1st Year of Full-Timing Now in the Rear View Mirror!
lb311 said
12:04 PM Aug 23, 2015
This forum (& Howard's blog) helped me tremendously in the past few years by encouraging (and showing me exactly) how to transition to the full-timer lifestyle. Now that I've just completed my first year as a full-time RVer, I thought I'd share a blog post about how it has changed my life.
While some of these are similar to what other full-timers have blogged about, some might be considered rather unusual-- there are not too many of us solo full-timers out there, let alone, solo full-timers who get a cancer diagnosis during their first year on the road! But I hope this perspective might still help those who are thinking about (or actually preparing) to make this lifestyle transition.
I know many of you are in the "waiting & preparing" phase (I was in that boat for many years too!). One thing I hope you can take away from the post, that I dearly wish I'd realized far sooner, is that freedom from "Stuff", from debt, and any other negative influences that might be motivating you to seek freedom and relief via full-time RVing, do NOT have to wait until you actually buy your RV and start traveling! I know that sounds rather blasphemous, but after spending a few months this past year living away from my RV, I can tell you unequivocally that the freedom of "full-timing" is the same with or without the RV! For me, it boils down to a minimalist-living-in-the-moment kinda thing. Having an RV to do that, and being able to move with the seasons and explore new places certainly is a big part of the fun & comfort, but the lifestyle and mindset don't have to postponed for years/decades until you finally get the RV and travel!
Hope that makes some kind of sense.
I toiled away at a job that stressed me out, lived in a too-big house that wore me out, and felt completely trapped and out of control for over a decade. Now, (in my 20/20 rear view mirror!) I realize I had the ability all along to change that predicament far sooner than I actually did. Hoping now that my next few years can make up for that lost time!
Happy Sunday!
gjmiller138 said
01:27 PM Aug 23, 2015
You make a very good point. It was a dream for me for years, started out as my retirement plan. Just bought an RV then read all the problems people have with their rigs and how they spend thousands of dollars on repairs. The people that manage seem to have a partner that can fix things as they brake. Im 60 with a very bad back and can't do those repairs myself. I don't have the money to pay thousands out for the repairs. So I have a for sale sign on an RV I purchased only a month ago. I live in a 2 bedroom home and have no furniture now, in my kitchen I have my easel, in my room a bed, small night stand and TV, in my living room some packed crates and a few plants. Im enjoying not having so much STUFF and its much simpler. I would just live in the RV in the area near my boys who can fix things but there are no spots in the Denver West area. Material items can certainly distract one from living in the moment. Best Wishes to you and for many healthy years of an easy carefree life.
Second Chance said
01:44 PM Aug 23, 2015
Excellenty said, Lynne. We, too, have experienced some life-changing events the past 8 - 10 years and wish we had realized sooner what simplifying would have done for us. Thank you for your insightful comments.
Rob
Someday said
02:42 PM Aug 23, 2015
Fabulous food for thought Lynne and how so very true! We love what being debt free and having saved and sacrificed in our earlier years, has done for us in our later years - the flexibility to more or less go and do whatever "we" dream of, and work with whomever we chose and not tolerate that what we might have had to before minimalising and simplifying our lives as we've done. Of course we also recognize that without our health nothing else matters, but it sure makes life a lot less stressful and easier when that which we absolutely can't control raises it's ugly head.
marianne57 said
06:02 PM Aug 23, 2015
Some great thoughts Lynne....and some beautiful scenery also! You sure give some great insight as to what to expect and so glad that you're doing better and enjoying the "freedom" you've achieved! I'm walking away next year, and hubby walked away Thursday for the last. We're excited to have that same feeling and enjoy the life we've planned like so many of you all have. Take care and keep us posted with some more great pictures and stories of your travels. See you out there maybe!
gjmiller138 said
06:46 PM Aug 23, 2015
Your blog is outstanding. You are inspiring.
Barbaraok said
07:33 PM Aug 23, 2015
gjmiller138 wrote:
You make a very good point. It was a dream for me for years, started out as my retirement plan. Just bought an RV then read all the problems people have with their rigs and how they spend thousands of dollars on repairs. The people that manage seem to have a partner that can fix things as they brake. Im 60 with a very bad back and can't do those repairs myself. I don't have the money to pay thousands out for the repairs. So I have a for sale sign on an RV I purchased only a month ago. I live in a 2 bedroom home and have no furniture now, in my kitchen I have my easel, in my room a bed, small night stand and TV, in my living room some packed crates and a few plants. Im enjoying not having so much STUFF and its much simpler. I would just live in the RV in the area near my boys who can fix things but there are no spots in the Denver West area. Material items can certainly distract one from living in the moment. Best Wishes to you and for many healthy years of an easy carefree life.
You read the wrong blogs. We've been on the road 9 years. We don't do any maintenance on the coach, we save some each month and if something needs to be fixed we pay to have it fixed. And lots of people enjoy their retirements in their rigs on minimal income and enjoy it for years on end. You do realize that you hear when people have problems, but you don't see posts from the thousands of people who get up each day and drive down the road to their next spot without any problems. I am sorry that you gave up before you even began.
Barb
gjmiller138 said
07:46 PM Aug 23, 2015
Sorry about that. Just getting used to blogs. Im keeping him (I named him Sweet Heart) in the back yard and taking a couple short trips to see how it goes. If all goes well then Ill go full time. Being 60 and a solo rider I need to get my feet wet. My house will be gone about Jan or Feb. I live in Colorado, to be figured out then. Im finding some good blogs. The idea of refurnishing my home is not appealing. Thanks for pointing that out to me.
manycats said
05:07 AM Aug 24, 2015
Look up the blogs from women RVing solo. Travels with Emma and RV Sue are a good place to start. There are a lot of negatives but so many positives to consider. Obviously it's not all fun and games but from my point of view the good outweighs the bad. Don't make a decision yet, look some more and, if you get a chance go to an RVDreamers get together. You may find your answers there.
DeeJee said
04:29 PM Aug 25, 2015
Beautifully stated! Everyone's dreams and purposes are so different and interesting!
Camper Chronicles said
07:28 AM Aug 31, 2015
Congratulations and I can totally relate to this statement from your blog " The steady, predictably flat road my life had been following for the past few decades decidedly met some big curves, peaks, and valleys this year. Life (both the good and the bad) got amplified….loudly. " Plus you inspire me.
Trace
-- Edited by Lee and Trace on Monday 31st of August 2015 07:53:07 AM
shystywolf said
02:11 PM Aug 31, 2015
The life of an R.V.er can be just as difficult as a sticks and bricks life, but it can also be a lot simpler. It is what you make of it and take from it that will determine if you are truly happy. I have been wanting to travel my whole life. I am from a military family where we moved every 2 to 3 years. I loved it. I married at the age of 17 and at 19 had my first child. I am now a grandma. My 18 year old still lives at home with me. He is a real pain in the bottom and has seizures. I love him though.
About 3 weeks ago I got a loan from my stepdad and bought my R.V. prior to that he was going to let me buy his R.V. with the catch being I have to let him use it during hunting season. I did not like that Idea very much. So I got my own R.V. and I love it.
The night I bought my R.V. I drove it home. When I stopped at my neighbors house my passenger rear brakes locked up. I got them to release and drove the rig to my house. As soon as I pull in my passenger front tire goes flat from dry rot. My nephew changed the tire for me. I am not going to let this put a damper on my dream of travel. It may push my leave out date behind a little but I am determined to do it. I have moved the majority of my things I will be keeping into my R.V. and am currently living in it. I love it, My son Loves it.
I am a excited at the possibilities ahead of me. I also have a very bad back and I have filled for disability.
I hope you find your dreams. I am working on making mine happen.
This forum (& Howard's blog) helped me tremendously in the past few years by encouraging (and showing me exactly) how to transition to the full-timer lifestyle. Now that I've just completed my first year as a full-time RVer, I thought I'd share a blog post about how it has changed my life.
http://winnieviews.blogspot.com/2015/08/what-year-in-rear-view-mirror.html
While some of these are similar to what other full-timers have blogged about, some might be considered rather unusual-- there are not too many of us solo full-timers out there, let alone, solo full-timers who get a cancer diagnosis during their first year on the road! But I hope this perspective might still help those who are thinking about (or actually preparing) to make this lifestyle transition.
I know many of you are in the "waiting & preparing" phase (I was in that boat for many years too!). One thing I hope you can take away from the post, that I dearly wish I'd realized far sooner, is that freedom from "Stuff", from debt, and any other negative influences that might be motivating you to seek freedom and relief via full-time RVing, do NOT have to wait until you actually buy your RV and start traveling! I know that sounds rather blasphemous, but after spending a few months this past year living away from my RV, I can tell you unequivocally that the freedom of "full-timing" is the same with or without the RV! For me, it boils down to a minimalist-living-in-the-moment kinda thing. Having an RV to do that, and being able to move with the seasons and explore new places certainly is a big part of the fun & comfort, but the lifestyle and mindset don't have to postponed for years/decades until you finally get the RV and travel!
Hope that makes some kind of sense.
I toiled away at a job that stressed me out, lived in a too-big house that wore me out, and felt completely trapped and out of control for over a decade. Now, (in my 20/20 rear view mirror!) I realize I had the ability all along to change that predicament far sooner than I actually did. Hoping now that my next few years can make up for that lost time!
Happy Sunday!
Rob
Some great thoughts Lynne....and some beautiful scenery also! You sure give some great insight as to what to expect and so glad that you're doing better and enjoying the "freedom" you've achieved! I'm walking away next year, and hubby walked away Thursday for the last. We're excited to have that same feeling and enjoy the life we've planned like so many of you all have. Take care and keep us posted with some more great pictures and stories of your travels. See you out there maybe!
You read the wrong blogs. We've been on the road 9 years. We don't do any maintenance on the coach, we save some each month and if something needs to be fixed we pay to have it fixed. And lots of people enjoy their retirements in their rigs on minimal income and enjoy it for years on end. You do realize that you hear when people have problems, but you don't see posts from the thousands of people who get up each day and drive down the road to their next spot without any problems. I am sorry that you gave up before you even began.
Barb
Sorry about that. Just getting used to blogs. Im keeping him (I named him Sweet Heart) in the back yard and taking a couple short trips to see how it goes. If all goes well then Ill go full time. Being 60 and a solo rider I need to get my feet wet. My house will be gone about Jan or Feb. I live in Colorado, to be figured out then. Im finding some good blogs. The idea of refurnishing my home is not appealing. Thanks for pointing that out to me.
Beautifully stated! Everyone's dreams and purposes are so different and interesting!
Congratulations and I can totally relate to this statement from your blog " The steady, predictably flat road my life had been following for the past few decades decidedly met some big curves, peaks, and valleys this year. Life (both the good and the bad) got amplified….loudly. " Plus you inspire me.
Trace
-- Edited by Lee and Trace on Monday 31st of August 2015 07:53:07 AM
About 3 weeks ago I got a loan from my stepdad and bought my R.V. prior to that he was going to let me buy his R.V. with the catch being I have to let him use it during hunting season. I did not like that Idea very much. So I got my own R.V. and I love it.
The night I bought my R.V. I drove it home. When I stopped at my neighbors house my passenger rear brakes locked up. I got them to release and drove the rig to my house. As soon as I pull in my passenger front tire goes flat from dry rot. My nephew changed the tire for me. I am not going to let this put a damper on my dream of travel. It may push my leave out date behind a little but I am determined to do it. I have moved the majority of my things I will be keeping into my R.V. and am currently living in it. I love it, My son Loves it.
I am a excited at the possibilities ahead of me. I also have a very bad back and I have filled for disability.
I hope you find your dreams. I am working on making mine happen.
I love this place,
Cindye