Panic attack

[dragonflyinthesky]

I'm ready to go, can land contract my house. Sis is living in my other house. Even if I don't like the life of living free and want a sticks and bricks, I still don't want to be here, I have other places I can be.

This can happen fast, by Jan 1st or sooner. Tow vehicle and camper are road worthy ready and pretty much loaded with necessary supplies and clothes and art stuff.

Will be hard to leave boyfriend but he is very supportive. Not like we are of child bearing age or anything or have ever professed love for each other, though we do love each other as much as is possible for people like us to love another.

I am in a panic thinking all of the what ifs. I really thought I had it together better than this. Just putting this out here helped, but not much.

This is my rig and a favorite saying. Now the saying terrifies me.

Diane

 

[Gypsysoul]

Hi Diane,

I just told someone else the same thing. I have been preparing to leave for a while and now the closer it gets the more scared I become of what could happen. Just sitting here tonight knowing I need to be in my vehicle by next week, it's hard to breathe. I don't have an answer for you, just wanted to let you know, I feel the same way and that you are not alone.

Take care, Caryn

 

[SternWake]

You just got to get out and go.

It is far to easy to dwell on the what if's, and crawl into a corner and never leave. The panic attack is normal, in my opinion.

If you are as prepped as you need to be, to go, just go, and take it day by day and after a few days you'll laugh at your previous reluctance.

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

Thank you so much Caryn, the last panic attack I had was after the ex said he did indeed want a divorce. Hate to admit it but hearing you are going through this doesn't make me feel as bad knowing I'm not alone.

Thank you Sternwake

 

[Gypsysoul]

lol I am glad I was helpful

 

[cyndi]

Diane, for the first little while expect to have a small panic attack every day when you pull out. It gets easier. If you have triple A or some other road service (Does Triple A offer service for trailers, now?) And you definitely have the support of this forum... at least a few experts at your beck and call. Really? What can go wrong?I guarantee you will never regret getting to the RTR and you won't miss the Ohio winter, either.

I wish so bad I was on my way. I'd for sure swing by and pick you up.

 

[offroad]

Go for it. You will make it.

 

[rvwandering]

Yeah, it's normal. I think everyone feels a little anxious when they first start living on the road. There are so many new situations and so many "what ifs" to dwell on. It's best to just go forward, face each new challenge and work through any problems that come up. You'll find that you're strong enough and resourceful enough to handle almost anything. You'll be fine.

 

[LucyImHome]

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
At first anyway, don't look so much at the big picture. Break it down to one step in front of the other. Make lists. Oh, and breathe!
It's cool that you're doing this with a vintage TT. You'll be popular everywhere you go! It's about like having a puppy!

 

[janncoo]

Diane, we are rooting for you. We are still planning to leave right after Christmas. I feel like I have spent a lifetime of worrying about the "what ifs" and feel the need to allow myself to be happy in the moment and not let myself get distracted by the "what ifs". I keep telling myself that some anxiety is a good thing. Jan

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

I have had that same feeling. I still get that feeling sometimes when I go to change something in my life. But almost everytime it was worry for nothing and something to chuckle about when i look back.

All of the best times and memories in my life, have been found outside of my comfort zone.

 

[SoulRaven]

I know that part of my issues with PTSD is I do not like change. My van is packed, will have the new fridge in it tomorrow and I still consider paying another month here. Not so much a fear as it is taking me out of my 'comfort zone' .

I don't pretend to speak for you, but I'll bet once you make that first mile out of where you are at most of you anxieties will go away. If you are at the RTR stop by and have a cup of coffee.

Travel Safe, Bob J.

 

[loess]

Hope this doesn't sound too "woo-woo", but years ago my friend Michelle taught me this and it's gotten me through some tough times: when I get stuck in a panic loop, I have a little game that I play with myself to help get re-centered. It's really simple! All you do is find a pen and paper, and think of 5 things that you are grateful for. Write them down. Or if you don't have a pen and paper handy, just say them out loud. Whatever you can do to exhale gratitude. It doesn't fix anything, it doesn't magically change anything, and it doesn't render you invincible...but whenever I do it, it puts me in a better place so that I can move through whatever I'm trying to get unstuck from. Every time. And I am always reminded that gratefulness is an infinitely deep well of power to draw from and available for you any time you choose to invoke it.

Sounds like you've got your ability to fulfill your basic needs covered. Go get "funcomfortable"!

 

[LowTech]

Having lived my whole adult life in my rigs I've often end up traveling w/ someone new to the road.
One of the things I've noticed is that "the distance yet to travel" can be very daunting for some. My way is to take very small trips. Sometimes it takes me 100, or 200 small trips to get to some final destination.

Often when I leave some base camp that I've been using for a few years, I'll just get myself 10 or 20 miles down the road. That was my trip, my small trip. It tends to work well for getting the change over to start.
So now, 20 miles down the road I'm finding some good place to park up for the night (often one that I already know about), rearranging all that stuff that got last minute thrown in, and cooking my first meal (while resorting my food stock. Don't know why I thought that would be a good place for that . . .)
Day two starts and I'm still in familiar territory. Could even go back and grab those couple things I forgot in their place, . . . do I really need them?
Another day, another small trip. Just my way.

 

[sassypickins]

I know we haven't met but we talked a little last year. You have great support from here.

Looking back, you said you wanted to head west and paint mustangs. What a wonderful birthday present to yourself that will be!

Happy Birthday from a fellow Sag!

 

[SoulRaven]

Even I had some hesitation and worry (if I packed all I needed) and I have spent four previous winters on the road in Florida.

If you are coming to Florida bring:

A good jacket or coat plus thermal underwear going down to 37 Wednesday night and then in the low 40’s until next Monday

A fly swatter

Insect repellent

Sunscreen

I have been on the road for a month now and in less space and amenities than you have and this life on the road is now the new normal.

The main expense is gas to go south I spent about $210 but gas has dropped in just te last month.

I still have not paid for a campsite or parking spot.

The sun is now coming up over the sable palms and it’s 54 degrees at 7:30am going to 69 for a high with a refreshing NW wind at 10-15mph near Lorida Florida.

One month down and four more to go.

 

[mockturtle]

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
At first anyway, don't look so much at the big picture. Break it down to one step in front of the other. Make lists. Oh, and breathe!
It's cool that you're doing this with a vintage TT. You'll be popular everywhere you go! It's about like having a puppy!

Good advice. Major changes and events loom large if you try to deal with the whole. Dealing with the details will get you there. Hope to see you on the road! It's great out here!

 

[Hereandthere]

Just adding my best wishes to all the good ideas here. We've been out on the road for 2 1/2 weeks now, and it's beginning to seem like something I could do for a long, long time!

 

[Seraphim]

Diane - you'll do fine.

You're strong.

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

I'm doing well. If the camper is finished, I can leave as soon as Jan. 7th. Cold feet but no panic.
Someone I trust, a business woman who is a dog groomer and has had her own business in town for 15 years is moving into my house and will take care of it. I still have stuff here in the barns and studio. She is just renting for a few months. I plan on returning back to Ohio in March or April.
Will plug the camper into the electric here and finish cleaning out my things.
We will talk about land contracting when I return.