Repeat after me: I am not required to be a cookie-cutter version of anyone or anything.
That’s right. Living nomadically, living out of a non-traditional home – you’re not required to do it a certain way. There is no “right,” only “right for you.” Perhaps you find yourself here saying “Michelle, what do you mean there’s no ‘right’?! You’re supposed to be telling me how to make this work!” Consider me more of a guide than an instructor, such that I’m guiding you to find your confidence and your own version of nomadic living, to make it your own journey.
The Job
It seems so glamorous seeing influencers on social media post travel photos and videos of a life that looks so perfect. They seem to be making tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions of dollars just living their life. It does seem like the dream to be your own boss, make your own content with your own creativity, and fuel your lifestyle with the very things that you want to do. And for some, it’s exactly that.
Not everyone is built for that life, and honestly, while I type this on the other side of the computer screen, myself included. Maybe instead you choose to save money, then not work. That’s cool. Or, perhaps, you want to work odd jobs to support yourself where you’re at. That’s cool, too. Me? I work a normal job, just…one that I work remotely.
It’s fun to share the journey, but if nots right for you, you can still enjoy the journey privately.
The Car
I have serious rig envy of some van lifers out there (see above). Their living spaces are so aesthetically pleasing and I aspire to be that put together. But…I’m totally not that person. I’m a gremlin in a woman’s body with the attention span of goldfish most days.
You, too, can be a totally, completely successful nomad while also being a gremlin lacking aesthetic. That’s perfectly okay! Some of us have matching dishes, some of us have an amalgamation of “neat” plates, and some of us eat off of paper. Don’t waste your energy trying to be someone you’re not, invest your energy in things that bring you joy and you’ll find even in your failures, life is pretty rad.
The Lifestyle
Hey. You do not have to be somewhere beautiful every day. Last week, I spent my weekend at a castle with one of my besties. The weekend before that, I think I cleaned? Not sure, but I know I wasn’t anywhere glamorous. One does not negate the other and if the idea of find idyllic camp spots every day stresses you out, then don’t try to find idyllic camp spots every day. It’s supposed to be fun, remember? That’s why we’re doing it!
You also do not have to spend an exorbitant amount of money on your rig. Four years into my journey with LuLu and I’ve learned that while I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey thus far, if I was to buy another rig in the future I would 10,000% buy a custom-build skoolie over DIY-ing it again (if I could afford it). But also, I’m super happy with the money I’ve put into LuLu. I’ve used reclaimed and recycled materials where I could. I’ve built and made things myself. And I appreciate my rag-tag old girl for exactly who she is!
The takeaway? Be yourself, have fun, and do what feels right for you!
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