Developing Our RTW Family Travel Creed – Rules of The Open Road

Family RTW Mission Statement

Just as organizations and businesses need a mission statement, families also need rules to live by.

This is even more important on the road.

Kids and adults need structure, something to remind us what our goals are as a family.

It’s true that “when the going gets tough the tough get going”, but we don’t want the tough to decide its time to get going home.

This is our first draft, months before our trip.

We sat down at dinner tonight and came up with these, they will probably change over time.

1. Pasquini Positive Perspective: (The 3 P’s)

This is a willingness to always look at the positive in a seemly negative situation at all times. Yes, we can complain and be upset about something, but we will always strive to get over it by practicing and searching for at least one positive view-point or outcome to the situation. (Stephen wanted to just say “No Complaining”. But who are we kidding? You can only fight against human nature; not ignore it completely especially with children. It is their God-given right to complain and find every little thing in the world that is unfair.)

2. We are a Team and are each others allies:

This is the mindset that we can do anything if we have each other and work together. We’ll have each others back and protect each other.

3. We will have empathy and compassion for others:

We will search to understand other cultures in a loving way and show kindness to each other.

4. If you make a mistake your Brain Grows:

This is my daughter’s favorite and is a new way of saying we learn from our mistakes. We will not be afraid of doing something wrong and we won’t shy away from something in fear of failure.

5. Let it go:

We will accept that some things are just the way things are and we have to let it go so we don’t carry around guilt, anger, resentment, or sadness. Forgiveness is a powerful tool and accepts the things we can’t change.

6. Cultural awareness:

We will enter countries and cultures armed with at least 10 words in their language (still figuring out which words)

1. Hello
2. Thank you
3. My name is
4. Sorry.

We will always be courteous and aware that we are visitors in their country and our norms may be different than theirs. This does not make it wrong or right as that is up to the society and culture to own for themselves. We will strive to understand and appreciate all differences.