"A family is a place where principles are hammered and honed on the anvil of everyday living". -Charles Swindoll

Whatever stage you are at, family and friends play a significant part in your life. Deciding to make changes, especially large ones, can cause a ripple through those who are close to you. If you are questioning your life, your attitudes and your beliefs, you can also start to feel dissatisfied with your current relationships.

Remember that you are the one who is changing, not your family and friends. You could find resistance and disbelief at your plans. Some will not want the status quo to change, others may also be dissatisfied with their lives, but not want to deal with the issues. If you are young and single it could be a lot easier to make changes as families expect young people to be deciding their future, but if you have a spouse and children, your family could become very afraid of you announcing a complete change of lifestyle.

As you make changes, you may be meeting new people with similar interests, and a different mindset to ople you have known up to this point. You will need to communicate with your family and friends about your intentions, but you will need to approach different people in different ways. Some will be supportive, some will not understand what you are telling them, and some may even try to change your mind or even sabotage what you are doing. You will need to tread carefully with your family while you test the waters, and make plans. Your wife may be totally opposed to you quitting your accountancy job and taking up full time base jumping, but she could still be very aware of your dissatisfaction with your situation and understand your need to make changes. I used to live in Hong Kong in a high rise building. There was very little grass area, and I spent a lot of time in double-decker buses, on congested roads. I dreamed of becoming self-sufficient on a small farmlet, in the countryside where the only noises were animals and birds. In reality, that dream was a reaction to the busyness of the concrete jungle. I now live on the outskirts of a city, and can hear the country sounds and see the mountains, and that is perfect for me. I would have been a very bad small time farmer.

Your dreams are most clear to you. They are your dreams, you can see them. Think carefully about sharing them with everyone, especially at the beginning when they are new. Others who do not share the enthusiasm could easily knock your confidence and have you doubting yourself. Start making changes, try and find a mentor or support person who has done something similar to what you are planning. Try to avoid being isolated as it is easier to doubt yourself if you do not have support and encouragement from people you trust.

Do not allow your family to stop you making changes. This is your life, if you want your best life, follow your dreams, be patient but firm, explain it to the important people. Encourage them to do the same. Paint them a picture, help them see their dreams. If they are resistant ask them why they are they so against it. It could be relevant. If you respect their feelings and take them into account you could end up with better communication with your family, and get some supporters, and some new ideas.

Friends and family will continue to be a part of your new life. You may need to set goals around maintaining and growing your relationships to reach other goals. As you make changes, look at what you are teaching your children.

Consider teaching your children differently, allow them to dream. Encourage them when they have ideas. Be sure to include your family and relationships as part of your goals. Have quality time with your family and make it clear to them that when you are with them, you are in the only place you want to be.

Have a wonderful day.