Driven To Inspire

Sometimes dreams take a while to manifest in our lives. For my husband, Dan, and myself this dream is a project we have called “Driven to Inspire.” We have envisioned sharing inspirational stories from the road as we travel around the country in an RV.

We’ve been thinking about this idea for over 5 years now. In fact Dan set up the “Driven to Inspire” blog in the spring of 2007. At the time, we didn’t have an RV or a plan, it was just one step towards our end goal. Over time we have taken many steps towards this -RV purchased, trips experienced, fun had, technical know how learned.  These are now leading us to a new part of this adventure. We are ready to begin documenting, filming, interviewing, and sharing our findings with you. I say “we,” but in all honesty Dan is the mastermind behind this project.  

If all goes well, and the weather holds up, we should be hitting the road for a new adventure tomorrow!

This morning I sat down with Dan and asked him to help me share his vision with you. Here’s what he had to say about the process and the plan.

Tell us a little bit about “Driven to Inspire.”

Although some elements of this project have changed overtime (we didn’t have Noah when we first began planning for one thing) it has always been about exploration, adventure and learning about yourself. Travel is a way of disconnecting from our normal experiences. In this perspective you see with observing eyes what others see every day. When you travel you take in new experiences that inspire you, educate you and entertain you. As you do so, you are able to understand more about yourself and what makes you tick. When you get to this level it can help others define themselves as well.

How will you share the experiences?

Primarily through online formats such as the blog and featured webisodes. We may eventually produce our own DVDs as well. (It’s worth mentioning Dan’s background a little bit here. He holds a degree in photography and electronic imaging, has worked as a graphic designer and as a lead artist for a local media company and has produced several DVDs from start to finish. Of course he has also designed the entire JoyfulArts Studio website!)

What sort of things can people expect to see from you?

We’ll highlight the RV lifestyle along with things, places and people we encounter on our travels who don’t necessarily get a lot of exposure, but should. Our focus will be sharing the stories of local artists, musicians, restaurants, museums, festivals, mom & pop shops, etc.

How often will you be traveling?

Right now the schedule and plans for “Driven to Inspire” are very fluid. Once we get on the road (literally) with this project we’ll have a better idea. In the beginning we’ll be keeping our travels fairly close to home. As we build up momentum and funding we’ll venture further out.

How will you generate funding for this project?

Funding is certainly an area of worthy consideration. There are many costs to consider including travel, campground fees, RV and car maintenance, food, camera and video equipment and I’m sure once we get into it there will be one thousand other things. Our goal is to eventually seek funding through sponsorships, affiliate programs, advertising and a crowd-sourcing system like Kickstarter or Indigogo.

What can readers do right now to help support “Driven to Inspire.”

One thing to do to help out is to follow the blog and help to spread the word. DriventoInspire.blogspot.com. It is still in it’s infancy, but the more people we can share this with from the get-go, the better.   Starting tomorrow we will be beginning our new adventure with a trip to Carthage, NC.

Your support and encouragement along the way is deeply appreciated!  May our travels and adventures inspire you to see the beauty and magic in the world around you.