Considering Van Life? Let's Talk
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- Опубликовано: 26 июн 2024
- Considering Van Life? Let’s talk…this one gets a little personal. As always, thanks for being here ♡
Big thank you to @drinkAG1 for sponsoring this video - get a free year supply of vitamin d3+k2 and 5 free AG1 travel packs with your first purchase using my link ↟ athleticgreens.com/christians...
00:00 let’s talk
01:11 it wasn’t supposed to go on for this long
02:31 why the heck do you want to live in a van
03:25 why I did it
04:40 people will judge you
05:36 glorifying homelessness?
7:07 what do you want
7:50 trust fund babies and sugar daddies
9:40 this step is really important
11:04 ask yourself these questions
11:25 toilet and shower
12:45 can you afford this?
13:45 making money
14:20 the reality of working for yourself
15:28 dealing with loneliness on the road
16:20 the pitfall of isolation
17:27 introvert’s paradise or extroverts dream?
18:30 is it worth it
19:39 i got a speeding ticket
21:00 my biggest hurdle as a van lifer
22:00 living like an outlaw
23:09 dear society
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Hey :) I’m Christian Schaffer, and I’ve lived on the road full-time since May 2018. This journey began in 2013 when I left the corporate world to build my career as an outdoor adventure & travel photographer. As a semi-minimalist, I eventually decided to donate/sell most of my belongings and move into my 4x4 Nissan Xterra. After 14 months of SUV living and falling madly in love with the open road - I bought a van and hired a team to build it out. Van life enables me to experience and document the beauty of our natural world on a whole new level, all while having my home and office nearby. My hope is that by sharing my own personal highs and lows along this (sometimes) wild journey, you might be inspired to hit the road or spend more time outdoors. Maybe one day I'll see you out on that open road 🚐
*My van is a 2019 Ram ProMaster 1500 High Roof, 136" WB with 49K miles*
#solofemale #vanlife #offgrid
MB01KAZEWGH3NDB
Love this format… real talk, real facts, the real you…. This brings it all together.. your art.. and the person behind the art.. and bringing reality to the “ van life” myths…. Well done my friend.. well done
I appreciate you, Brian 🙏🏻
Totally agreed. You have a magic soul that I haven’t seen in any other content creator. So natural and real. ❤
😍😍😉
Well written Brian, agree so much with this comment that I want to sign it🫶🏼🥰
I felt the urge to do the religious thing of selling all I had and paying Alms. I ended up in a backpack with a sleeping bag traveling from town to town. I should’ve done it. My only way out was to buy a van to live in. I guess before that was to live from the trunk of a car. I used a tent a lot. I was also eating at missions and homeless shelters.
This is your best one yet, and that's saying something. I'm now 77 and after my wife died, I sold everything and took to the road to find solace. I did 2 years in my Minnie Winnie (aka Kismet Wandering), met someone in the process, and have been off the road for almost two years. You help me maintain my connection. RUclips and The Road will be the poorer if, or when, you decide you've had enough. Be well, and thank you.
I was thinking the same thing as I watched this video. Best yet!!
I'm so grateful to have seen your comment. I often wondered what van/RV living would be like for those of us 50 years old and up. Hubby and I are seriously considering this option because we can no longer keep us with the cost of living in NYC.
I am a 59 year old, American woman, who has worked in the office setting, service industry and after my divorce 15 years ago, I have been a global nomad. I was thinking today how wonderful social media has been for those who have used it to express and develop their creative talents without boundaries. What a wonderful time we live in where we can choose to stick our necks out and take a chance at exposing and developing our talents and skills without someone who is threatened by them trying to suppress those talents. I really love watching the young, and the old and wise, create these channels and share them. It's a gold mine. I also love the adventurous spirit that is American. We do come from the adventurous type. The risk takers. The Pioneers. The Wild Ones. Those who seek it are truly free. Truly courageous and taking control of their own lives. Christian, your commentary exposes the trappings of our current society. I think much of those judgments you mentioned are out of jealousy and desire. Whatever our choices, life is difficult. But nomad life is freedom. Our species was meant to be nomadic.To be free to roam.
Kudos to you !
@@natureloversadventures7335 ❤️ awesome. I hope to meet you on the road. Stay safe and most importantly, stay adventurous. Hugs.
You sound like a truly free spirit 🤍
There is so much wisdom in your comments.
@@natureloversadventures7335 Well said!
This video hit me on two different levels. As a retired attorney, I can commiserate with you regarding all the hurdles you have to jump over (or limbo under, or squeeze past), especially regarding banking and insurance issues as well as Washington State business taxes. On the other hand, I was on the road in the late hippie era, fifty-some years ago, and eventually landed in a magical area near Lake Tahoe, where I lived outdoors three seasons of the year for over three years. Technicalities were few and far between back then. For instance, you could waltz into the local DMV office and register your vehicle and get your license using whatever address or locale you wished. (I still have an old license with the name of the forest valley I lived in as my address, and a friend and I registered an old, 1940s, pickup truck to a rather imaginary utility district). Back then, people like me were not homeless: we were outdoorsmen/people. Hitchhiking was a reliable form of transportation, and I made fairly regular trips to UC Berkeley to stock up on books on Eastern religion, languages, and poetry. I eventually got the bug to go back to school, saved up all my wages from graveyard shifts at a gas station, and put myself through college and law school. I credit those on-the-road years (largely influenced by Kerouac, Gary Snyder, Ken Kesey, Tom Wolfe, and Allan Watts, among others), as giving me a unique perspective on the “regular” work world, and many of my happiest memories stem from those years. I am certain you will look back on these years, in which you have been professionally productive in addition to engaging in internal and worldly exploration, as something to cherish as you eventually move on to other chapters of your career and life.
No college just the school of hard nocks! early 70's found me in Colorado. All over the west then some college in AZ. Now in my 70's I guess I'm a socialist on SS but not in my soul. It was wide open then very free.Christian has a lot on her plate we never had back then. I still feel free in my soul not in this world government. I need another hundred years or more oh well.......🥳
I met an old man when I was selling my home after my husband passed away from cancer. He came to buy our rototiller I’d advertised on Craigslist. He and his family turned out to be the answer to my question about an address once I got moved in to my van. I pay him $100/ month and they rent me the empty cow pasture beside their house. They get my mail for me and text me a pic of it. I have a beautiful place to park whenever I’m in East Tennessee and it’s working out great, going on 3 years now.
There’s also mail forwarding services out there in almost every state. Happy travels to you all.
That's genius not a bad idea good for you East Tennessee is beautiful.
41-year-old introverted gay dude here and have to say, honestly, your videos like this that get down into the nitty gritty make me love the nomad life even more. Because even the worst days aren't much crazier than what many already experience in their daily, stationary lives. Different puzzle pieces, same puzzle of life.
Thanks for continuing to share content with us. It's a relief to have people like you, Mariah Alice, Anna and a handful of others who aren't the typical brodude earth roamers. You inspire many of us to do what we love and allow us to get a glimpse of the world from a different perspective. It's greatly appreciated on this end.
Keep ‘em coming, Christian! We, the viewers; your fans; the sugar daddies and mommas will continue to support you
haha i appreciate u!
I'm addicted to your content. Your commentary, your advice, your opinions and especially your art. I'm 66, retired videographer with 42 years in Television, Video Production and Video training. I also divorced 7 years ago after a 40 year marriage. I live fulltime now in my 2014 Winnebago Vista, I call "Pancacke". I call her "pancake" because the previous owners called her that and I don't know what else to call her. The first year out, I hauled my 2009 Yamaha FZ6R motorcycle in an enclosed trailer, but decided a couple of months ago that I need my car with me on the road. So, I now pull my 2014 Fored Explorer with a roadmaster tow bar. The expense of that installatoin will be offset by selling the motorcycle and trailer. My home base is Dallas, where my kids and grandkids live, but I am venturing out more and honestly, your video of Yosemite is pulling me to go northwest. I almost cooked last year in the Texas heat and will not stay here again this year, if I can afford the gas to get me somewhere cooler. I did just renew my membership with Thousand Trails and used it extensively last year, but not sure about this year. The main reason I bought "pancake" is becasue the previous owners had just installed a 3000 watt solar power system on her. All Victron Energy components and 8 Lion Energy 105 watt hour Lithion Ion batteries. It's the bomb. I've done some dry camping, but want to do much more this year. You've inspired me to create video content for people more like myself who seek an alternative way of living their best lives at an older age. I hope, when and IF I do get a channel up and running....you might give me a view and perhaps a "subscribe". Love what you do and how you do it. Be careful. Mike
I couldn't do it full-time. I need my home base, plus my Solis. Anybody who is full-time has my admiration for being able to pull it off. A strong support crew is vital and I am sure that can grow with time if open to the concept. Thanks for sharing with us all on the ups and downs of vanlife
Home base + solis is a solid setup 👌🏻
I like how Christian and others include exercise and sometimes going to the health club in their lifestyles.
All of these organized and beautiful women find time to maintain a healthy and attractive body with their exercise and healthy nutrition. 🙏🏽❤️
@@ChristianSchaffer Thanks CS. Feel fortunate every single day.
Very much enjoyed this genuine "chat." I'm an aging hippie woman preparing to be a road lifer by choice in a mini van and mini cargo trailer with a dog and cat. Long time ago (80s) I was homeless often and living in my not so reliable vehicle with my dog,. I remember well how folks regarded it and it was demeaning. This was in Santa Cruz, homeless were not well treated. Back then it was not a choice, just as now it isn't for many people.
I loved this chat. I have lived in a van for 2.5 years but don’t really have any “vanlife” friends. I’m not exactly the target audience for this specific video, but it felt like a warm hug to hear the struggles of this lifestyle put into words in this way. At this point in time, the pros still outweigh the cons for me, but I felt a lot less alone hearing someone speak so honestly about it.
You hit the nail on the head about time. My wife and I never fully appreciated our time until after we sold everything and moved aboard our 38’ sailboat. The true freedom in life is the ability to use time to your own advantage and not someone else’s.
paid off my house 2 years ago! keeping it and will be using it as home base while I get my feet wet with extended overland trips pulling my 22' travel trailer (multi month to start) . Past 10 years I have spent several weeks straight in Colorado but in 2024 the plan is to start with a 90 day trip to see how I like it and hit utah,colorado,wyoming/montana!
sat here in tears, you have no idea how much i needed to hear your words. I've lost everything including my brother, my mum's against me making one. but i know it's what i need.
❤️🙏🏻
I’m so sorry to hear that ❤. Listen to your heart, it knows what you need. ❤
I had dreamed of tiny living all my life but was a young single mom and loves nature. Unfortunately, I was in a car accident in 2020 and taken out of both my jobs (hospital/restaurant) it’s been a struggle since. My kids are grown but have roomies etc now and I lost my apt s when I couldn’t afford to renew at the additional $451 monthly. Now I am trying to find myself. I don’t have the finances to back this or even afford a power bank but I hope that living in my car will lead me to happiness and a new path in life since I need a new career now. Love watching others thrive because I hope I will too. Thanks for sharing your journey through your Images and talent.
Thanks for sharing Christian. I think it's sad that some people have to label anything different as "wrong". I have admired all the people who have dared to shed their clutter and opt for the freedom of a nomad. I say dared, because so many of us have spending habits that after time, we feel burdened with "stuff". I'm decluttering now, I'm thinking of moving to smaller home. I'm 71 and I am feeling the weight on my shoulders lightening with every load I donate. Yeah!😂 You have some wonderful videos, keep up the good work!❤
15:10 "Willpower is a limited resource." I love that! 16:50 great analogy. As usual, another wonderful video! Thumbs up
I dis-agree....and I think she herself disproves this sentiment. But I find her to be an incredibly truthful and humble person (in her vids obviously, I don't know here personally), so it doesn't surprise me.
Thanks Beth 🤍
Hi Christian... I know your ups and downs in van life. I was on the road from 1995 to 2020. I am so happy to say Mine was a great adventure seeing the world on my own terms. Now I have retired and at 60 yrs of age, I settled in wasaga beach Ontario. I have no regrets living on the road. If the passion still burns in you to continue then you go girl.
25 years?!! That is incredible. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone on the road who’s been going for that long
Can you share more of your story??
Wasaga's great. Haven't been there in years.
@@ChristianSchaffer Truck driving across USA & Canada. for 7 of those years. There are days I do miss it.🙂
So eloquent and articulate, always choosing the right tone or words, especially on tricky topics.... plus so insightful and aware. I really think you should write a book .... a long term project maybe? You are a good citizen and ambassador, a real tonic. Just all round lovely. From a part-time UK van-lifer, also 5 years in, still deciding whether to go full time. I wish the scenery here was a patch on your West Coast ... that would decide it for me!
As an introvert person living in an absolutely overcrowded and overegulated country, van life sounds wonderful to me. I love the way you talk about your experience, with all the pros and cons. You ever need someone to talk to… just yell -your community or me in person, will be right with you...
introverts unite 🙋🏼♀️
@@ChristianSchaffer Problem with an Introvert Union is that nobody ever shows up for the union meetings.
@@paulryan2128 so true 😅
@@ChristianSchaffer A YT Live wouldn’t work for you would be the only one seen… let’s try a zoom meeting then!?
@@jornguhl5236 With cameras off, of course
As an introvert myself, putting yourself out there on RUclips is crazy tough as it is. Especially if one is hypercritical of themselves (I'm this way through and through) but it feels natural when you're speaking. I live on the east coast, so if you're ever out this way again, it's definitely on my bucket list to meet you in person. You're my favorite van lifer to watch and I hope you continue doing well!
Wow! Incredibly brave to be as vulnerable and real as you are in this video. You’re very inspiring, talented, well spoken, and much more, Christian! As a fellow member of the human tribe I wish you all the best on your life’s journey. 👏🏼👏🏼❤
P.S.
Have you considered buying a small inexpensive plot of land to resolve the tax/residence problem? Some municipalities allow one to obtain a permanent mailing address on undeveloped land. Great home base to park the van too!
I appreciate you 🙏🏻 and yes! I’ve definitely been considering that as a stop gap while I search for a more permanent place to land
Great job spilling the beans Christian! I appreciated the chit-chat, the nitty-gritty of vanlife. I'm getting ready to retire, and I've built an overlander Jeep, and an accompanying enclosed trailer. I've studied a lot of materials, and also being a prepper, I'm ready to hit the back roads of western USA. I've observed over the last few years, how you do what you do. Yes, I take notes... Thus, a big thank you for being you, what you do, your photography, your lifestyle. Stay safe, drive safe. I'm hoping our paths will cross. Take care. Rick from Port Angeles, WA.!
I love that you did this video, I start Vanlife this month and doing all the things … it can be quite overwhelming. I’m at the point where I’m selling my things, donating, looking for a remote job etc., and really grateful for the information you’ve shared … stuff I need to do before getting the heck out of Florida lol … thanks again and look forward to your upcoming informational type videos ❤❤❤!
Same! But in oz!
Two years in... Love the nomad lifestyle. Keep on vannin', Christian!!
yeww 🚐🙌🏻
You are not alone. I am a trucker who has lived on his own for far longer than I want to think about. Worrying about where you are gonna take a shower next,.You need to go #2, RIGHT NOW and there is nothing close by. Food. Decent, home-cooked, nonfast food. Making sure you have enough in your bank account and/or credit card account to cover some extreme equipment malfunction and believe me 18 wheeler fixes are 3 times what you might experience. But being out there, by yourself, seeing the beauty that this world has to offer, it's all worth it.....
.... till you get tired. I'm getting tired. I have a feeling you're getting tired too.
It’s an experience like no other, that’s for sure 🤓 I suspect a part of me will always crave and return to the road, but I’m discovering there are other parts of me that also deserve time and attention. It’s all just one big beautiful journey/hunt for the nearest toilet haha
Merci pour votre voyage Christian. Vous etes la Reine des Nuages. Tous les choses que vous disez est la difference entre .. je veux & j'ai besion de - The minimalist lifestyle challenges each person to chose between what they truly need or simply want. Your discussion encourages each viewer to search within oneself to ask these vital questions of self reflection & examination.... An experience which can be both empowering & frightening... the spooky house @ the end of the street which is simply too scary to enter .... Neil Young sings ...it's hard to make arrangements with yourself... Do I really need 43 t-shirts & 18 pairs of shoes.... Letting go of most of our "stuff" is a process to examine who we really are... a reality sandwich with no mustard, tomato, onion or mayonnaise ... you are a fearless explorer Christian ... thanks again for the adventure!
This chat is so real and this will helped so many of us here outside thanks for the reality check greetings from South Africa
I literally have so much respect for you. It's a breath of fresh air to watch such an authentic video.
I love these videos! I fetch myself a cup of tea, a cozy seat, hit "full screen," and just pretend I'm sitting across the way from a caring friend who just wants to be helpful and supportive. Thank you! 🤗 Your generous spirit comes through in every video you share. They are kind, authentic and a joy to watch. Again, THANK YOU!🌻
I love this and all your videos. A lot of the points you bring up are feelings and thoughts I have and why I have been pushing for this lifestyle. Thanks for all you do!
I look forward to your videos every week. Viewing life on the road through your lens is both calming and exhilarating. Thank you for opening up like you do and giving folks some actual/factual advice on what the lifestyle is really about. Keep it up!
I agree, you are a different person. It appears you are at peace with sharing the story about decisions related to your lifestyle choices. One thing is obvious, happiness suits you 😊. Keep sharing with your followers. We have all dealt with life's choices as we live life. Difference is you have made choices which are your own. Best advise I've ever heard is " you will seldom regret things that you do in life but more often will regret the things you decided not to do". 😊
60 days left, and I'll be on the road. You've been such a inspiration, and kept me going while I was busting my butt working / saving up to do this!
Christian - Your channel is one of my favs💗I'm always so happy when your most recent videos show up in my feed. AND I love the idea of the weekly vlog. Thank you for putting your heart and soul into your work. I truly appreciate the information you share.
Love this style! It's so refreshing to hear the realness about the vanlife lifestyle and truly appreciate the insight on areas that not a lot of people think about prior to jumping in on this lifestyle.
Great job Christian! I am 61 y/o, I've been disabled with multiple back issues for 8 years now. I've been living in a 1 bedroom apartment in public housing in NH. I am also an extreme introvert, and never really have fit in in our society, so that won't be anything new. I really enjoy hearing all you've learned, thank you for sharing. I do hope to save enough money soon to buy a used van to start to build out, I want to see the rest of the country, but doing a test in a Prius at my age with a bad back wouldn't be a good start. I want to know as much as I can before spending much on this dream.
Thank you for sharing. I do hope you continue with the plan of weekly talks and the monthly "Dreamland" videos. Be well.
Thank you so much for sharing three reality of can life. I love seeing the dream, the perfect parts, but I also really appreciate the reality. I'm transitioning from tiny living to nomadic so the more info I can get from you and the other veterans, the better. ❤❤❤
I LOVED this segment, Christian!!! Very nicely done…..so thorough and thought- provoking. Thank you for doing this. I am very much looking forward to part 2!
Loved this one! I’m so close to going full time but not quite there yet, and I love seeing the realities and recommendations to figure certain things out first over the “just get up and go” type stuff. Thank you for the realist content as always!
I think your journey is absolutely awesome…… you’ve been hugely impressionable upon a lot of people…
I wish you well…..❤️🙏🏻
I absolutely love your artistic videos, they feed my soul! But these "chat" sessions are so helpful so more of these would be great too. Thanks for all of it, we appreciate you!! 🙏 ❤🌿
I love hearing more about your past. It sheds light on how incredibly strong and truly wonderful of a person you are.
I am smiling inside to see you so happy in this one. Thanks for sharing and letting us in a little bit more.
Christian, you captured my eye with your photography and cinematography. That's why I subbed. Plus, I think you're helping a lot of young people with your road life experience. I'll keep tuning in, you keep up the content! BTW, I love being alone. one man, one mission, simple.
I appreciate you!
Great video, Christian! I bought a van back in September and I am fortunate enough to still have a small place to call home part of the time. Even with that, there are still some frustrations you run into here and there. That being said.. I am so mad I did not get a van earlier to explore and travel this incredible country we live in.
This was SUPER helpful. I'm literally about to start living on the road full time in a few months, and your vids have been among those I've followed closely, trying to learn all I can before I launch myself into this full time. Thank you!
I’ve been doing this lifestyle for 6 months now and I’m a fellow introvert so I relate to almost everything you said. Love your channel , this video and loved the bangs. Definitely go for it!
When you make outdoor video and pictures its fantastic. When you make vanlife videos it’s fantastic.
Keep on the good work. ❤
Christian, your videos always inspire me and I believe inspire all people that truly follow you. Incredible all your sharing facts and thoughts. Whatever happened recently with you, made a incredible change in your way to talk, to express, you are looking more happy, realized, something like that... and this ... this is beautiful.
About to live lonely, come on, I really would like to disconnect for this society that we are living today, I'm lonely now, living in my home and traveling around the country for my job.
Thank you so much for this video and share those special moments in your live, in someway... I'm felling part of your life... putting my good thoughts for you and good energies to you continue this journey.
Thank you so much...
Sending all the good energies your way as well ☺️🙌🏻
What a great video!...very from the heart, and full of great advice. As a long term subscriber, glad to see the sparkle back in you again. Looking forward to whatever you do next.
I grew up lower middle class. I think you seem really insightful for people like me when it comes to this lifestyle. The fact you think $15 for a single shower vs $30 for a monthly gym membership speaks to this. I worked hard, but my income had peaked at about $100,000/yr, and it just doesn't seem like enough to fully participate in the rat race.
My career is the opposite of work from home. I need to be present to do it. Travel pay is 50-100% more than regular pay. I've thought about doing van life 6-9 months a year and enjoying the country in my off time. I'm getting really tempted...
Thank you Christian. What a great presentation. Lol…I was asking myself how long this took to complete versus editing one of your regular videos. I loved it. Some of the topics we had heard you discuss before. The life you have chosen for yourself has some dream like qualities that often run smack dab into real challenges. I’m always looking forward to your next post as soon as I’m finished with this one. If you really want my opinion….no bangs. You’re wonderful just the way you are.❤❤
Another check in the box for no bangs, haha - this seems to be the popular vote 😅 I appreciate you, Steve 🙏🏻
First, love this new format. I'm sure you've been waiting to get a lot of these comments off your chest and be able to answer many of the questions you get from your subscribers in more detail. Thank you for experimenting with this, and going into such detail regarding work/life balance. Second, no bangs, please. Can't wait for part two and will be re-looking the videos you previously posted again. Take care of yourself.
Thanks Richard ☺️🙏🏻
Thanks, this was a great genuine share. Your personal knowledge and insights are so appreciated!❤
Congrats on 5 years. Thats amazing! I enjoy your talking videos as well. Looking forward to more of them.
This is just what I needed to hear today. I live in my vehicle mostly by choice but sometimes not so much but I want to. I still struggle with the stigma but I haven't found a job that works out to where I would pay for an apartment. I'm happy in my car and hope my RUclips channel will grow some day.
This is really cool stuff. As an introvert who's about to retire, this is inspiring. My wife and I have been looking for what our next adventure might be. Though I don't think we'd technically "live" in a van or RV, having something like what you have seems like a fun way to get around and explore for long periods of time.
I love your smile , and the truth you radiate , you are an inspiration , i hope you will continu your journey of sharing with everyone who would take time to listen to you.Youre great
I love how raw you are! really putting yourself out there! Really laying it out as you see it! I know you're experimenting with this new format, and while its nice to see all the places you get to show us in your videos, I'm loving this.
Thank you for making this video. The societal shame is definitely a thing one has to think about, as extended family can be extremely rude and judgmental. It can hurt, even if you know what you’re doing and want to do, it can plant a little worm in your brain that is very upsetting. Thanks for being honest without sensationalism
Thanks Christina. Good vid. Can so relate to introvert with extrovert tendencies. Also, covering more in depth regarding the lifestyle was very informative. Every year I do an epic road trip with my son and its 100% camping/boondocking for 3 to 4 weeks. So, got a good taste myself over the last few years. Your right it is not for everyone, but for those who can go with the flow (even if its for 3-4weeks at a time) you can see a lot of country and maintain a budget. When I retire I will likely spend a good portion of the year doing exactly this. Thinking of putting a small cabin on my property and renting out the house. That way I have a home base (the cabin) and an income (rent from the house) to help out the budget and not having a residence vacant for long periods of time. Happy balance/best of both worlds maybe?
That sounds like a really nice setup to me 🙌🏻
Looking forward to part 2; and would love you to keep this format going regulalry. Love how you show us the reality. Is also inspiring to me as an introvert to see how you present so naturally to the camera. Love all your vlogs Christian. Best wishes x
Really looking forward to part 2, this is a great addition to your normally cinematic artful style 🧡🧡🧡
I like it. Do more. ✨🇦🇺
A talk with humour, depth, genuine reflection, substance and practical purpose =🏆🏁
I would pay a million dollars or even do anything just to live your lifestyle. People will always talk and complain, and I just think it is irrelevant. Your life and your choice matter more than anything else. A fantastic content video, as always!
Always appreciate your honesty, Christian! Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your world, and the weekly + monthly schedule sounds dreamy! :)
Wow! Looking forward to seeing you more often!! Loved the new concept!!
Thank you for sharing your upbringing, background, and some of the real challenges of van life. I admire your independence and perseverance of doing what you want to do. Keep it up. You and your work are meant to be shared with the world.
Thank you Jane 🥲
You became known as a van-lifer, but at at this point it seems to me you are more of just a lifer. You present art, experience, wonder, and you just happen to be living in a van. It sounds like you are seriously considering changing to a different lifestyle, and just like you were brave to get on the road, I hope you can be brave to get off it if that's what you want to do. Your audience is going to stay with you either way!
I love that - a lifer 🥲
i've been binging select videos. i just wanted to say thank you for being honest. it's nice. and you're good at making them. it's quality content.
Thank you for this video. I have felt the same as you have about my way of living and sent you all the positive Good vibes from here to there always! Keep your soul safe, happy, and shining! 💚
Dear Christian, I had the same experience when my father completely disagreed with me when in my early thirties, after a painful break-up, I decided to work in Greece in a holiday resort as an entertainer (evening shows) and sailing instructor. I did this for a few years and it was the best real life therapy I could have chosen at that time. It restored my self-confidence, improved my social skills (I'm also an introvert by nature) and I made great friendships as well. You can't please everyone in life, you just have to do what you have to do. My father never understood this and did nothing but criticising but it is enough that I understood and some good people around me. You're a wonderful authentic woman with many talents so go for it and don't conform too much to the rules of society. They are made to keep us in slavery anyway. Greetings and love from Belgium.
Decadence is the next moral imperative. Might sound silly, as it's difficult to communicate in a RUclips comment, but it's always top of mind for me as I'm working on an economic/social theory to address this issue. The way you're living is self-sufficient and therefore moral. Well within the parameters of a lifestyle everyone in society could live simultaneously. Your Dad just doesn't know better. He hasn't transcended the insecurities we evolved as hunters and gatherers in much leaner times. Now we've been thrust (in evolutionary time scales) into a paradigm of obscene abundance by comparison. These once constructive insecurities that motivated our ancestors to gather enough for their cave to make it through winter are now irrational. That motivated drive now manifests as decadence and ego. The corruption of governments and huge class imbalances will persist until we solve this issue. That's why the wealthiest, most abundant country in human history doesn't care for its mentally ill. There's a much better way, and living self-sufficiently is part of it.
You are an artist documenting your journey. No one can tell an artist what path they should take. Only you can make that choice. Life goes by so fast. Best to do what you love. 👍👍
One of the best explanations/descriptions of what it means to vanlife full-time. You pointed out many challenges that some RUclipsrs have brought up but never really explained what it really MEANS to you when you choose this lifestyle. Well done.
I am now 62. Ever since I can remember, wanderlust has drawn me from so deep within that I can’t separate it from how I feel about everyday life. The same goes for my absolute adoration of the natural world; I don’t think I could be happy or live without it. As a young boy, I read, “My Side of the Mountain”, and wanted to live alone in the woods, surviving off nature. Later, as a teen here in Japan, I took a month off and bicycled around the northern island of Hokkaido with my brother and best friend, back when most of Hokkaido still had only dirt roads, and lots of wild land. It was a trip of a lifetime, and strongly influenced my passion for traveling by walking, bicycling, or kayak. Near the end of high school I saved up money and planned a bicycle journey around the world, and was all set to go, until my father stepped in and vehemently opposed what he called my “foolish, immature dreaming”. We had a big fight, and he shamed me by threatening to withhold any financial support, unless I went to university. And that’s what I ended up doing, giving up my big dream. Over the years I went on a lot of journeys, in the mountains, in different countries, to some unforgettable places. I even took six months off to bicycle around Europe back in the 90’s, and they were all wonderful trips, and cherished memories. I can’t say that I didn’t enjoy my life and experience things that most people never get to do. I’ve gained a helluva lot of experience, understanding how to survive in the outdoors, learn about the natural world, intimately learn nature photography and drawing, and writing, how to fix bicycles, survive outdoors all year, make my own outdoor gear, and meet and befriend quite a few extraordinary people who love the world the same way. However, to this day, 45 years later, I still regret not having taken off on that round-the-world bicycle touring journey. I still dream of it, still wish I had been braver and stood my ground. My life would have been completely different, and I suspect, closer to how I wanted to live. So, Christian, don’t mind what others say. There will always be different opinions and views of how to live a life. Despite the hardships and ofttimes loneliness and sense of being lost, you took the road that most appealed to you heart and who you are. You were courageous. I can’t tell you how much I respect you for that, and, yes, to some extent, envy you. Bravo for taking the road less traveled! You speak to the dreams and aspirations of many people. It’s a joy and comfort to know there are people out there on the edge of the real world, living on their own terms and being one with the world.
By the way, starting next year, after I've set up my remote business and established a small home base here in Japan, and another with my partner in Malaysia, we're going to start our own nomadic venture around the world, part of it by bicycle, part long-distance hiking, and part by van travel. So you've definitely been an inspiration!
What a story! You sound like an awesome person, I bet we would get along great. I'm currently in my 30s forcing myself to finish school on the 3rd or 4th attempt after repeatedly uprooting/traveling/wandering (in and out of the military twice) and putting myself in a tenuous position financially and career wise. I did a pretty big bicycle tour through southeast Asia but chickened out when it came time to cross into China (sounded too stressful). Hopefully there are some remote software jobs left for me after school so I can live full time in my truck-camper parked in front of my apartment... but if not, I'll be busting my ass like no other building my skills and bank account so I can eventually hit the road forever. As a person who slips into existential crisis mode way too easily, I know I can't settle down and work permanently at a job I know doesn't really matter and is probably just based on some arbitrary market demand that has nothing to do with improving the average person's quality of life. I'm closing in on 40, and feel like kind of a clown for never committing fully to either of the two paths I've vacillated between but I know what needs to happen. I'll find true freedom or die trying.
Hi Christian, I retired from the Army on Mar 11 23, and am living the van life rewards and challenges. I am currently in the Washington DC area, I spent last week in Bethany Beach, DE, and am now in the Shenandoah mountains for a few days. I have been a little lonely though, and have mixed feelings. Three days ago I was going to buy a house and move home to Ohio. Thanks for you help with this video. I am in an incognito 2014 Ram Promaster extended one with a high roof--I have all of the amenities inside...
Why is it lonely?
I love this! It’s like a little sit down and hangout moment!
You have a wealth of knowledge and it was so kind of you to put this video out to help future van lifers. I think your viewers will watch this style and the artistic videos just the same. Well done!
Definitely no on the bangs!!
Disagree. YES on the bangs.
my vote, no bangs
We are graduating.. slowly. we were camping in tents for years and loving it, but we are the first to admit, it was a fair weather lifestyle. five years ago we bought a VW Eurovan, no kitchen , no pop-up , a low roof but it was a great way to travel.
a year ago we got a Promaster 2500 HR and OMG what a difference. We could stand up, we had a furnace, an outdoor shower and a toilet, a real bed! At 68, the comforts of a real-life make a difference. As a photographer on the road, you have been an inspiration. Yes, a different niche, but still the same life.
Really like the new format and kept my attention. Looking forward to the next one!!!
I love this type of real talk video. Thank you for being so raw and honest. All of the pros you made for van life make me want to do it. At the same time all of the cons you made for not doing it are all the same reasons I don’t want to do it. However, the lifestyle we live now is one that many would consider in the fridge of society so I totally relate to everything you are saying. The only thing I do know is that I am in the spot I am meant to be for right now. It doesn’t have to be Permanent and I fully expect it to change again in a few years. I just try to stay open and flexible to whatever may come my way. Anyway, thanks again for sharing. I love hearing your perspective!!!
Last year , I was worried about you and your state of mind. This video has put all that to rest. I think your on the right track with the monthly "dream-like" videos and this weekly talk format. I believe it allows you to maintain balance. Keep up the great work and be safe!
Love hearing the nitty gritty Christian. Thankyou! We relate to you very much and it would be a pleasure to hear from you weekly in this format 💛
Great video, this format is nice to hear your thoughts and reflections on things. Nice change up from your more creative and artistic videos that are always incredible. Your self reliance and willingness to live life your own way are an inspiration as always!
Brilliant. Beautifully candid. Highly engaging. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing. I've been thinking about living in the van for a while. Can't wait to see the Part II of the video.
I really really appreciate you getting real with us. I want to join this lifestyle and like hearing the good the bad and the ugly.
I missed watching your videos! I love your rants. Keep ‘em coming
Due to lack of income without going to work everyday , i cant join vanlife yet , but sometime in my retirement years i will leave to see as many places as i can , for at least 1 year , im an introvert as well , and for me living my days in a different place is like paradise , best thing vanlife teaches u is u really dont need much to be happy
Im an introvert also and enjoyed this video very much. Thank you for being genuine and your hatd work. Appreciated.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you for your transparency !!! Extremely helpful information
Everything you said was totally on point. Very consistent with our nearly 2-year road life. Thanks for putting this out there.
Well done Christain, thanks for sharing the reality of the van life. ❤
I always love watching your videos! Its soo comforting to find someone so much like myself! I really enjoyed this more personal "real-talk" and deff looking forward to a Part 2! It's really helping me gain a grounded, realistic take on van life. Keep being you girl!
You’ve grown and are a gaining many insights… appreciate your journey… on my third month and many adventures!
Thanks for the honest talk and opening up. The landscape you were shoot at 3:36 in the video was insane, can't believe the colors. Look forward to your next video