Finding Happiness through Full-time Travel
Joshua Tree, California
Almost anyone who sets out on an unconventional life path did so because they felt unhappy in the situation they were once in. I know this, because leading an unconventional life is not easy. It takes dreaming, planning, explaining yourself to others, and work. A lot of work. It takes fortitude and pushing forward through societal norms. All of this is only worth it when the alternative is no longer an option. And by alternative, I mean a conventional life. Whether you had an office job and a mortgage or were struggling to pay rent each month, there was a sense of unhappiness that became overwhelming.
Luckily, if you search hard enough, you can find others with similar interests. Who also had that crazy idea to ditch suburbia. To plow ahead through the obstacles in search of a life that aligns with how you feel inside. These people are your strength and motivation. Cling to them and trust your instincts. You feel this way for a reason.
Years ago, I bought a book called Tiny Houses on the Move. It was filled with different converted school buses, vans, and even sailboats. My husband thought it was a fluke purchase and that I'd look at it once and put it on the shelf. I found myself flipping through it every night before bed, re-reading certain people's stories that stood out to me. When I first bought it, it was just this silly idea. Maybe we could travel the world when we retired. Maybe.
Of course, the unhappiness built overtime, and eventually we found ourselves desperate for a new life. A life that promised happiness. If only we set out on the road we would be HAPPY. We knew there would be stressors, but those stressors wouldn't be so artificial. They would be real and instant; something concrete we could work on, rather than the stressors that weigh on you over time.
The stressors you aren't really sure how to remedy, except to numb yourself.
After living on the road for 3 months, I can finally say I have felt a positive change in my demeanor and overall state of being. Certain things instantly went away: I didn't have to get up early for work day in and day out. I didn't have a house to maintain or a lawn to mow. But I did carry previous unhealthy habits with me: reactions to inconvenient situations that only made things worse. Negative beliefs about myself that I never realized were false.
Living on the road makes you have no choice but to constantly be creative. I am never on autopilot. I am constantly myself. My silly, happy, moody, lovely self. I am childlike in a wonderful way. This includes letting the many obstacles roll off my shoulders: Water pump isn't working? We'll figure it out. Engine is misfiring and we can't spend Christmas in the place we planned? We'll live!
Happiness came slowly, but it came all the same (channeling Dr. Seuss). I realized that it came when I was talking enthusiastically to my dad about the silliest things after seeing him for the first time in months. I realized it came after drinking my coffee in the morning and feeling totally and completely relaxed. I realized it came when I began to feel excited to start my days and be productive, while also feeling free of anxiety.
In my previous life, productivity always meant anxiety. It meant Adderall and black coffee. It meant stress.
Another thing I realized: when you're happy - truly happy - being happy for others becomes second nature. I no longer felt jealousy. I was finally content and therefore I actually liked myself. I would think of the people in my life and my heart would shine for them. I hoped with all my being they felt as happy as I did.
For once in my life I am so excited for the future and confident that I will be able to mold my life into a journey I am proud of. And ironically, I have not picked up the Tiny Houses book since.
So, tell me: What draws you to this lifestyle? Have you ever found happiness through travel? Comment below and tell me your story.
