The Life Change Experiment News

like many i have been following on facebook and watched “pay it forward” as was suggested by so many people. What a simple idea. I thought I would start a one here (on a much smaller scale)sort of like bessie and Geoff and say I live in Perth near Ellenbrook and have two Rico bassinettes that have only been used for 5 months when my twins were born. I could sell them or hang onto them for the future “just in case” or i could offer them to someone who needs them. The same rules apply, you must not sell them you must use them or pass onto someone who will and must pick up from my home.
Imagine if then that person gave away 2 things that they really didnt need but could really help out others and on and on it would go…my email is buzzybennett@yahoo.com.au if you are interested.

With a legal background I BrisVegas in 1984 to Canberra, moved to Sydney and was there for 8 years -Then returned to Brisbane after Dad died (1997). After a couple of years of looking, searching, trying to find a way out of the black hole that returned me there in the first place, I applied for a job at Ayers Rock Resort as a PA (so far removed from legal) and fortunately for me – I got it! If I thought living in Canberra and Sydney were different, I was in for a rude shock. Being isolated in the middle of Australia was challenging. It is not like changing jobs where your friends are just nearby! It was a life changing experience for me. Relocating to a place where you know noone AND starting a new job. A little scary at first but then on the first night when you sit on the sand dunes and see your first sunset over Uluru – breathtaking. That black hole – what black hole? The views and people met sitting on those dunes or sitting on my verandah made the transition so much easier. It was a place of endless opportunities. There were many an experience to be had. The cultural side fascinated me and you learn and share so much with the guests. Although driving to Alice Springs for a shopping fix and being tested by the locals on the drive home was a little nerve racking. I also avoided dingos, snakes and hopping mice! I could go on forever. The opportunities received, taken and treasured are something I hope you will also receive during your adventure. I wish you all the safest travels. Cannot wait to read your blogs. More importantly Have Fun!

Wow guys, I so admire what you are doing. You have youth on your side and a beautiful little daughter who will gather many nannies and poppies on your wonderful journey.

As they say it does not matter who you meet, listen to them and give them your time of day as we all have something to say, only most people are to busy to notice that wonderful person under the long raggy hair, dirty clothes, dirty skin, missing limbs, blind, deaf, mute, just look at their smile and in their eyes, it is worth a million dollars to them just to have someone say hello.

Take care and I love getting your updates.

Dear Geoff and Bessie, I would like to share some inspirational things with you, but will need a postal address that I can send the information to you. Please let me know where I can send it. I really hope your adventure into real life will be uplifting and heart strengthening and I know that what I will be sending you will be of great help. All my love, Dagnija

I know where you’re coming from, there’s more to life than things and definitely more to life than exchanging the hours of your life for dollars building somebody else’s dream! BUILD YOUR OWN! Become a Life Coaching Entrepreneur and help others while building your own, I wish I’d known years ago that one could actually have a dream and fulfil it.

To anyone that wants to fulfil their dreams – remember that no life is ordinary – http://www.knowforyourself.com and use coupon 144882 to get a discount and fulfil your dreams like I am – it’s never too late.

Hi Guys, I admire what you are doing…. I guess at some stage we all have a need to escape. My escape was back to the town where I grew up. Please visit Yeppoon on your adventure. After 20 years away, travelling the world, 2 amasing girls and living in a rutt. Unfortunatly my rutt became an unsafe enviroment to remain in. Leaving the lot behind and coming back from the other side of Australia with just some things in a bag. The best thing we have ever been game to do. Many days were very hard and still are, but it was the best thing to ever happen, my girls are way better off and we enjoy what we have each day….. We are thankfull for each other and that we are together, safe and well.

Hey guys, im wodnering if your willing to send me any electronic devices? (iPods, phones ect?) that would be hectically awesome

\I love what your doing, completely amazing, i hope you don’t run into trouble and you enjoy this amazing change.

Where can I buy this stuff?

Hello,

I think what you’re doing is amazing, not many people are able to step out of their comfort zone. I wish you and anyone else who is trying this the best and I hope you enjoy your selfs on your trip.

Hey guys, WOW, you have done a wonderful thing. i am 13 years old, have a 1 year old brother, and love your idea, you have inspired me lots, because there is lots of less fortunate people out there who could relly do with stuff you are giving away, if not some are just really lucky anyway i could deffinately see you all(Geoff, Bessie and your beautiul long eye lashed daughter) in good place in the future.

Hi, i saw your amazing story on sunrise this morning and on 7 a day or two ago. I known you are giving everything away and that is amazing but there has to be a reason for needing these things so here is mine. I am a year 10 student on my way to becoming a forensic scientist but my tv is ridiculous it has a crappy picture and i can’t seem to watch anything on it without the picture being blury. I am struggling alot with this problem and i’m sure it would save me money if you would be generous enough to consider giving it to me. Also my computer is stupid to and yours looks like it has done you guys well so please consider my education. This is very important as i have been looking for tvs that may help me and computers but they are all for an expensive price. I think what you are doing is amazing and very inspirational to younger people and i am sure your faces will become part of history as you have probably already inspirated over 2 million people. So if you give it a think about and consider whast i have said i will always be greatful for your help, no doubt. I love you guys so much cause you are fantastic people and i hope everything goes well for you all. Love Kate. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo.

Hi, 2 weeks ago my 23yr old son Crashed our 25yr old car thankfully no one was injured. However as my husband and I are both receiving Disability pensions , and our son is our Full time carer We can not afford to have the car repaired. So IF you think we are worthy we would really appreciate your car. I would also like to wish you all the best in your quest, For A better Life. We Had once planed to do some thing similar. how ever the next week I found out I was pregnant, and after 10yrs of trying, to get pregnant. I was not taking any chances, And by the time my son was 4 our health had started to go down hill. But at least we are happy, and who can ask for more.
Best wishes for the future.
Frank Mary and Frank Jnr. Brown.

Almost four years ago i found myself with a five week old baby and all alone in the world when it became apparent that my husband had emptied the equity out of our home loan so he could buy a new home with his girlfriend. Left holding a new born baby and little money in my bank account this life changing experience was thrust upon me. I cried alot and worried about the next day and then the next. I am glad to say that four years latter I am glad that i am no longer in that marriage and put in place plans to make sure I have a back up plan financially and stated to myself that i will never be court out in that situation again. I wish you all the best with your life experience and I am glad that you will have each other and not be all alone in your adventure. Personally I would never willingly put myself back in that situation. I hope that you find help in strangers who will end up being your friends as I did. All the best

After working 60 hour weeks for 7 years in marketing & supposedly ‘having it all’, I sold my house, most of my possessions in 2005 and moved overseas. I ended up living in Turkey where I felt so much freedom and happiness amongst their simple but chaotic lives. Met my husband and returned to Australia to have our son. We are currently living on a very small wage, drive a 20 year old car and we don’t have many ‘things’ but we are happy and relaxed. Life is more with less. We look forward to seeing you up in sunny Queensland!

I hate my things. I fill old doona covers with unnecessary things and chuck it away. I tell you what, My house is mighty easy to clean. My 3 girls are very generous with their things and they often kull their toy collection for charity. It’s liberating.

Dearest Geoff, Bess, and daughter Bluebelle…,

You guys rock…So awesome to see/hear how you want to start a new change within yourself, getting rid of your possessions/comfort zone today.
I am a single mum of 3sons in share care with the ex up north. One thing I taught my sons was how family is more important than the latest clothes/toys etc…They are aged from 14 to 8.., and come their b’day or Xmas without a gift.., they don’t complain because they tell me how much I am important to them than receiving a gift.
Always teary eyed when my sons compliment me for just being there, when deep down inside I can’t give them what they might yearn for., they understand to focus for today..tomorrow can come when it comes…so you guys.., your daughter is so blessed to grow up with the changes you both want to do within..May God be with you 3 and I feel very blessed with my sons and know you both do with daughter…Stay Safe Always Live for TODAY…Soph xx

Hey guys
Just wanted to share some inspiration I found. As said before, we have decided to sell up and become mortgage free (get off the debt treadmill) by buying some land and building our selves.. which is exciting in its self, but while doing some research on what type of alternative dwelling we were going to undertake I came across “EARTHSHIP” homes – and oh my gosh… I am just so excited and cant wait to get going. http://nikorb.wordpress.com/2009/03/14/earth-architecture-earthships/
For anyone that is thinking about self sufficiency, is concerned for the environment and wants to get off the grid – take a look … AMAZING ! Once we sell up here I will start a blog to track our journey.
Love and Light
Vanessa

I write here, not with a sad story looking for free gifts, or with an expression in how much I know about an object so I believe I should have it.

I write just asking, if there is anything that you’re willing to donate I would greatly appreciate it as a 17 year old who’s looking at heading to University next year, my life and my funds are going to be quite hectic and drawn out for the next four years. So anything that’ll make it just that little bit easier, or add a little extra enjoyment would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Hi guys, i caught your interview on sevens weekend sunrise and i think it is very inspiring what you are doing. Not many people out there would just make the change and be ‘giving’ there belongings away. It is very touching to see that there are people out there that are willing to make the change to help the people that are in need. I don’t wanna sit here and put myself under that catagory but yes i have a story to.

Briefly;
i’m 19 years old, I live with and non-profit organisation in the Illawarra that helps youths and families in our region. I live in what is labelled as ‘supported accommadation’ in other words a ‘refgue’. I live here with; atm, 6 other youths, and i have been here for all up around 18 months after being kicked from home at age 17. I have alot of friends that all tried to help at first but there is only so much they were all able to do, but this organisation took me and an i am forever thankful to them. I am currently studying my Diploma in Children Services at my local TAFE and i am finding it very stressful as i don’t have enough access to the recources i need; aka, computer and internet, we do have those resources here where i am living but there is only so much time allocated to these resouces. So i suppose i am tyring to ask that if there is anyway of you guys being able to help that would be most appreciated thank you

To Geoff and Bessie,
After just reading your story i thought i would give it a shot,so here goes.Im a single mum on a disability pension,my son is 12yrs old and im so blessed to have him in my life.He starts year 6 at primary school next year,and will be able to put his name down for computer classes,but to do this he needs to have his own laptop which i cant afford to buy,his friends already have there own laptops and he is worried about being left out,he so wants to join this class and learn about computers ect,So if you have a laptop that you dont need it would be put to good use,and so very much appreciated.Kind Regards Lisa.

Hey enjoy every mintue of it. We sold our home sold and gave away alot of our things just 3 months ago and came to SA we had never been here before,We are enjoying it here,Hubby had a job in just 3 weeks,we are making firends and our little lady is enjoying school. We are a little bumed out though as my mum who has never been on a plane was coming for xmas but out of the blue had a heart attack and now needs a bypass. All I can say is Enjoy your travels and hope it all works out as im sure it will.

Dear Geoff,Bess and Bluebelle,

Recently my auntie passed away, it was tragic circumstances and she was living in the UK. It made me aware of my background and of all the things that I have wanted to do all of my life. Like visiting where I was born and where my grandparents lived, where I came from and what helped me to become the person that I am today. My mother was very eager to go over as she was wanting to know what she would get out of it, she is not in good health and needed help to do all the physical tasks of sorting everything out. It was one of those things that I was compelled to do and would of regretted it all of my life. I am like that, I risked my job with so little notice we were without my income for 4 weeks I forked out premium prices for airfare due to such short notice and quietly hoped that my mother would offer to at least pay for my ticket (which never happened). However in a strange way it has taught me that sometimes you just have to do things. It was something that I wanted to do for many years however in 48hrs it was all arranged and done. In all honesty I would of much preferred to have spent the time with my auntie and possibly the tragedy that had occurred could of been prevented. That is why we need to change our lives and do the things that we have to do!!!!
Keep up the good work and safe travels, with wherever your journey takes you. You are doing what you feel you have to do, I can say that I know the feeling with what has just happened to me and whether it be good or bad at the end of day you will feel content with what you are doing and that is all that matters.

All the best!!

Although I took off from my life in Melbourne to go volunteer in Bali, I still haven’t been able to make the time to write my book about living here for 2 years. You guys have inspired me to take November (National Write a Novel Month) off and get a draft finished. I’m trying to find 200 people to share my dream, and help me get my book ready for a publisher, by supporting me with a $10 donation. Each donor will get a copy of my book when its published. Can you help me spread the word about my dream? Thanks.

Next up, is to write a book about my foster daughter, a little girl who was starving, unwanted, and now is healthy, happy and has 7 mothers. Check out my blog about her, called Raising Ellyanna, http://www.lizsinclair.com/blog.

Dear Geoff, Bessie and Bluebell,

You are a very wise and special people. We wish you well on your incredible journey and look forward to hearing about it.

Warm wishes,

Stephanie Atkinson and Bruce Mann

You can do it. You can do it. You can do it. good luck and all the best!

GOOD LUCK

Hey, it’s been long time since we caught up, but I heard about what your doing and thought you might be interested in something Sarah and I did back in 96. It was in fact, the worlds first blog check it out at http://www.treadgently.info

if you come through Byron, let me know (my contact number is on my FB info page) and I will happily share a 1000 wondeful ideas with you, I have reinvented myself many times over

glad to see you diving in the deep end

eric xxx

Hey guys I think what you are doing is inspirational! I have often wanted to just leave behind this materialistic world and live in a tent in the middle of Australia. Being married to a workaholic husband who’s always coming home with the latest hi-tech gadget, and having a 5 yr old daughter who doesn’t even notice when I donate a bag full of her toys to red cross, I envy your commitment and ‘putting your money where your mounth is’ so to speak. Love and best wishes, Lisa Altus.

I love what your doing, completely amazing, i hope you don’t run into trouble and you enjoy this amazing change.

GOOD LUCK

Hi Guys
Congratulations on your lifestyle choice.
I was the the CFO of a finance company and my wife worked in accounts/administration – in November 2008, we packed in our jobs, rented out our house and we are currently travelling around Australia in a caravan. We have 2 kids, 9 & 10 who attend school through distance education. This lifestyle we live has been absolutely fantastic for all of us as individuals and as a family unit. Australia is a special place with many places and people of interest – it would take many years to really experience what this country can offer.
Unfortunately, we will one day have to return to the rat race…………!

we love our contry and we will be travelng end of next year we will sell every thing and do what we want to do .its funny as friends always say but you nd a base to come back but w dont agree .we feel that people who need a base to go back to they lack securatey in life we but we dont,just enjoy live to the fullest as we only live a short life on this planet.w do worry about our foster kids when we leave but we hope they will do well in life and maybe do the same one day and dont get hung up with lifes challanges and we will meet again

Congratulations! Now your lives will really begin. Everyone fights so hard to keep hold of what they think they need and yet when you learn to let go, suddenly you find yourself empowered because you are no longer held down, forever trying to climb the invisible rope. You loose sight of the fact that your possesions are actually possessing you.
I learnt these things several years ago after my Husband and I lost everything and were living in a car with a 5 day old baby and 3 1/2 year old.
I realised something that is like my life motto nothing else matters if we have food in our stomachs, warm and dry to sleep then all we need is:
HAPPY, HEALTHY AND TOGETHER !!
Karma also plays a big part in life, when you pass things that you no longer use, things will come your way when you NEED them.
A mobile phone, computers, t.v. are irrelevant because noone on their death bed ever thought to themselves, humm, I never watched enough t.v. in my life.
And also another suggestion, get rid of the road map too….
follow the signs on the road, it really does make more fun because you realise pretty quick when you’ve missed a turn and you can just turn around, its amazing what you see when you go off the path every now and again.
I could say lots more but I think I would almost fill the whole page..
Good luck, I hope you find that a basic simple life will release you too.

My thoughts will be with you as you travel. My parner and I packed up the trailer and left Perth in 2003 with the intent to travel Aus. The drive across the Nullabour with 3 kids was a ball and they learnt things that school couldn’t teach. One night at midnight I couldn’t find the hubby and eldest child. I went outside the motel and found the 2 lying in the middle of a opening just looking at the stars. They have never forgoten the moment that they bonded as step father/daughter. Embrace your journey and note all things that come your way whether good or bad. Our journey ended with my soul mate breaking his back in 2007. I admire you both for following your heart and giving your daughter the best start to life…. YOU.

WOW, I could’nt believe my ears this morning when I heard your story about leaping off into the great unknown. Last year my wife, Penelope and I, after a lot of discussion decided it was time for a change. We both had secure employment. My wife as a sales representative with the local Telstra Shop and I as the Systems Specialist for the same company. We discussed the idea for quite some time and decided that we would sell everything and move from Bendigo (Vic) to Mareeba (FNQ). When we told the manager of our plans we were given a very bad response making us think our decision over again as he is also a very good friend. However we made our decision and so we would stick to it. We planned to leave on 14 March 2009. We decided we would first get rid of our accumulated junk which was squirreled away throughout the house. Man we found stuff we had forgotten we had. Our resolve was strong and soon I was tasked with the job of putting items up for sale on EBay. Penelope had the job of going through all the stuff in the house and deciding what to keep and what to get rid of. It was hard, there was so much to remind us of the past, both good and bad. I found this part of the plan to be the hardest. Not to get rid of things but convince Penelope to get rid of things. In the end we sold a lot of our stuff on EBay very cheaply. People who bought our items commented on how cheaply they had got the item. That was a concern at first as we knew we would need all the money we could get to make this happen. However after a while our attitude changed toward the whole process. So what if someone got a bargin good luck to them because we were doing something these people would never contemplate doing (except in their dreams). On the appointed date (14th March) we left. We had not sold our house like we wanted to because at this same time the world economy decided it would go on holiday. So we organised with a realestate company to rent out the house for us. This turned into a nightmare! The people who wanted to rent the house wanted more from it than what we ever had. They didn’t want a home they wanted a mansion. Gold for the price of dirt! So afetr spending a lot of money to make everyone happy we finally rented the property out. With our caravan in tow we headed north. Myself, Penelope, Richard (8), Albert(18),girl friend Fiona(18) and our old dog Rex (13). We took 14 days to travel from Bendigo to Koah just out of Cairns. We had a great time seeing lots of sights and having lots of fun. We took time when we reached our destination to do some of the touristy stuff but also to go off the beaten track. We fianally moved out of our caravan in June when we managed to find a lovely farm house for rent in a very quiet spot. We converted our caravan into a mobile workshop and I started drumming up work at caravan parks looking after the grey nomads computer needs. We have met some really nice people up here and we have also come across stories that we are not welcome but mainly from those who see us as a threat to their business. We finally sold our house in Bendigo for the price we wanted and last Monday we opened our office in Mareeba and am starting to feel as though we are getting somewhere at last although it’s like one step forward 3 steps back. Many of our friends in Bendigo asked us why? I can’t tell you why except for the challange and the change of life. Now Mareeba people ask us why did we move from Bendigo and we look around and say “for this”. For us this has been a stessful and exciting time. To say we have put ourselves out of our comfort zone is an understatement! We are still out of our comfort zone. We know a few people here although not really anyone we can relate with as yet. We had to go out and get things done not because we want to because we have to there is no choice. This what we expected and this is what we decided to put ourselves in for. Thanks for the giving me the chance to tell the short version of our story. There is so much more to tell but not enough time to tell it now. Look us up in Mareeba always a cold drink and a warm smile.

Hi Guys We’re Kiwi’s and we sold almost everything to do the same we came over with just our suitcases the cat and ourselves Peter Winnitta and at the time a 4mth old. Maretta is now 2 and we look for caravan parks with playgrounds in or near by. We work and travel. Good on you!!!!!!

Hi there, Reading all these comments it seems there is so many sad stories and people that are struggling, I a mum bringing up two gorgeous son’s wish I could also help, what you are doing is wonderful and it is a credit to you. There should be more people that are in a position to help to help more people, your neighbour or just someone in the street. Thank you for showing there are people out there that want to help and also take a journey to see what it is like in other situations. Inspirational.

Dear Bessie and Geoff
There is a place for you to stay at Newcastle’s Stockton Beach Tourist Park Pitt St Stockton on the north side of Newcastle Harbour – over the Stockton Bridge. If you don’t know the way then call in to a petrol station and ask how to get there. If you haven’t found a place to stay in Newc for your winnebago & tent yet then you must call ph: 4928 1393 (David) within next 10 mins to secure your stay tonight. They have a space for you but you must call them straight away. I would love to catch up with you as I live in Newcastle (Charlestown). Post your comments tonight or in morning as to where you ended up tonight. Thanks – Chris.

“If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.”

“And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity.”

“If you woke up this morning with more health than illness … You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day.”

“If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation … You are ahead of 700 million people in the world.”

“If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world.”

“If your parents are still alive and still married .. you are very rare.”

“If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you’re unique to all those in doubt and despair…….”

Who said your unlucky??

“If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.”

“And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity.”

“If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation … You are ahead of 700 million people in the world.”

“If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world.”

“If your parents are still alive and still married .. you are very rare.”

“If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you’re unique to all those in doubt and despair…….”

If you are reading this and are reminded to start appreciating your life you are luckier than the 100 people who will be dead by the time you have finished, or 146,000 at the end of every day who’ll never get another one.

WOW~WOW~WOW~ what an amazing story.. i have always thought of packing up and heading out to a small country town.. we live in a regional area, not a city, but still has some aspects of a country town.. i think it is amazing what you are doing. and you will be a better person for it in the long run.. you are already great, generous and giving people.. good luck!

Ecclesiastes 5:10 & 11
Whoever loves money never has money enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.
This too is meaningless.
As goods increase, so do those who consume them.
And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them?

I guess you could say I am more “spiritual” than “religious” but I enjoy reading the bible as there is much wisdom in it.

I have spent some time looking through your website and am curious about something. How did you expect to feel once all your possessions were given away? Did you, in fact, feel the way you had anticipated once everything was gone?

My husband and I “dropped out” for a year and toured the US in a motor home. We are both 48yrs and it was excellent to have a “mini retirement”. I value the people we met more so than the things we saw and did. I think you do discover what is important in life when you step out of your comfort zone.

Feel free to answer my questions by messaging me on Facebook as you are included in my friends list.

Well done and good luck.

Regards

hi guys,
i cant begin to tell you how you have touched my heart with what you are doing my theroy is it always feels exhilarating to give than recieve god bless you in your journey and be safe always.I will soon be on a life experience off my own a when i do i would love to share it with you talk soon cheers

Go for it! I just want to let you guys know that I don’t think you’re crazy. You are inspiring! First of all, to make such a huge change in your lives and go on an Australian adventure odessey, that’s fantastic; but to also share it with all of us, it is just incredibly generous.

I feel like I have done something a bit different, and against societies wishes, by deciding to stay at home to raise my two beautiful children. Not going back to the workplace for now. I made the conscious choice that they were the most important beings in my life and my number one priority. In other ways, I’m going against my upbringing, family and the opinions of our materialistic society, which has been difficult and challenging but I feel I’m getting closer to living my own authentic life

Wishing you well with your travels…hope you find what you’re looking for.

It’s always great to hear of other people who have taken a leap of faith to renounce the rat race and live a more meaningful life. Keep up the good work!

For myself, I had a life changing experience about 12 years ago. I was 21 years old, working as a bar manager in a very expensive cafe/bar in Double Bay, Sydney, Australia. I felt my life was empty and meaningless though I had what most young people equated with a happy life (money, girls, etc.). Slowly I started questioning where it was all leading to and I realised that material things could never satisfy my soul. Finally I discovered God in my life and realised that we were not put on earth for the purpose of making money, but for the purpose of loving others and living a meaningful life.

After reading the Gospels I found Jesus taught to “sell everything you have and give the money to the poor” (Luke 12:33). This was indeed a radical teaching to me, as I had never heard it preached or practised in any church I knew of. I decided that being a Christian meant following in Jesus’ footsteps, so with the help of some friends I sold up everything I had and gave it all away. My life has never been the same since, and I never want to go back to the rat-race-money-seeking-system.

I started by living in a tent and travelling around with some new found friends, a married couple and their 3 year old kid living in a small toyota hi-ace van. Soon after I was invited to go to India to do some volunteer work there teaching English and encouraging a non-materialistic lifestyle. I spent two years there and then travelled around other countries, experiencing meaningful adventures along the way, and without earning a single paycheck. I am currently living in Kenya with my wife, and have been here for about four years. We run a free volunteer centre where we provide food and accommodation to anyone who wants to lend a hand. We are mostly focusing on teaching English at local schools and working on a permaculture garden.

I can only but recommend to anyone and everyone to think deeply about what life is all about and to not be sucked in by the pressures of a consumerist society. Mortgages, bills, credit-cards, i-pods, dvd players, etc. can never bring you lasting happiness. That is not to say that if you give up everything you currently have, you will never have access to such technology. But when you do have access to it, you will be truly thankful and not tied down by them.

I hope The Life Change Experiment will encourage others to step out of the Matrix and live a more fulfilling life.

What an amazing journey you people are on! What an incredible website with endless inspirational information and links.

Thank you for sharing, and I wish you all the best!

Nikki

Hi Guys – I heard you this morning on Byron’s Bay Fm – and felt compelled to give you my input – especially as regards your question as to ‘our purpose’ – and whether to seek it or not.

You mention that some have warned against obsessing about their purpose and the potential for madness to ensue… I couldn’t agree more! I have been there and done just that. In fact, I’ve been to lot of places I shouldn’t – including sadly many occult spiritualities – reiki & other energy healings, astrology, psychics, crystal therapies, new age ‘tarot’, yogic meditations etc.

I have now come full circle and realised it was all part and parcel of a great deception.. to lead me away from God and into the devil’s hands.

I now have one purpose in life – and one only: to follow Christ and let him lead me. Perhaps the devil’s greatest triumph in the modern world is his successful propagation of the ‘love of self’. It is important to love ourselves of course – but I now understand that this can only be achieved by loving God first. Once we do this – our daily purpose in life becomes clear.

Only with daily prayer and faith in God – can we ever hope to enter his kingdom while here on earth. We are God’s children – and he is our loving ‘father’. If we try to be our own god – as modern society & occult leaders so often encourage us to do – we will only fail. Likewise, if we try to follow God’s commandments – it’s impossible alone! Only with God in our hearts can we begin to triumph over the temptation to sin (or ‘unlove’ ourselves and others) – all part of the devil’s life-taking plan!

God has a purpose for each and every one of us – and it may change from day to day. Today – the Holy Spirit moved me to share on this website. When I’m finished, he’ll move me to the next task! How wonderful to know God loves me and is in charge!

One thing is for sure – Jesus’ purpose was to save us – ALL! And all God wants is for us to trust and believe in that truth – and turn to Him so that He can save us! The only purpose I believe God wants us to fulfill is to have a relationship with Him (which is to say, also – ‘Her’ – for we were all made in God’s image and ‘He’ is both male and female!).

I’ll leave you with some favourite scriptures,

God Bless You All!

“…you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.” Mark 12:30

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ” Matthew 6:33 ['these things' refers to our everyday needs for food, shelter, clothing etc. - this scripture also tells us that we are far more important to God than everyday things or even animals]

“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.’ ” Mark 10:17-27

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”
~ Philippians 4:6-7

In November 2009, I travelled on a humanitarian aid mission across Afghanistan, in an old dusty Toyota Hi-ace van with fellow Rotarians, a florist from Arizona, a Nurse from Texas and a US Marine Korean War veteran. We drove along the ancient Silk Road through hostile enemy territory, amidst kidnappings and car bombings. The result, witnessing the resilience and courage of women and children struggling to survive a war zone. It was amazing!

I would like to say ‘good on you’ for what you are doing, you won’t regret it. in 2001 we sold our house and travelled around australia for 13 months with 2 small children, (3 and 18 months old), the people we met and places we saw left indelible memories with us for the rest of our lives. come 2010 we are ready to do it again, the house is on the market and we are hoping to do the same when it sells, the children are now 12 and 10 and the memories that they will come back with will be much greater than any material things that we can provide them.

Good Luck in your travels – we may see you somewhere in this great big country of ours!!

I was picking up a vintage piece on Mt Cotton Rd today and noticed u at the BP. I smiled at Geoff and thought…I wonder what the life changing experiment is? It wasnt until I drove away that I remembered the news interview and media when u guys were giving away yr ‘stuff’, now sorry I didnt introduce myself for a chat and find out personally how yr adventure is going. Great time to set off….2010 is a new beginning, a cleanse for relationships and finances. Great concept, good luck w yr journey, that winebago looks comfy!

I thought you may be interested in a website I have created to hopefully spread some goodwill and kind messages around the world.
It is called Heartsay (heartsay.com)and it is FREE to join and place messages. My intention for setting up the site was to encourage people to place messages for people they care about that would normally be expensive in newspapers but now are no cost. I have even made a category for World Peace to encourage some inspirational thoughts to be placed to inspire this. There is also Birthday, Birth Congratulations, Bereavement, Remembrance, Medical Thanks, Valentines and many more. There is a category for Tragic Events to place compassionate messages to victims and also a Happy Event to place congratulations for great achievements. This is not like Facebook it is more like placing a public notice to show the world who you are acknowledging. There are some upgrades available at a small cost but for the Basic 30 day message it is FREE. If anyone is interested they can go to the site and read the About Us and also the 1, 2, 3, instructions which will explain the whole purpose and good intention of Heartsay. My main aim is to encourage people to show people they care and appreciate them as too many times we lose people from our lives without having the chance to tell them what they mean to us. As I say on Heartsay “Kind Words Are A Valuable Gift As They Remain In The Heart Forever” Good Luck Bessie and Geoff with your adventure, I enjoy reading your stories. Alison

I just love what Geoff wrote about “Who said you are unlucky”
If you have food in the fridge etc etc. It really puts everything in perspective and makes you feel very grateful for what you have rather than what you do not. I find myself relaying this message to people who I hear complaining about not having the latest this or that or other minor inconveniences.
You are coming out with some really good quotes Geoff, I enjoy them.
Alison

My Dearest friends, Bessie,Geof & beautiful Blue Belle,
May Buddha guided you on the right path in search of true happiness, I am so greatful meeting you both tonight at my little hut. Take care of yourself & each other. Best wishes & big hugs always. Your Buddha friend at EdgeWater.
Yung (Nam Mo A Di Da Phat)

Hi Bessie, we’ve been friends on facebook but I haven’t really interacted much with you. Tonight for some reason I felt compelled to. I am completely inspired by what you and your family are doing. I have been married to Harry for 18 years. We have two children, Jordan 18 and Tijana 15. We have homeschooled both our children which has meant that we had the freedom to cut loose and let go at times. Our letting go was a three month road trip around Europe when they were 14 and 12. What an amazing experience it was to leave your life behind for that amount of time. It was a fundamental gift to our marriage and gave our family a time together that we always talk and laugh about. I think it’s important for families to cut loose and get away not just for a couple of weeks but to take a break from the ‘rut of life’ so that you have time for conversations that are more important like, what are we going to do, see and eat together? To enjoy the quiet times and to talk about things that have value and meaning. To have this journey at this stage in your families life is a true gift to you all. It will define many moments and decisions for you for years to come. I hope I can meet you Bessie when I’m in Sydney next week from Monday 24th May. If not, please stop by and join us for dinner at our home in Newport, Melbourne when you are here. Stay in the flow.
Ludwina xxx

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I have done this once, got rid of everything and flew to NZ. It was the most freeing experience I have ever had, now stuck in a rut again you have inspired me to look outside the box once again, life is too short to be caged in without knowing what else life has to offer….xxx thank you!

Here we are 7 months into our trip. We are sitting in old gold fields south of Meekatharra WA. So far haven’t had to work. The time will come and we will have to work which is OK. We have travelled from North Qld, in the Whitsundays and wanted to make a life change. We plan to take 12 months off and have rented the house out. We love this life style so much we are thinking about doing it long term. I am 49 and Wayne is 50 and we were sick of the hum drum life at home. We have travelled over 22000 kms and there is more to do. We are living in our 18 foot caravan and our pet bird travels with us. You do inspire us to keep going, it is such a fabulous life style and the stress is minimal.
Wendyxxx

WOW, I could’nt believe my ears this morning when I heard your story about leaping off into the great unknown. Last year my wife, Penelope and I, after a lot of discussion decided it was time for a change. We both had secure employment. My wife as a sales representative with the local Telstra Shop and I as the Systems Specialist for the same company. We discussed the idea for quite some time and decided that we would sell everything and move from Bendigo (Vic) to Mareeba (FNQ). When we told the manager of our plans we were given a very bad response making us think our decision over again as he is also a very good friend. However we made our decision and so we would stick to it. We planned to leave on 14 March 2009. We decided we would first get rid of our accumulated junk which was squirreled away throughout the house. Man we found stuff we had forgotten we had. Our resolve was strong and soon I was tasked with the job of putting items up for sale on EBay. Penelope had the job of going through all the stuff in the house and deciding what to keep and what to get rid of. It was hard, there was so much to remind us of the past, both good and bad. I found this part of the plan to be the hardest. Not to get rid of things but convince Penelope to get rid of things. In the end we sold a lot of our stuff on EBay very cheaply. People who bought our items commented on how cheaply they had got the item. That was a concern at first as we knew we would need all the money we could get to make this happen. However after a while our attitude changed toward the whole process. So what if someone got a bargin good luck to them because we were doing something these people would never contemplate doing (except in their dreams). On the appointed date (14th March) we left. We had not sold our house like we wanted to because at this same time the world economy decided it would go on holiday. So we organised with a realestate company to rent out the house for us. This turned into a nightmare! The people who wanted to rent the house wanted more from it than what we ever had. They didn’t want a home they wanted a mansion. Gold for the price of dirt! So afetr spending a lot of money to make everyone happy we finally rented the property out. With our caravan in tow we headed north. Myself, Penelope, Richard (8), Albert(18),girl friend Fiona(18) and our old dog Rex (13). We took 14 days to travel from Bendigo to Koah just out of Cairns. We had a great time seeing lots of sights and having lots of fun. We took time when we reached our destination to do some of the touristy stuff but also to go off the beaten track. We fianally moved out of our caravan in June when we managed to find a lovely farm house for rent in a very quiet spot. We converted our caravan into a mobile workshop and I started drumming up work at caravan parks looking after the grey nomads computer needs. We have met some really nice people up here and we have also come across stories that we are not welcome but mainly from those who see us as a threat to their business. We finally sold our house in Bendigo for the price we wanted and last Monday we opened our office in Mareeba and am starting to feel as though we are getting somewhere at last although it’s like one step forward 3 steps back. Many of our friends in Bendigo asked us why? I can’t tell you why except for the challange and the change of life. Now Mareeba people ask us why did we move from Bendigo and we look around and say “for this”. For us this has been a stessful and exciting time. To say we have put ourselves out of our comfort zone is an understatement! We are still out of our comfort zone. We know a few people here although not really anyone we can relate with as yet. We had to go out and get things done not because we want to because we have to there is no choice. This what we expected and this is what we decided to put ourselves in for. Thanks for the giving me the chance to tell the short version of our story. There is so much more to tell but not enough time to tell it now. Look us up in Mareeba always a cold drink and a warm smile.
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