So now what?

[Ikigai]

So I'm on the road finally but it feels like something is missing or not quite right.  Unsettled feeling.  Anyone else feel this way?  Is it just going to take time to get used to this life, or perhaps I need to figure out what is missing?  I feel like I'm finally living the dream, but yet it feels empty.  Anyone else have adjustment issues like this?  Thanks.

 

[Naturelover2]

I often doubt my own decisions but I need to learn to control that doubt so it doesn’t discourage me too much. The old saying count your blessings works. I literally will write down a list of the things that are good and right. Going back and reading that list occasionally helps.

I compare how I used to live and what about it didn’t satisfy me to where I’m at now. I just wrote a friend the other day and said even though I don’t always like being alone so much sitting in a van alone it sure beats sitting in the nursing home in a corner alone. I had the strength and ability to make changes to get out of the old lifestyle And into this one. That just proves that I have the strength and ability to make any changes that are needed to make it work. Many who do van builds end up saying that it’s an unfinished work because there are always tweaks and adjustments. Same is true with our lifestyle are living there are always tweaks and adjustments to be made.

I’m not a wise man who has it all worked out but I have found out that doubts and fears are something we need to control or nothing is satisfying.

 

[Ikigai]

Good points. I like that you say their are always tweaks and adjustments...I guess I need to figure out what those tweaks should be.

 

[JasonMcD]

Perfectly normal. You'll adjust soon. Just remember all the reasons the lead you to where you are right now. Its a major change, and any major change takes time to get used to. Whether its a new relationship, a new home, first day at school, first day away from parents..etc. You adjusted to all of those and you'll adjust to this.

 

[flying kurbmaster]

I think anytime you make a change wether you move house, change jobs, move towns, leave a relationship, there is an adjustment period. A time of doubt, fear, this is not unique to vandwelling so give it some time to get into new habits, new schedule, routine. I think it is important to stay in touch with friends, make some calls, Skype, facetime, email let people know how you are feeling, what you are experiencing, maybe write about it. If you are wondering what to do with some of your down time, maybe drawing,writing, playing/learning a musical instrument, listening to music. I always find physical excercise a mood shifter, riding a bike, long walks, running etc. Maybe go to a movie,sit in a cafe, meet up with friends or family. Sometimes just honouring the confusion works, sit with it, embrace it. Enjoy

 

[john*thomas]

Yeah, change causes most to feel this way but once you have some time behind you it becomes more natural. It's always possible this isn't for you but give it time if it's something you've wanted to do.

 

[jacqueg]

Just a guess here -

We live in a culture where you are SUPPOSED to have a mission and to always be working on making progress with it. So do you have a mission? Do you think it might help to develop one? I'm not talking about saving the world here. If your mission is to see every attraction in the country that features a huge ball of string that someone worked on for 20 years or more, that would count. Just an outline to help yourself organize your days, weeks, months...

 

[travelaround]

It does take time to adjust and to develop routines. Remember the things that make you happy and do them daily... like getting morning coffee, visiting bookstores and museums, having a reading time in a shady place in the afternoon, going to the gym to work out and take a shower. You will soon develop the lifestyle that is right for you.

For me, I was happy as could be, still adjusting, until it got cold. Be prepared for that. I was in North Idaho on September 28, 2019 in an uninsulated van when the temperature dropped below freezing and there was snow and thunderstorms for days. No heater in the van... so freezing in the mornings.

Other than that, I got used to vanlife after a few months. Then I bought property and got stuck here for 2020 Covid isolation. Still trying to get out ... get back on the road.

 

[G0ldengirl68]

I saw your post Ikigai, and thought about how I might feel the first time I truly move out of my apartment, and into my new "mobile" home/truck. I think it will feel something like parachuting out of a plane, and cutting the ropes, on purpose. And knowing me, I will be trying to grab a bird to try and save myself.

 

[G0ldengirl68]

If your mission is to see every attraction in the country that features a huge ball of string that someone worked on for 20 years or more, that would count.

I love this idea, just to make me feel I'm not so crazy, comparatively speaking  :thumbsup:

 

[ckelly78z]

Nothing worth doing will ever be easy, it takes determination, and courage to boldly go forward.

 

[tripper]

Your missing on the road friends. Find some cool people to camp/ travel with.

 

[Ikigai]

Thanks for all your thoughts. I'm definitely missing a routine. It seems all attempts to establish a routine have been thwarted by weather or location or something. A better mission might be good too. Thanks!

 

[highdesertranger]

IMO you need something to occupy your time. A hobby if you want to call it that. Something that you enjoy doing to occupy your time.

Remember

Idle hands are the devil's workshop

Highdesertranger

 

[Cammalu]

You can always come to KY and cut my grass. That will give you lots of purpose and there is enough that you can cut some everyday. And if that’s not enough I have a giant pile of wood the size of a small house that needs burning. Then you can organize the barn and tend the garden.

When all that’s done you can take the pontoon to the lake and camp. If you still need things to do I can make a big list for you. You won’t have any time for an empty spot in the way you feel. You’ll have lots of purpose.

When can I expect you?

 

[JeanInaBox]

@ Cammalu. [emoji38]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ravella and X]

Hahaha Cammalu! I might have to reconsider my plan to come to your place next year -- I don't have that much energy!

 

[highdesertranger]

Note to self stay out of Kentucky. LOL

Highdesertranger

 

[nature lover]

When I am in Kentucky I’m on the far eastern side far away from all your work list. Thank you Jesus. Oops can I say his name here?

 

[travelaround]

I just read books. No, really, I just bought a "string trimmer" aka: weed eater - and have used it once, out of necessity. So I don't just read books... but I wish I could read all day and not feel guilty about it. I told my son-in-law that the weed eater goes with the property - I will not be taking it with me when I travel.