Jay,
You're a very capable man. I envy your resourcefulness. And you've certainly not sat around and let life pass you by. You took the initiative, took bold and varied action, and gave--and are giving--life a spanking.
Good for you.
And even though you're a vagabond you stood by your son. "Good on you," as they say. Looking back, I'm sure your "soul" (however you may choose to use or not use that term) feels good about submitting to the restraints of what had to be done to raise him. And I'm glad you have your freedom to roam again.
I'm sorry about your medical problems. I do hope you can quickly get squared away whatever the treatment is that you're hoping to get done...and be back in good shape for more adventures.
Like you, I'm not made for conventional living. I've walked away from various opportunities, too, because I wouldn't accept the bit and bridle of society's conventions and dogmas and organizations and rules-bound, conformist expectations. Then, a couple of years ago I had extreme medical complications and was convinced I had a degenerative disease and would never regain normal use of my body. Thankfully, I have been recovering...not all the way, but a lot more than I feared was possible in those darkest days.
In the aftermath of staring death and futility in the face, I'm even less inclined to "play the game" of conventional living than I was--and I never was much inclined. The non-conformity started early. I actually ran away from kindergarten.
The question of storage or no storage is tricky for me. Unlike many who get into van-dwelling or full-time RVing, I'm not close to social security retirement age, and am not on disability, and don't have a pension. So in one form or another I'll need to earn a living pretty soon again. And when that time comes, and it may be after only a number of months of van-living, I may well need my "regular house" stuff again. Also, because I've never lived in a vehicle, it might be wise to not get rid of my stuff until I get several months of experience with what it feels like to live on wheels. Then I'll be in the position to know whether it's for me for the long term.
But there is a wonderful freedom of not being tied down to "stuff" in some storage unit in another state. Maybe even be able to live more simply for the long haul even if I have to settle down again because I have less stuff to take care of and find space for. I agree. On the other hand, if I get rid of all my stuff and try the van-living lifestyle, and after a few months realize that it's not for me...it might be hard to swallow having gotten rid of truly lovely and useful things. Possessions are anchors, but not only anchors. They also help give living much of its charm and delight. I have, for example, some wonderful antique books that I'd get only pennies on the dollar for if I had to sell quickly, and would miss them because I love holding that kind of history in my hands.
Actually, though, I have already begun getting rid of things. I've recently given away couches and recliners and other furniture. So I'm headed in that direction.
Again, if I could set off for perpetual travel I could be confident that getting rid of all my stuff was the right thing. But unless I figure out a better plan, I will likely have to come back to stationary living after a time. That's why I've got mixed feelings on this one. There's a good argument to be made for both courses of action.
Carlin had a point. He also had a house.
GP
