Threading the film…
Threading the film…
1. The less you own, the more free you are. You start to become really picky about your belongings since you have such limited space. This means that everything you own is cherished. No overconsumption here! 2. You start to appreciate everything more. Things that most people do/have in daily life become treasured luxuries. A private bathroom, home cooked meals, and ESPECIALLY air conditioning become things you are sooo grateful for when you have them! 3. People stop to talk to you everyday. They want to see your rig, they want to know where you are headed, and they want to hear your stories. I love how you never feel alone while living on the road! 4. Things break! 😔 Especially in a vintage van like ours. But it’s taught us so much patience and problem solving. It reinforces that everything will be ok as long as we are together, and it’s the best way to experience deep peace. 5. America feels like it’s made for vanlife! In the east we have our trusty Cracker Barrels and Planet Fitness and out west nature takes care of everything we need! Plus I’m so happy that the US has free public restrooms and so many other public spaces to enjoy! 6. Gas is more expensive than we thought. Duh. The US is hugeeee! It takes a lot of fuel to see everything, but it’s still cheaper than paying rent! 7. Some people will think you are crazy. Even some of our family members talk badly about us behind our backs saying that we are stupid for putting ourselves in such an “uncomfortable” position. While we believe in the seek discomfort mentality, vanlife is not that. I think we have the most comfortable and cozy van ever. 8. Your van should be decorated and kept tidy! If not the space could start to feel very small and cause stress. You are a product of your environment sometimes, so make your rig a place where you are happy to live! 9. You can work later! I mean don’t ignore your future and 100% have emergency funds and backup plans, but life is so uncertain. Enjoy life today, you never know what tomorrow may bring. Don’t waste time working a 9 to 5 and hope you make it to retirement for traveling. We aren’t meant to live like that. 10. It IS all sunshine and rainbows. I get that Vanlife isn’t for everyone, but we thrive in this lifestyle. Your experience will be as good as you make it, so just let yourself enjoy it.