I gave up everything to live in a campervan and my family think I’ve gone mad

DEAR DEIDRE: WHEN I gave up my busy city life to live in a campervan with my two dogs, I thought my family would be happy for me. Yet instead, they’re convinced that I’m having a midlife crisis.

I’m a 54-year-old divorced man with three grownup children.

Over the past 30 years, I worked as an accountant. Waking up every day, following the same routine time and time again.

I’d grown so tired and bored of my life that when I stumbled across a video of a Van Life creator on my newsfeed on Facebook.

I quickly became obsessed. The lifestyle looked fun and free of any of the responsibilities I worried about.

On a complete whim, I decided to quit my job, sell my house, and buy a van to fulfil my dreams of travelling the world.

I thought my family would be happy for me, but instead they think I’ve gone mad.

Even my kids are convinced I’m having a mental breakdown and are constantly calling, telling me how worried they are.

Yet I’ve never been happier. How do I get them to accept the new me?

DEIDRE SAYS: It can be really difficult when those closest to you don't understand your choices, but try to remember that this is quite a dramatic change and it’s natural for them to worry.