Have you ever been inspired by something, or someone, to make life changes? For some it may be hearing an inspiring speech, watching a film or TV show or witnessing the changes made by friends or family. For me, it started with a book called ‘Choose Life’ - and that’s just what I did!
Find out more about this book and two others that anyone considering a lifestyle of slow travelling digital nomad family should consider essential reading.
📚 Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds
In this groundbreaking book, David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken delve into the unique experiences of Third Culture Kids (TCKs), individuals who have spent a significant portion of their formative years immersed in cultures other than their parents' passport countries. TCKs develop a distinct identity that blends elements of their host cultures, creating a "third culture" of their own.
For families considering a slow-travelling digital nomad lifestyle, this book offers valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of raising children in a cross-cultural environment. It explores the emotional and psychological impacts of frequent relocations, cultural adaptation, and the search for a sense of belonging.
Here's a summary of the book's key takeaways that can guide parents of TCKs:
Embrace Cultural Diversity: Encourage children to embrace the richness of their multicultural upbringing, fostering an appreciation for different perspectives and traditions.
Nurture Resilience and Adaptability: Prepare children for the transitions and changes that come with living abroad, helping them develop resilience and adaptability.
Promote Cultural Fluency: Support children's language acquisition and cultural understanding, enabling them to navigate various cultural contexts effectively.
Address Identity Formation: Encourage open communication about identity exploration, helping children define themselves beyond cultural boundaries.
Build a Strong Support Network: Create a supportive community of other TCKs and families, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experiences.
If you are reading this and thinking ‘Wow, Boundless Life ticks these boxes’, you won’t be surprised to hear that our Founders were inspired by this book and their own TCK experiences when designing Boundless!
"Growing up as the child of immigrant parents, they prioritized immersing me in travel, community service, and mindfulness from a very young age. As a result, I excelled in various aspects—from winning public speaking awards to serving as student class president and eventually becoming valedictorian. There's no doubt in my mind that these achievements from a young age weren't solely because of my IQ but can be directly attributed to the upbringing I had.
When I became a mother myself, I knew I wanted to provide the same enriching experiences for my own children. It became evident to me that every child should have access to this kind of lifestyle. This is one of my driving forces for building Boundless Life.”
Rekha Magon - Co-Founder & Head of Education
📚 Slow Family Living: 75 Simple Ways to Slow Down, Connect, and Create More Joy
In her insightful book, author Bernadette Noll guides families on a journey towards a more intentional and meaningful existence. She challenges the fast-paced, overscheduled lifestyle that often leaves families feeling disconnected and overwhelmed, advocating instead for a slower, more mindful approach to living.
Through a collection of 75 practical and inspiring ideas, Noll encourages families to embrace the simple pleasures of life, rediscover the joys of togetherness, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for their surroundings. She emphasises the importance of creating family rituals and traditions that foster a sense of connection and belonging, while also encouraging families to explore their interests, passions, and creativity together.
Her approach to slow family living is not about rigid rules or drastic changes, but rather about incorporating small, meaningful shifts into daily routines. She suggests simple practices like slowing down mealtimes, engaging in family game nights, and establishing technology-free zones to create opportunities for deeper connections and shared experiences.
Throughout the book, Noll emphasises the importance of self-awareness and flexibility, encouraging families to find their own unique rhythm and adapt these ideas to fit their individual needs and circumstances. She recognizes that slowing down is not always easy, especially in today's fast-paced world, but she firmly believes that the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
📚 Choose Life
This was the book that changed everything for my family. It not only altered my perspective on the benefits of slow travel, but it also convinced my less-than-convinced husband to sell our house and most of its contents to facilitate this change! You can read more about my story here.
So many Boundless Life families talk of being stuck on the hamster wheel of life or desperately trying to ‘Keep Up With The Joneses.’ This book is living and working proof that by thinking just a little differently, and taking what you perceive to be a risk, you can forge a better, fuller life for yourself and your family.
Step inside the life of Daniel Prince and his family - long-term family travellers, worldschoolers and digital nomads. Gain insight into the many blueprints for a better path that are out there waiting to be discovered.
Prince goes to great lengths to share valuable knowledge, tips, emotions, coping mechanisms and much more. He holds nothing back in his quest to share his message with other young families. There is a way to do this! This is how one family made it possible, and how you can do it too! Opening this book is your invitation to step off the wheel.
Feeling inspired to discover more? Chat with us in one of our Discovery Calls!
