General feeling of just existing

[Prisoner Of Knowledge]

Long ago..over 30 years ago..we (husband and I) met a man who was feeling like you. Worked to retirement, bought an RV, gonna travel. He retired. His wife died. He was sitting in a 1 bdrm apt wishing he had traveled long before ..feeling life was over.
We couldn't help him. We bought an old RV..worked out our contracted year and headed west..no destination. We lived the life he had dreamed of.
I wish he could have had it too.
We all come up with reasons why we 'can't' be free. Being free is a matter of giving up what you have..walking away, driving away. There's a life out there and if you don't let go, how will you experience it?
Nearly at the end of our travels now..we will go back out whenever we can..as long as we can.
And we had a life. 30 years on the road, off the grid, free. Free.
Get up and go. If you do find yourself out there..you might like the version you find better than the one you leave behind.

I'm not sure, but this may be the most prophetic thing I've ever heard. Wow...just Wow.

 

[Suanne]

Theadyn,

I like that you are thinking of other alternatives to the RV, especially to see if you really do like living out of a vehicle.

I'm doing something similar. Although I already know that I love traveling and camping out of my vehicle, I'm not sure how I'll like being a snowbird who stays mostly in one place for the winter. I had just about decided to take our small Class C to the desert SW this January. But, after figuring out the cost of fuel, I've decided to stick with my regular traveling/camping vehicle, an '04 Prius. Then, if I like being a snowbird, I'll get a van for future winters.

Choosing the right vehicle is different for each person. For me, it's mostly a matter of compromise between fuel costs and interior space – with a lot of vehicle options along that spectrum of compromise. So, whether I see you in a van, RV or SUV, I'll be glad you joined us at the RTR.

Also, you might want to think about re-framing your desire to leave, from "running away" to "running to" this mobile lifestyle. Other more positive phrases could include your desire to -- "soothe your itchy feet," "answer the call of the road," "fulfill your wanderlust," and, my favorite, "to heal your fernweh" (German, meaning "away sickness," the antonym of "home sickness").

Welcome to the tribe!

Suanne ... who just got her Prius tuned up, ready for the road

 

[Bdog1]

And for all the big moho's: gas is getting cheaper. For now at least.

 

[riffraff]

I saw news about lower gas prices. That's going to benefit many folks here I bet. Seems to be my primary expense lately (food being a close 2nd).

On the subject of finding happiness in life (simple subject I know heh) I find comfort that we're extremely lucky to even be alive, much less experiencing life in a time of unprecedented freedom and opportunity. One only has to look at what's going on in Syria at the moment to feel fortunate to be living elsewhere.

As long as books are being suggested, I highly recommend Sam Harris's new book "Waking Up: a guide to Spirituality without Religion". I'm only a few chapters in and consider it a must read for anyone searching for more happiness in their lives.

 

[SweetMarie1965]

Same here, every day I face blank wall, just existing and wishing a light would come on because I can't see a way around the obstacle I face.

I've lived in a van before; my ex-husband and I outfitted two of them. It was great fun doing it and then all the traveling and the music festivals. I want to do it again. Money is the big obstacle, even $2000 for a cheap van. $2000 is like a million $ to me right now. I've seen some nice vans on Craigslist and RV Trader, good deals at $4-5000, some older conversions in pristine shape for $5-9000. Don't I wish... I have a 2003 Jetta I could sell, but it needs body repairs and the inside headliner and door upholstery is hanging down because of Florida heat - expensive to fix - at least $2000. I don't think I could get much for it as it is right now, or if anyone would even want it. Why is everything foam and glue these days???

I'd leave today if it was just me, but I have three cats I rescued at the last minute from certain death; they are my family, they must stay with me. Like Bob says... nature is healing; I need that healing. Worried a bit about tenting until I can get a van; where would I be safe? The free areas make me a bit nervous with a tent - bears. I'd go if I felt the kitties and I would be safe.

So what to do? I have a small basic income - $700 a month. It's something to go on if I can get the vehicle. There's work I can do on the road. I used to be the eternal optimist, but things just haven't worked out in my favor, so now I'm feeling really stuck. I don't want to feel defeated. A miracle would be nice.

Mary (an old hippie)

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

maybe you can try gussing up the jetta yourself. i think they are well sought after vehicles.

is yours the hatchback or have rear fold down seats? maybe you can convert it for a sleeping space for when a tent wont do.

You can find older vans for cheap, which has its own issues but it might allow you to get into the cheqper cost of living in order to save for an upgrade. i paid less than a thousand for both mine.

 

[SweetMarie1965]

Thanks Martin. The ones in my area, in excellent condition, are going for about $2800. I found one after I read your reply, that was being sold for parts for $1750. Beautiful interior and exterior that I could use to fix up mine, but I wouldn't get very much value from it, and I'd have to hire someone for the heavier body work, replacing the bumper and front quarter panel. I'd break even probably. It's disappointing. If I was keeping the car; it would be a good value to buy this one and fix mine up. But as I need to sell mine to get a van, I wouldn't get much for it. A friend called me this afternoon; he knows I'm feeling low and stuck. He says he has a proposal of some kind for me. Not marriage... he's gay. lol... He says it will get me on the road. Maybe it's the little miracle I hoped for.

Look at this Jetta... same year as mine, 2003. $1750 being sold for parts... Leather inside; mine is fabric. This one is silver - mine is black. http://daytona.craigslist.org/cto/4747290045.html

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Martin: This is one like mine: http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/4739280553.html It's in perfect shape. $2800.

 

[Theadyn]

*Hugs* Mary. I'm hoping for good news for you!!! You sound very much like you want to be out on the road.

 

[SweetMarie1965]

Thanks Theadyn. I really do want to be out there. I can't work where I am because I feel so blocked, nothing works. I just have the feeling that when I'm on my own, away from the people around me now, that I'll be back to being productive. Energy that surrounds us can get in the way. Sometimes we don't know why we're blocked and it's because of that energy. Out there, the energy will be good from the trees and grass and water; the animals and fresh air! And I'll be free.

 

[Ken in Anaheim]

Theadyn, first time reading this thread, and had a thought about your initial post. You mentioned the "fear" of breaking down etc etc but compare a few hours (maybe a full day) of "fear from breaking down to a compared to a day after day afer day of feeling miserable where you are now.
YES, bad things WILL happen.....and then they WILL BE OVER and the GOOD things will CONTINUE.
IMHO
KinA

 

[SweetMarie1965]

Some good news, my friend has made me a gift of $1500. With that and what I can get for my Jetta I should be able to get a van very soon. I'm seeing some Chevy Express vans for a reasonable price on Craigslist. I hear they have a good reputation. Another male friend will help me find a good one. My little miracle happened. What a difference a day makes.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

yay! i added roadside assist to my insurance, it was 3$ a month for the premium. good peace of mind for cheap. they cover any vehicle im in too
100 miles from 'home' they reimburse hotel, car, food up to 500$

 

[Gypsysoul]

sweetmarie,

I am so happy for you! You were just saying to me yesterday that we needed a miracle and then you got one. I am searching for a van now and hopefully I will join you on the road soon!

 

[Bela's Mom]

Oh, I am so happy for you also! Enjoy the search! The fun begins!

 

[Theadyn]

So very happy for you Mary!! Be sure and post with what you find. How exciting!!

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Theadyn, first time reading this thread, and had a thought about your initial post. You mentioned the "fear" of breaking down etc etc but compare a few hours (maybe a full day) of "fear from breaking down to a compared to a day after day afer day of feeling miserable where you are now.
YES, bad things WILL happen.....and then they WILL BE OVER and the GOOD things will CONTINUE.
IMHO
KinA

You're right, things will happen. I've actually had a breakdown happen this past summer. I posted it here https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?tid=10302&highlight=transmissions when I had my other name (couldn't login so made new name). Or last weekends trip with a flat on the inner back dually which turned in to needing two tires. Stuff happens and shouldn't stop anyone.

Since I quit the job, though, life has gotten better. I'm existing doing what I want to now, instead of the trudgery of doing what someone else wants me to do.

Wise words, thank you.

 

[rvwandering]

Great news SweetMarie!

I noticed that you haven't been officially welcomed yet so - Welcome to the forums! You may want to read through Tips and Tricks.

It's also helpful to start your own thread in the Newcomers Corner or Share Your Story. That way more people will see your questions and will be able to offer advice advice and support as you begin your adventure. Good luck and have fun!

 

[SweetMarie1965]

Thank you all for the good wishes!

 

[jeanontheroad]

We all just exist, some of us in one place, some of us in another. Then, we stop. The trick is to put whatever meaning we can between the start time and the end time.