001 - how to fly without abandoning your nest

Dear Beatnik Betty,

How do I reconcile my need to get out and see the world with my desire not to break the ties of family and friendship?

Sincerely,

BlueJay

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Dear BlueJay,

Thank you for being the first person to ask for that special kind of beatnik advice to your existential dilemma. First, your statement assumes that you cannot have one without the other. Why can't you convince your Father or cousin he's cool enough to hang with you at that next Reggae Music Festival? Taking your family with you to explore your passions can be an eye-opening family-bonding experience for both. Do you have siblings? They can make solid travel companions. Expanding your horizons includes traveling to distant places, as well as further discovering what is right in front of you.

The world is your family, and it is filled with new people waiting to be your friend. Expanding our social circles and life experiences is part of being human, so no one should expect you to forfeit that experience in order to remain "loyal" to those who are currently blessed to be sharing moments of life with you.

Stay true to yourself but most importantly, keep those lines of communication open with friends and family so your goals and plans can become a part of their lives, too. And relax, because although our friends and family miss us when we are not around or exploring something intensely, the joy they will feel from hearing about your journeys and adventures in the world will outweigh any resentment they may have from your absences.

Bottom Line: You can grow and change without cutting ties. Make your life-adventure one that is inclusive, at times, of those around you.

I have pulled a very appropriate tarot card for you to reflect on:

Knight of Swords -- A man of loyalty, highly values his friendships, does what is honest and right. Conscientous goals.

Thanks again for asking Betty Mo' for some beatnik advice. I hope I've been helpful.

With Iridescence,

Beatnik Betty Mo'

Ask your question now by emailing askbettymo@gmail.com.