This week’s blog is a follow-up to last weeks blog Part-time Van Life: What is it? so if you haven’t read it, I suggest you read it here. It’s short, but it’ll give you a little perspective.
When I decided to buy LuLu, I was all in. I planned every part of my transition, from what work needed done, when I’d quit my job, to when I’d end my lease. As you probably know, though, plans change. What was once a full-time dream has now become a part-time reality. I’m okay with that.
So, what changed? Well, for starters, one of the big factors in travelling full time is that I didn’t really have any ties to where I was. My job was just a job. With no significant other or children to speak of, that really just left my mom and my soon-to-be-adult niece and nephews for human ties. While yes, I love them dearly and they are my family, it is wholly accepted (if not encouraged) to move away from these people in your adult life.
That was when I found out my niece was pregnant with her first child. I missed out on the opportunity to really enjoy being an auntie with my sisters kids because I was in college (or previously, 10 – my sister and I have an 8 year age difference), so this was so exciting! The decision I made early on was easy – I would leave for only short bouts at a time. I didn’t want to miss out on this opportunity to be auntie. That decision was confirmed after my first week-long trip after E was born. She missed me so damn much!
So here we are about 3 1/2 years in and little by little I’m testing the waters. I’ve been sleeping in the van on the weekends for awhile now and I’ve come to love it. I sleep so much better in there than I do inside. I think I’ll continue to do that until the temps overnight fall into the 30’s. Then I’ll spend winter indoors.
This is just a small step toward my overall goal and through it, I’ve learned a little about myself. Apparently, I have two modes – one is the “all in”. This part of me that has convinced me I can do anything I put my mind to; the other is combatting my disdain for changes in my routine. It manifests by requiring me to take baby steps towards my goals. If the first one doesn’t happen immediately then the second one takes over.
That’s where I’m at now – testing the waters. Once I enjoy sleeping weekends in the van, it’ll be time to start spending weekends traveling. Then, I think I’ll test the waters with working from the van on say, a Friday. Little by little, I’ll find my comfort. And who knows where that will take me. Maybe by next spring I’ll decide I’m all in. Maybe I’ll decide she’s better for short trips. Or, perhaps it will take longer to decide anything.
In continuing the message of last week’s blog this is what I have to tell you – if you’re thinking about it, go for it! You never know what you might learn about yourself, or even life itself.
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