Full Time RV Living or Volunteer Homeless?

Full Time RV Living or Volunteer Homeless?

Full Time RV Living or Volunteer Homeless?

I did this whole journey with intent tucked into every corner of my camper and mind. So many people view this as giving up everything to live in a camper. And yes, that is true, and reality is it’s freeing and a bit scary at the same time.

‘I’ve always wanted to do that’ is what I hear most from people I’ve met. “Why haven’t you?” I’ve asked.

We stop ourselves from doing the big and crazy things in our lives all the time. Why? Fear. Fear of failure? What if this happens? What if that happens? And what if it all works out?!

Intent is a key factor. Living your life with intention. Your focus on what needs to be done so you can thrive in this lifestyle, becomes very real. If you’re busy worrying about the what if’s – well then that’s what you’ll be facing. Instead, become very focused on what needs to be done every day. Whether that’s making sure the camper is all set for the day, food stocked up, maps planned out, or sitting down and writing; and working to help others.

Lack is a mindset that holds you back. I’ve been guilty of focusing on what I don’t have rather than what I do have over the years. What I learned is that working with what I have is far more powerful to create from – and far more gratifying.

If I look at life in an RV as a homeless person, then I’m looking at it in with a mindset of lack. Instead, I see it as home, free from conventional ways of living, free to move and explore and discover new places, people, and possibilities.

Our mindset is a powerful force. I’m not saying think flowery positive thoughts and it will all work out. Have the mindset to be clear on what you want and set your intentions, and take the baby steps daily to get there. The beauty of creating what you love in your life is it’s all up to you. Don’t let fear stop you.

Daily gratitude to God for all of his blessing keeps me on the right path, and keeps my life full. Helps me face my fears, and follow through on my intentional journey.

What big crazy thing have you always wanted to do? How would you feel if you faced your fears and set your intentions to do it?!

 

Happiness

Happiness

Happiness.

Today is my birthday, January 5th. (Yup, just getting around to post this!)  Some will call. Some will forget. Some will send a quick text message. There is happiness in being remembered, but that isn’t how you gauge happiness. True, others can make you feel happy, however they are not the ones in charge of your happiness. Nor should they be.

To be truly happy, you have to know what and who makes you happy. Finding that is a  journey in itself, and looking within you will find most of what you’re looking for.

Happiness isn’t a when, or a person. ‘When’ this happens or ‘when’ I get here I’ll be happy. If you’re not happy in the here and now – it ain’t going to happen later. Be happy in the present day, you can take that with you anywhere any time!

Married twice, so I know you can’t entrust others to make you happy. It’s not their job or anyone else for that matter. It’s your own damn job to be happy. When I said ‘who’ makes you happy, I meant to be with those who you find happiness with. Surround yourself with others who lift you up. Bring you joy. Share life’s moments that are meaningful. Bring conversation to the table. Gives you a sense of belonging rather than just fitting in.

Bernee Brown talks about the difference between belonging and fitting in. When you try to fit in, it becomes a us or them, left or right, choose a side in order to be apart of a group. You find yourself having to change or adapt to one group in order to ‘fit in’. Whereas belonging feels more like coming home. They’re your people, your tribe, your community who accept you for who you are. And being yourself allows you the opportunity to be free.

Allowing yourself to be happy is on you too. It’s a choice. Everything may line up to pure joy, but if you don’t allow yourself to accept happiness into your life – what are you telling the universe? You’re not worthy? Why not? We are after all, a spiritual soul living & having a human experience. We are all deserving of the best life we can create. It’s okay to be happy!

Doesn’t cost a damn thing either!

 

Do I Regret Doing This?

Do I Regret Doing This?

A question that people keep asking, “Do you regret doing this?”

I hate this question. It has only been 5 months since I began this journey. Do I miss certain things from having a house? Sure, a big bathroom. My awesome office. That’s just stuff and convenience. I miss talking to my grandkids, and my kids. But we could talk more on the phone. I still love them all, and always will.

I don’t regret the adventure. The people I’ve met. The places I’ve seen. The time I’ve been able to take a breath. Reconnecting with family and friends I wouldn’t have been able to do had I not taken this trip. The spectacular foods, beaches that call me by my name…

How can I regret any of that? Maybe I could have done other things with the monies. Bought another house somewhere else. Spent it wiser, traveled less, played it safe.

I think the risk I’ve taken to do this, fears included, get me out of my comfort zone so that I can allow myself to grow and heal. Allison told me I needed love; and I deserved that. Maybe that’s part of this grand adventure too. Even if it’s just to learn to love me.

This is a journey of many things from stepping off the hamster wheel, to reconnect, reflect, find my belonging home, challenge my brain, regain my strength, find my power…a true-life adventure. Gators and all.

If you’re asking me if I regret it, maybe it’s because you cannot imagine this adventure for yourself. And that’s okay. It’s not your journey and it’s not for everyone. It’s scary for some. It’s a risk to give up your home and live in a RV and travel around the countryside…

‘What if you fail?

Oh, but what if I fly?!’

 

My Winter Spot

My Winter Spot

(11th Post) December

Still stunned. I set up camp at Holiday RV Village in Leesburg, FL. Walking Nella throughout the RV village several times a day seems to keep one foot in front of the other as I’m still trying to wrap my head around the recent tragic event.

The campground is huge (936 sites) and offers a massive amount of things to do. The walks seem to distract me the most as I have to keep watch for snakes and gators! The back side of the park has a marina on a channel that goes out to a large lake. It looks like gator haven. The people here don’t give it a thought. They fish, boat, and go kayaking out through the channel. I ask them if they ever watched “Swamp People”?? Maybe I watched too many episodes!

If they’re not living in an RV/camper, they live in tiny houses with Florida rooms attached here in this park. Open and warm, the people here are kind, generous and ready for a story or a listening ear. One couple in particular, Kelly and Bob, have been extra helpful and trying to get me interested in doing things and meeting people. Kelly asked why I haven’t gone to any of the activities yet, I told her I was just in a fog.

I have to remember if it had been me who had crashed, Allison would still had to get up and feed her animals…time to get back to doing life’s chores.

November End 2023

November End 2023

(10th Post) How blessed to visit the ocean again in the same year! Still cool and lots of rain didn’t stop Nella and me for multiple walks on the beach. It just doesn’t get old. It renews my soul as I let the waves crashing into shore dissolve emotions that were troubling.

Bernee Brown talks about belonging and fitting in. Looking for where you belong can be a journey in itself. A place that welcomes you home and accepts you for who you are. You don’t have to ‘fit in’, because fitting in means you have to change who you are to feel like you belong.

Knowing who I am and what I would love in my life at this point is something I’ve been working on for a long time. After being a caregiver and babysitter for grandchildren – I just needed more. I needed a change, but I just haven’t found where that is yet. I know that water brings sanctuary into my life. Ocean side, lake views, rivers…where is my future home?

 Thanksgiving.

After two weeks at Mrytle Beach, we packed up and went further down the coast of SC to Johns Island.  My brother Jim and his fiancee Linda., have been inviting me down for years, but I couldn’t get away while caregiving. Now was the perfect time.

The island offers lush green jungle-like scenery. Every walk offered nature at its best. Birds of all kinds, low tides showing its beauty in the lowlands, and walks on the beach. I can see why they love it there.

The past month of cool rainy days caught up with me and I was coughing like a crazy woman. I didn’t feel bad, it was just a strange and horrible sounding cough. Jim and Linda were awesome hosts in helping me get over it. Plenty of rest and lots of bourbon cures anything!

Finally, a sunny day was upon us and we took a trip to Charleston, which was amazing! We took our pups to town and walked the streets, visited the open market, and had lunch at a pub with the patio to watch people come and go. The history and arts throughout the city were incredible, it’s certainly a must see to discover for yourself.

Jim’s neighbors invited us over for Thanksgiving. It seemed strange not caregiving and cooking for a crowd. The neighbors were gracious and loving. Their home was perfect! I could certainly feel myself living in a home like this, (I would need to win the lotto first!) Not too big, cozy, inviting, it had all the elements I wanted in a home. The hosts, food, and whiskeys were all amazing too!

November was coming to a close. I had time yet before checking into my winter spot in Leesburg, FL. Jim and Linda had plans to see her daughter in Nashville. It was time to head out.

I arrived at my bff’s  Cynthia home in the Villages, FL and was going to enjoy some time with her before going to my winter spot in less than a week.

Sunday night, November 26th Jim called. Allison and Randy had flown to Ludington to visit her mom on Thanksgiving weekend. That morning they were flying out. Snow falling, fog, icey cold. No one knows yet what happened or if it was a combination of the perfect storm of weather, equipment fail or some other unknown factor. The plane crashed and exploded. They were gone, along with their beloved dogs.

We were all stunned. Heartbroke.

Grief sets in again.

The two brightest lights helping so many in their community, loved by all. Just gone.

That’s all I can say about that now.