should be what suits you ๐
Cheers
Lisa
That’s so funny you mention that ad…it came to my mind to and I remembered that little boy sitting in the middle seat saying “I’m the point five.”
I love the responses you’ve put together showing how little we do dream of doing “what we’re supposed to”.
Hi Amy,
The ad was funny! We are dreaming big and hope to meet others who also dream and live the dream. The Australian Dream is becoming different from what it used to be!
Cheers
Lisa
Interesting to see that the propoganda for The Australian Dream is the same as that for The American Dream. Also nice to see that your little “survey” turned up such unique results.
Hi Lisa,
Funny how different countries but the same dreams! Good to read about other peoples dreams.
Cheers
Lisa
Love that you took (and continue to) take action and live your dreams! Just doing those 2 simple things sets you apart from the majority! May your family, especially your sons, realize how much more AMAZING your lives are by DOING instead of only dreaming. But don’t stop dreaming. :o)
Hi Susan,
Thank you for the great support. Its amazing what happens when you have a dream, and when you follow your heart. Meeting new people along the way is amazing. It makes living the Australian dream worthwhile.
Cheers
Lisa
Good for you! It’s funny, someone on a forum I’m on just asked me why we don’t want to live in North America. She said, why wouldn’t you want a big house, etc? (She’s from another country.) I thought it was interesting that she would have that perception. I’m so excited that we’re close to putting our house on the market. Can’t wait to join those of you who have gone before us!
Hi Rebeca,
It is funny to hear other peoples views on what is the Australian Dream/American Dream. Wonder if she would be happy with a big house?
Congratulations on joining those that have travelled a different path, one that many seem to love! All the best with the sale of your house.
Cheers
Lisa
Living the Australian dream means something different for everyone. Some love the thought of having a nice house to live in, 2 cars in the garage and 2.5 kids (maybe that means they have 2 whole ones and one cooking lol) and the stability of a good job with regular income and others would see that as an Australian nightmare. Everyone is different and no one should be judged for the path they take in life no matter what it is as long as its the right path for them.
Jackie Stenhouse recently posted..Cupcake Decorating Ideas
Hi Jackie,
so that is what it means by having 2.5 kids! Never could work that one out ๐
I agree everyone has a different path and no one should be judged for their believes!
Thanks for sharing what your Australian Dream is ๐
Cheers
Lisa
Living the Australian Dream is different for everyone I guess. What makes you guys so special is that you are living YOUR dream. So many others are chasing THEIR dreams but will never quite get there.
You guys are an inspiration to us all to get off our butts and do the things we want to do and achieve the things we want to achieve, whatever they may be.
Keep on living the Australian dream – on your terms ๐
Jan Littlehales recently posted..Vegetarian Pizza โ in Ten Minutes
Hi Jan,
That is so true – everyone has a different goal, different dream and different life. What is important is being true to ourselves – and being happy! We are living the Australian Dream on our terms ๐
Cheers
Lisa
Coming from overseas I have to admit I don’t know what the “advertised” Australian Dream is (you hear less about this than you hear about the American Dream).
So I can only reflect on what my “Australian Dream” was/is – having lots of space, lots of beautiful nature and peace around me. Being able to relax out of the rat race and live consciously and in harmony. Travelling within and outside of Australia would be great as well ๐
At the moment I am not there (yet), probably because of the same excuses like a lot of us, I would like some more financial freedom/security. But I guess you are absolutely right Lisa – we can live with less, which means we need less money and have more life.
Renee recently posted..Online Shopping Tips For Travel Deals
Hi Renee,
Its good to hear what everyone things about Living The Australian Dream. I think that whatever lifestyle you have, and what ever dream you live – as long as it is what you want – then you will be living a life of purpose.
Cheers
Lisa
Hi Lisa
It is so good to see you living your dream, it gives hope for the rest of us. My dream is the same as Darren’s doing what I want when I want and not being tied down with a 9 to 5 job. I plan to get there sooner than later.
Kerry Lea recently posted..No Posts Were Found!
Hi Kerry,
Good to read about what you want for you, and how Living The Australian Dream is not being tied down to a 9 to 5 job ๐
Cheers
Lisa
I LOVE that you are following your dream. I think this is just the inspiration I needed to get back on track with being passionate about doing things OUR way. Not just the way people expect you to do them!
Talia recently posted..Weโre On Facebook!
Hi Talia,
Thanking you ๐
Love that you have the inspiration to get back to doing what suits you and your family needs!
Cheers
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
I came across your post from Justin’s website.
I think the Australian Dream is to know that you can achieve anything you want, without fear, oppression, racism or sexism. I have a new friend- he came to Australia 3 years ago without speaking a word of english. Despite this, he now has a very successful business, a happy home and his children are receiving a better education than he would have been able to fund in his homeland. He reminds me that we are indeed in a fortunate position to truly choose and create the life we envisage.
Hi Vanessa,
That is one amazing story (about your friend) how wonderful his life is now that he came here and made the most of it. He sure is living his Australian Dream ๐
Cheers
Lisa
Lisa you are definitely an inspiration to having a dream and following it and making it happen. Im not sure what my australian dream is, after reading this post Ill have to think about it and get back to you!
Tegan recently posted..Yellow Prom Dresses
Hello Tegan,
Thank you for the great feedback. Would love you to come back here and share your Australian Dream ๐
Cheers
Lisa
What a great writing project! And good to see an Australian perspective amidst all of the American ones.
I’ve long struggled to come to terms with the expectation that I adhere to this mythic ‘Australian dream’ of a career, 2.5 kids, a mortgage, and waiting until it’s time to retire. Nothing sounds less appealing to me, haha.
My Australian dream is to capitalize on our fantastic economy and the freedoms available to me by getting out and seeing as much as possible, and coming back to ‘settle down’ here when I’m good and ready :-p
I dig that you guys are out exploring this gorgeous country. I intend to do the same later in life.
Aussie on the Road recently posted..Guest Post: Waking Up in Belfast
Thanks for stopping by Aussie on the Road – and sharing your Australian dream thoughts!
I like your idea of “Settling Down when you are good and ready” !!
Great to see other families living the Australian dream! We to are living that dream, although our travels have taken us to America. We are a family of 9 travelling USA in an RV.
Trevor
Trevor Howitt recently posted..Weโre Going on a Bear Huntโฆโฆ
Hi Trevor,
I love that you are living your dream of travelling with your family in an RV in America ๐
cheers
Lisa
We are just living the Australian dream for a little while this time round 6-8 weeks. We hope to do it again round the top end in a few years time.
Trish recently posted..Things I know the powerless edition
Hi Trish,
Sounds like the perfect way to live – having a trip for 6-8 weeks and then travelling near the top end someime soon!
Cheers
Lisa
This is always a hard question for me to answer. I love having a house to live in because I grew up all over the place. But at the same time because we travelled so much as kids I want to keep doing that too! I’m trying to work my life to do both at the same time. I have no idea if it will work, but I don’t want to choose either/or! I like both and I’m going to keep aiming for it.
Vanessa recently posted..Dreamworld
Hi Vanessa,
I get what you are saying….when I was little I moved around so much and I didnt like it. But at least we have our home on wheels – so we have a base to come home to, but at the same time we are Living The Australian Dream!
So good that you are aiming for it…..love to hear that you are working towards your dream.
Cheers
Lisa
lisa, i just love it. we added in own thoughts on it too. As we head down to Colombia, i think how wonderful it is that there are other families out there also living out their dreams. Check out our version at http://www.thenomadicfamily.com/2011/10/international-american-dreams.html#more
gabi klaf recently posted..An Apple A Day
Hello Gabi,
Thank you so much for letting us know about your thoughts of living the America Life in Colombia – its amazing to hear from you.
Cheers
Lisa
The Australian Dream, for me, means one day actually going to Australia! I live in the USA, and I’m an American, but half of my family is from Brazil. Ever since having an Aussie exchange teacher from Canberra come to teach our third grade class for half a year in Denver, I have become fascinated with this place that has so much in common with both Brazil and the USA. In my mind, even though I have never visited Australia, it seems like a perfect combination between Brazil and the USA.
Hi David,
Australia is magical – we are looking forward to exploring more of Australia as we travel! We would also love to explore Thailand and many other places overseas ๐
I think Brazil would be gorgeous. Do you have plans to travel in the near future?
Cheers
Lisa
hey lisa! i just want to get your thoughts on the difference between the American dream and the Australian dream, and whether you think that the Australian dream is influenced by the once thought up concept of the American dream! because i’m stuck for idea’s at this point in time! love to hear from you soon ๐