decision paralysis is real af!! from one survivor of trauma to another i’d like to offer this irish blessing to you: “may the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet (again) may god hold you in the palm of his hand”. 💚💚💚
@@ananimity7332 one of my favorite ways to process and move through stuck feelings is to walk. is it a silver bullet that solves everything? no. but there’s something magical that happens when we move even while feeling stuck, and i often come up with solutions that i hadn’t even considered when sitting still and replaying the old tapes. for me, one of the old tapes is “but what if i choose this and it’s the wrong choice?” (perfectionism rears its ugly head) if i fail then all i can do is learn from that and try again. brilliant and amazing people fail every day and get back up to try again… and again, learning from previous fails. and that’s the silver bullet.
This is just a tickler for you, Birdie to please check all these comments because there’s a woman who’s been trying to tell you more than once that you can park on her ranch (no idea where) indefinitely while you’re figuring out what you need to do and gathering resources or for whatever period of time. Please take people up on these things - these are your current needs and answers to prayers being delivered at record speed! ❤️💕
Thank you for telling me! I feel like I'm reading all the comments, but then I hear about some I missed. :( I'll go back through. Thank you for letting me know! ❤️
@@WaywardAbode if this ranch spot is real. This would give some time to think through how to move forward. Please sit with your feelings and feel them. ALL your emotions. Then make a crazy everything list of what you want your future to look like. I say this because you might be surprised by what you REALLY want.
Dear Birdie, I'll be 70 in July and 1. I'm not married. 2. I don't have a retirement/pension plan other than Soc Sec. 3. I don't own a house and 4. I work 15-25 hrs a wk at Dollar General. I'm tired. I'm tired of working. I'm tired of working and putting all my money into the cost-of-living hands that always want more. I've reached the end of the line and have nothing left to give. For that reason, I'm transitioning into car life in May so that I too can save money, buy a piece of land, and build a tiny homestead to retire on. However, I'm going about it in a slightly different manner that you might consider as well. I'm going to rent a small flea market booth that will 1. Give me a place to hang out during the day. 2. Charge my power stations. 3. Produce and market my handmade Rainforest game for kids that created along with rustic home decor items I'll buy and/or make. I'll work 3 nights a wk at DG for awhile until my business takes off and I won't need to any longer. Birdie, take some time and look around for that perfect, small Mayberry town that you can lay down roots and call home. Open a flea market shop and create a business where you can utilize your skills, interests, and talents. Get to know people, make friends. They are going to absolutely love having you as a member of their community. You're a people magnet. Use it to your advantage. Make sure there's a Planet Fitness close buy for shower/ restroom purposes. Membership is really cheap $10-$15 a month. Also gives you a safe place to park at night. Try a Walmart. Bren P Grace has been using it almost exclusively for 3 years. Maybe a new found friend will offer you a driveway or something. The world is your clam shell, become the pearl that you are. Think outside of the box. Color outside the lines. You've got everything you need to make it. Go for it and have FUN!!!😊❤❤❤
I am thinking of getting a really small motor home, an older one...I have a support dog for my anxiety.... I know a lady who rents the very smallest stg unit that has electric. She's in a van...the stg unit gives her a safe place to sleep and electric
Snow is temporary and pretty though not from a van. However, tornadoes and floods not so pretty but I guess if you know the seasons, ya can get outta there.
I've been on the road for 9 years now, and the biggest lesson I've learned is: No matter where you go, there you are. The next lesson I've learned is that nothing is permanent. As you change, so does the environment around you. Maybe this time in your life is the time to get clear on what you truly value and make a plan to create that. Sounds like you're half way through the process. Start planning! List all of the creative ways you can accomplish your goal. There are a million ways to the top of the mountain.
I have been with you since day one in that dark video filmed in your van, when you realized that we are here!!!! I am so proud of you on your good and bad days. I’m so glad you had the balls to start this channel. 🎉❤🎉
I remember some of your early videos and what a difference! You seem so much more confident now. It’s easier to be happy with money and security. I admire you for being able to appreciate the good but also being realistic and honest. You are making the best of it but deserve more. I hope you are on a subsidized housing wait list. Eventually you’ll get to the top of the list. In the meantime keep surviving and thriving.
What a great retrospective! Been following you since you were at RTR, and watching your growth and blossoming has been wonderful. Your videos are life!
Sweetheart you are NOT homeless. You are HOuseless. The van IS your home!!! Weather issues are controlled by elevation for most Vanlifers. Oh yes I get the bathroom anxiety LOL! Birdie!!! Oh honey I didn’t know your solar panel broke! 😢😢. WTH?? What happened? I am so so sorry your van doesn’t feel like home for you. But I also fully realize that Vanlife is not for everyone. And I am so proud of you for making an uncomfortable situation work as much as possible. I am going to send out vibes to the Universe for the day you own a little piece of land to happen sooner rather than later for you. Because to me it doesn’t matter where you live or what you live in. I will be here for you until the day you decide you no longer choose to have us in your life. Love you girlfriend❤❤❤
I know you're absolutely right. :) And yes! Dang thing! lol. It just stopped working. I tried hooking it up to a different battery, using different cords, and it just wouldn't do anything even in full sun. Twas so sad! But I guess that ended up being a good thing cause at least now I don't have to worry about transferring that along with everything else should I need to move into a new van. :) Thank you so much for your good vibes and badassery. I hope you'll be in my life for the rest of my days. ❤
You are the most genuine and extraordinarily brave woman I have heard on the internet. Please post a short blog to let us know where your van drama ended up. Many of us have spiritually adopted you and worry about you. I almost ended up in my car but God steered the angels my way; my pension ran out; my rent was raised to 1800/mo and me and kitty had to live on my social security allottment. Couldn't cope here in PHX apt market. Then I heard about Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)and within a day I got an apt for 720/mo utilities included in new senior housing complex. I'm praying you may be so blessed to find something soon. YOU ARE SO UNIQUE AND SPECIAL AND ON OTHER LEVELS A SPIRITUAL MASTER...of course, I also am slightly crazy...LOL.
I have been following you and i call your life choice : wonderlust. It allows for adventure on the fly. It takes courage to keep moving forward without a destination in sight. You are honest about the good, the bad and the fugly. What you have accomplished in one year of desperation and survival, others like myself have just sat on the couch and watch a woman succeed in a tough world.
❄️Hiya sweetie. Everything's going to be just fine, you know why? You are a treasure. I want you to know that I too, have issues from things that have happened to me but I'm pretty fortunate. I do have a little tiny camper and a good rig and if you're anywhere in Arkansas, I sure would love to meet up with you. I have 3 acres if you ever need somewhere to park for a bit and down at the shop there's even a porta potty. I sure would like to have a friend like you. Having things mess with your brain and your heart make life just a little bit harder. I watch you every time I see you up there on RUclips. Big hugs to you and I really do feel like I'm sitting right next to you listening to you. You are very entertaining with your beautiful smile. HUGS SWEETHEART.❄️
I'm so glad this popped up in my feed. You speak very well in front of a camera. Held my interest through the whole video and usually people talking do not hold my interest early in the morning. Lol I subscribed and will watch some of your older videos. Thanks.
This is the clearest description of someone's feeling and experience in van life I have seen in a long time. Thank you so much for the openness into your life.
Hi Birdie! I can't believe it's been a year already. I wish, I wish I could bring myself to do what you are doing. It's not because of the stigma that goes with living like that, I think it's because I just don't want to be cold in the winter months and because I'm 65 with lots of health problems. But I really do envy you and others who are doing what you do. You are so strong and a beautiful person. I love that about you. Thank you for allowing me to live through you and your experiences.
Please consider my invitation to use the ranch as a "home" base until you figure this out. You can have privacy and peace, and it would be our pleasure to host you. Thinking of you. I am your age and would feel the same way you do. I love my home, and I'm a nester. Natalie (Tasha)
I am a full time RVer for 6 years. These are all relevant things. I view vehicle dwellers as my tribe, and I know some people feel safer when they are parked next to me- so I don’t worry about it. I am in Tucson camping in the desert. My daughter lives in town. PS- I love Sedona!
Yes, we get this too. These people are not feeling safe so come and invade the small space we have created for ourselves. What really pisses us off is when they start a generator or have loud music. Someone nearby that is quiet is no issue to us, but when they park in the view we have set up for ourselves, gotta confess, there's a little bit of the grrrr.....
Bless you sweetie. Thanks for sharing. I love your gratitude. It melts my heart. I also don't think you have the gypsy spirit that alot of us have. This is just a thought, but maybe you could do a different version of van life. I am in Utah and I live in a little trailer on an elderly gentleman's property. I pay a little for power. I help him with shopping, chores and I am able to have a part time job. It's home and I love it. I have often thought that van lifers could help elderly people. Thanks again for sharing :)
Hey Birdie, I'm just seeing you for the first time. Thank you so much for you video! I had a heart attack almost 6 months ago, can't work, have a room I'm renting for now. I've been watching van life vids for a couple years, dreaming about the possibility. Now, I think it has become a necessity. I really appreciate your honesty and realness. Hope you got your van fixed. ❤
Hi! I'm gonna do a livestream later today. I was able to drive (very slowly) up to Flagstaff where the motels are cheaper. I'm gonna get a second opinion on the van to find out for sure one way or the other whether she can be saved. In the meantime, I'm safe and warm in a motel. Thank you so much for caring!!
@WaywardAbode I suspect there has been a number of us worried about you for a few days. Not that you don't got this, but our desire to want to ease the experience of struggle. Love the update. ❤️ thanks. Sending love and hugs.
@WaywardAbode Flagstaff is the absolute worst for vehicle repair pricing - absolute highway robbery. I tried connecting with you to offer a likely far less expensive option, but you didn't respond.
Sounds like life has thrown you an opportunity to decide whether you want to make a change. Hope you find the solution that is right for you. Maybe there's a bigger van in your future. Maybe your van can be saved for a bit while you are on the waiting list for a small apartment. Something good is about to happen!
Hi Birdie! So much truth! Every time I watch one of your videos, I discover more similarities between us. I moved into my van just before my 40th birthday and traveled for almost 2 years. It was my dream, and then I found myself praying for different circumstances, which I'm now in. I was so exhausted after! But I also miss it. I've come to the conclusion that the ideal scenario is to have the option to travel this way but also have a home base. Working on it! In the meantime, I'll keep armchair traveling with you. I sure hope the transmission situation is sorted. I spent a Christmas in the yard of the nicest tow truck driver/mechanic during my travels. Good souls exist, and you are definitely one of them! ♥
Birdie. I so hear your desire for a home. A read a lady who is willing to share her ranch. Lots of nomads are welcome on peoples farms etc. I understand wanting somewhere to call your own. A garden. Plumbing is a big plus. And being able to stand up inside. Picture what you want. Even Bob Wells has a permanent place now. Just to feel home. I love you and admire you. Your place is waiting for you. From there you can go out to explore. Hugs and love. Ann ❤🙏🤗
Good afternoon Birdie from the UK! Happy 1 year anniversary!! How is everything since your last live feed that I watched after it was live? I hope in the meantime you have found a temporary solution but I still want to donate to help. Sorry that your solar died too but maybe it was meant to happen for a reason and to get a flexible solar for the future. I know what you feel about 'home', my military house where I have been for the last 8 years doesn't feel like home either. I have hardly any single photographs up because it doesn't feel like home. I do see you settling eventually on a plot of land like other vanlifers but it does take years. A girl I follow who lives local to me has been going 5 years now and only now she can afford some land as does another UK couple, who have taken just as long but they moved to Spain. I have been worried about you, hope something has been sorted to some extent. BIG HUGS to you😊
Off you go to her community page her Venmo and PayPal are linked under “more”. Someone else has also started a GoFundMe but I’m sorry I don’t know the listing name. But I’m sure someone in the community could tell you❤
Maybe what's important to think about is why you are on this journey? What is the lesson (s) to be learned? Also, Birdie we all want to go "home" and we will one day because this-what you see and deal with everyday-is temporary. You are loved by so many and have brought together a great little community and I wonder if that fact is actually the point of your whole journey? Keep spreading the love Birdie, you are so very good at it :) ❤
Happy Anniversary Birdie! One year ago you didn’t think you were going to get this far🩷. One day at a time and looking back you have came so far❤️❤️❤️. You are such a beautiful soul and I am so happy to see you on tonight!! I look every day for a post or a video from you, you are in my daily thoughts and prayers. You got this Girl! What ever the future has in store for you ❤️. Much love
There is a phrase I repeat to myself all the time . . . home is within, grasshopper. Logically, I know it is true. Houses can be made into beautiful nests with loved ones, but all that can (and probably will, in the case of kids growing) go away. But emotionally, it is a daily struggle. A struggle I'm choosing over a nice nest. And today I am sad and struggling and . . . you know exactly what this is like . . . it is FREAKING COLD on the east coast. I'm moving through Appalachia right now!
"Home is where your heart is." Is phrase i keep with me. My heart is with my dog, and my vehicle is my shelter. My story is similar to yours. There are joys and sorrows in all of life. We just have to make the best of it. Come on out to LTVA, and I'll pay the fee for you, that is, if you'd like a place to rest for a few months.
Wishing you a Happy Anniversary Birdie!🌻Your smile brightens our world and your knowledge helps us to grow! Thank you 🙏🔆🫶 (Is home where our heart is? Does it matter where we live as long as we feel comfortable in our home(body))? ✌️🎶🦋
I got really sick, and my husband walked out, leaving me with a 13 yr old. I had to sell my home and all the antique contents. I bounced around for 8 moves in the next 10 years. Nothing permanent, nothing my own. I'm disabled so I was no longer able to work as a nurse. I was 3 years from retirement when I got sick at age 52. Took me so many years to get disability that I had 500 less each month, than what it should have been, but that's why the social security drags their feet, reducing what they have to pay you. I moved in with my daughter and DIL in 2013, and I'm still here. I helped them buy a home, but they sold it in 2020, and we've been traveling in an RV ever since. I'm almost 72, and although I love this lifestyle so much, it's hard on me. Stairs are just killer for my knees, but we can't change out of this 5th wheel just yet. I would be golden if it weren't for the 7 stories of stairs I climb up and down each day. I counted it up one day and was shocked. It's no wonder my knees hurt so badly. I don't like complaining either. I have seen so much in the past 4 1/2 years. Things I would never take back. I look younger now than when we started, and I know that it's nature's healing power. I'm so grateful for this time with my daughter and DIL. I can never thank them enough for helping me fulfill my bucket list to see all 50 states. I've seen 42 so far. I discovered that home is where I am. My physical body. Nothing else really matters because life is so short, and if I had this opportunity at age 50, I would have jumped on it like my daughters did. But I understand how Birdie feels. I miss a piece of something that belongs to me. Land, an RV, or tiny home. I'm ready to settle, but unfortunately, for so many of us seniors, we are unable to afford rent or to own anything. I'm sorry, this is so long. You touch my heart, Birdie. If I were rich, I'd make sure you had your tiny home, a chicken coop, and a garden. Blessings for your life and all your viewers that love you, too. ❤
Birdie, have you ever heard of Givers Gain? It is when people want and long to give because they get just as much outmof it as the receiver does. When people want to give to you, please remember that ❤️
HAPPY YEAR ONE BIRDIE!!!!! Girl you are an awesome human being...keep being yourself. After all there is only one of you in the whole wide world. We were all lucky enough to find you on you tube!
Loved this video! 🚐✨ Your honesty and humor make it so relatable. Traveling has its ups and downs, but the freedom and experiences are worth it! 🌍💫 Thanks for sharing your journey-even the "pain in the tuckus" moments. Keep exploring and rolling with the punches! 🙌🏾✌🏾
Ty for sharing ❤ everything you said is what I've been through, I've been a vanlifer for 3 years in April ❤ everything you said was my life , ty ❤️ you are not alone 🥰
Those that make a point of telling someone they are not “homeless” but only “ houseless” That’s called gaslighting. One’s experience is their own and not for others to tell them what they are. I am a homeless and houseless disabled veteran. And i’m sick of people stating any different. Be respectful and support where a person actually is, not where you think they are. deeja
❤tru but try talking to the police that, and also looking at all the no over night parking all around the scenic areas at least just put a time limit,. I just watch Victoria Rose and she couldn't find a place to park. It's not all homless it all the carlife camping i wish they had more of a chance, ❤😢❤❤
I am very blessed to have a home...any of us could end up houseless, the older generation and disabled are the fastest growing demographic as well as single moms
Birdie it is not selfish or stupid to have complex feelings about van life. It’s so cool that you are so open and expressive about both sides of van life. I pray that in the year of 2025 the feeling of home and belonging come to be friends with you. Where you go either in a home or a van I hope you can hold freedom in your heart. ❤
Great video, I understand that feeling of wanting to go home but not knowing exactly where that is. Hang in there because I’m proof that you get your wish in life! And you deserve it! Where ever it is ❤
Oh girl I have gotten the knock while taking care of the bizness… it was the worst. The most humiliating moment ever. Hands down. I’m sorry you experience this anxiety. But once it’s one and done… it’s just a bad memory of crying laughing and going well… still alive 🤷♀️🤣😔 Lord have mercy on me learning humility one day at a time on this life journey of necessity. ❤❤❤
I just started watching Bunny and was going through some of her older post and noticed that she had mentioned your channel a while back. So now I’m going to be watching too!
Good morning, Birdie! Thanks for sharing all this, and for your honesty. I think it’s important for people to understand that it’s not everyone’s dream & not everyone got to this place because it’s what they wanted. My hope for you is that you’re able to find that place that resonates with you and feels like a balm to your soul. Love you, friend!☮️💖
I really appreciate this honest look at how things are with you. I’m just realizing how lucky I am. I’m disabled and have been unable to work full time for years. But, I’ve been lucky to have family to provide me shelter and support. I’d be homeless otherwise without a vehicle of any kind. I recently won my disability case after a three year fight and am considering van life as a way of reestablishing my independence of a sort. I’d also be on a limited income but would have some money to invest in a rig of some kind- skoolie, rv, or van conversion. I have many anxieties about dealing with people too and really found your authenticity refreshing and helpful. I’m grateful to have your experiences to factor in my future decisions. ❤
GREAT OUTLOOK AND EXPERIENCE!! Thank you for sharing your tender thoughts and parts of your life !! I needed to hear exactly what you said !!! You have no idea how important your opinion and experience is to me .. I’m jobless and can’t work .. All I want to do is start a Homestead .. I’ve had everything anyone could want in life and it was lost to my inability to make my own money .. I’m very very blessed.. I have a roof over my head in the winter & I stay at my 5th wheel in the summer .. I always want to travel but I can’t due to money issues .. Bless your soul for your honesty and truth’s ..
Birdie, for a fixed Solar panel option that is less likely to break, try a flexible panel, you can adhere it to the roof of your van. It will stay put. I have one on my van and it works really well. They're fairly cheap as well, 80 for a 100w panel.
Great video, Birdie! 😁 I’d definitely go with converting one of those sheds if it was me. Before you even do anything, you already have a place to get inside out of the weather. A space where I can stretch out, stand up, and have a nice recliner to sit in. 😆
Dearest Birdie, You are an inspiration for those of us with mental illness challenges! I understand your fear and decision paralysis. It’s not your fault! It’s a symptom of depression…made harder by your van circumstances. I’m so proud of you for making the brave decision to get yourself to a safe place, for taking time to think about your dreams and choices! The van breakdown could be a blessing in disguise! You are indeed a strong intrepid girl! You will figure this out❤
This is a great great video…. You are a gifted communicator Birdie. I am the same way…I get it about ‘home’…totally understand. I guess that for now you have to just know this is temporary and you have to spend lots of time visualizing with feeling and emotion what you want and eventually it will happen.
It is cold in the morning in the desert! It's SUPER COOL for me to be in my little 24' tt, open the door, and be in a different place. It's surreal. You can take your "house" anywhere. I am currently in the desert at a RV park. 100' from a hot shower, laundry and trash bins. Plus a pool all to myself. A hot shower is #1 for me. I have a hightop cargo van and Hi-Lo trailer. A perfect setup for me. I wish you could add a small trailer?
You are a honest person and I appreciate your story. I sincerely hope you find the place to call home and feel like you are home when you get there. God Bless.
Best video ever! Thank you so much! Your struggles are so relatable to so many of us. Home is where the heart is! We are gonna watch you build that chicken coop and cheer you on!!!!
Aw birdie your personality and spirit bring me so much joy! I'm rooting for you so much. I see the way you keep moving despite the extreme challenges youve had to deal with and it inspires me to keep moving despite my own struggles. Your words and wisdom are such a light to me and so many others. Im happy we all get to struggle forward together. If you ever decided to write a book I would read it to pieces. No pressure of course :) Keep being the light that you are. I hope you are able to come out of this recent challenge even stronger than you were before. ❤
Hey Birdie 👋🏽Thank you for giving your perspective on this lifestyle. I hope all your desires manifest real soon! There is nothing better than security, safety, connection, respect, to be seen, to be heard, to be understood, and to be loved. When one of those needs are unmet, people suffer. I want for all your needs to be met. 🫶🏽🥰🙏🏾
I just find you so charming and adorable! You remind me alot of my best friend growing up. Thanks for sharing honestly about your journey. It’s fun to see your growth! I’m proud of you!
I appreciate your well-earned insight & honesty, Gal. Compared to those living under blue tarps on city sidewalks, YOUR lifestyle seems pretty NICE.....Merry Christmas & a pleasant New Year to you. Happy Trails !
I suggest you consider planning for and eventually finding a home port, vs. Owning a piece of land.. My grandmother lived on a boat for 7 years...with her home port to return to, with a place to dock the boat that was theirs. And she lived in a van for 7 years after thar, and kept the same small town as her home port. It has sounded truly difficult for many van amd rv folks to find a piece of property...regulations are tricky to identify clearly, apparently, because the sellers dont know or wont tell you.But if you set your sites on a home port space to dock at, you might find what you need to keep the advantages of van life. Be well. Thank you for sharing these personal thoughts with us.
Thank you so much for this! You are very genuine and addressed so many of my concerns. I am in the planning stage of becoming a nomad. When you talked about a need to “go home” that is a question I ask myself.
I was in my car for 3 weeks before I got temporary shelter assistance. Hats off to you! The bugs. The constant people everywhere. They're being watched by everybody. Made me crazy! Like my brain went off the charts. It is not for me. I hope I find housing PDQ and I wish you the best!!
Really appreciate your honesty and insight. Birdie, you are NOT stupid for wanting somewhere static to call home. I pray that you get a home you feel connected to and safe in. God bless you sweet lady. ❤❤
Too my houseless sister..Congratulations on one year…hope to see you out there for another year plus..You have come a long way Birdy…So very proud of you…🙏💕🙏
So honest and you have really thought about this! No harm in recognizing your desires and working towards freedom of choices, whatever that looks like for you. Plan on the land idea 👏🏻👏🏻 you can do it all, it just may take time. Follow your joy 👏🏻👏🏻
🦋💜♒️🤗🫶🏼🌟 I see a bigger more dependable van in your future. Spirit is getting you an upgrade baby! Keep your head up! We’re carrying you while you build your angel wings 🪽
Im so glad to have found you...I have been wanting to try van life just to save money...Im afraid since watching this I've changed my mind...It seems exhausting ..Thanks for your honesty...very helpful
I really enjoyed your video and being optimistic. It was a pleasure watching you. I understand the need to have a place to call home. With your attitude you will one day have that home that you’re missing. Aloha
Dear Birdie. I was an early, passionate follower but have been a little MIA for the last few months. And back with a new username to boot! (I was formerly Feisty Shlomit). I’m back and you’re still here being so genuine and real!! Your insights are so valuable and I’m really happy to hear about the areas you’ve grown. The anti homeless sentiment in the US is frightening - particularly it seems in California. And truly not much better here in 🇨🇦. The criminalization of homelessness is mind boggling when it’s the result of f’ed up corporate greed for the most part. Anyway I also appreciated your thoughts about ‘coming home’. That’s a big one for me these days. After some financial instability a few years ago I’m very lucky to be 8n a stable position in terms of job, housing, etc. But my concept of ‘home’ has been rocked this past year. Some of it is undoubtedly internal and has to do with aging. A lot of it has to do with the amount of Jew hatred (aka AntiSemitism) I encounter on a regular basis in a large urban area. My spouse and I went to a rural community for a bit of a working holiday and to decompress after we experienced a LOT of losses over the summer. That is the first time I was NOT ‘relieved’ to come home. I have wanted to run away almost every moment since I’ve been back. I yearn for a home that I don’t have. Yes, I have a wonderful, healthy, fulfilling relationship. A dream job. A terrific apartment. A great neighbourhood. Yet I feel bereft of a place to call ‘home’. I’m figuring it out. I recognize it’s a problem wrought with privilege. I just really appreciate you and your ability to make me think. I hope you can realize your hopes and dreams for a place called home. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
only five mins in so far and already can tell this will be one of the most real and honest videos about van life. hope youre doing okay with the van breaking down.
I love your self-awareness and perspective. I am new to your channel, and I hope to meet you on the road sometime. Looking forward to nomad life when I retire.
I just rewatched this video. I can relate to the feeling about wanting to be home. I have a home to go to so it’s nothing like you’re dealing with but I have felt this for just a small smidge of time and it’s so horrible. Feeling that way for a year must be so painful. I’m sorry that’s happening for you. ❤
Van life scares me because I have too many down days, days where I can not force myself to do a thing. I would follow you with chickens and a homestead too, or reading a phone book, you are that awesome
I just found your page, and i'm glad I did. Your first year is reminding me of my first year that i'm still currently enduring. I started out by leaving a toxic situation with my seventeen year old child and ended up in an rv rather than a van. I quickly realized the rv I bought needed far more work than I thought. Towards the end of June, I put the rv in the shop to have a complete roof replacement and some other work done. The guy said he could have it done in three weeks, and it's been five months, and I still don't have it back. I spent until the end of october in a hotel because it was just too hot in arizona to be in a car. Since the end of October.I have been in my car, mostly in a walmart parking lot or the side of a street where other rv's and trucks park. I only wish I had a minivan. I'm stuck in a 2017 dodge journey. I wanted to be creating content at this point, but I can't bring myself to do so when I feel so miserable and I don't sleep well. One of my biggest problems is decision paralysis. It seems that throughout my whole life, every decision I have made has turned into chaos. I guess hope that someday soon, I will be able to enjoy the benefits of car-van-rv life.
decision paralysis is real af!! from one survivor of trauma to another i’d like to offer this irish blessing to you: “may the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet (again) may god hold you in the palm of his hand”. 💚💚💚
As a person who has Childhood PTSD and Major Depression I experience decision paralysis. It's a thing and it's hard at times. I feel stuck!
💯
My family reads this when someone passes
I just copied it to save for my passing 🍀
@@ananimity7332 one of my favorite ways to process and move through stuck feelings is to walk. is it a silver bullet that solves everything? no. but there’s something magical that happens when we move even while feeling stuck, and i often come up with solutions that i hadn’t even considered when sitting still and replaying the old tapes. for me, one of the old tapes is “but what if i choose this and it’s the wrong choice?” (perfectionism rears its ugly head) if i fail then all i can do is learn from that and try again. brilliant and amazing people fail every day and get back up to try again… and again, learning from previous fails. and that’s the silver bullet.
Love love love the Irish Blessing ❤❤❤
This is just a tickler for you, Birdie to please check all these comments because there’s a woman who’s been trying to tell you more than once that you can park on her ranch (no idea where) indefinitely while you’re figuring out what you need to do and gathering resources or for whatever period of time. Please take people up on these things - these are your current needs and answers to prayers being delivered at record speed! ❤️💕
Thank you for telling me! I feel like I'm reading all the comments, but then I hear about some I missed. :( I'll go back through. Thank you for letting me know! ❤️
I just saw the Ranch post. It's from @Tashimoto3359. Hope this helps!
@@WaywardAbode Tashimoto3359 offered up space at their ranch. Just saw the comment.
@@WaywardAbode if this ranch spot is real. This would give some time to think through how to move forward. Please sit with your feelings and feel them. ALL your emotions.
Then make a crazy everything list of what you want your future to look like. I say this because you might be surprised by what you REALLY want.
I love you Birdie!
Dear Birdie,
I'll be 70 in July and 1. I'm not married. 2. I don't have a retirement/pension plan other than Soc Sec. 3. I don't own a house and 4. I work 15-25 hrs a wk at Dollar General. I'm tired. I'm tired of working. I'm tired of working and putting all my money into the cost-of-living hands that always want more. I've reached the end of the line and have nothing left to give. For that reason, I'm transitioning into car life in May so that I too can save money, buy a piece of land, and build a tiny homestead to retire on. However, I'm going about it in a slightly different manner that you might consider as well. I'm going to rent a small flea market booth that will 1. Give me a place to hang out during the day. 2. Charge my power stations. 3. Produce and market my handmade Rainforest game for kids that created along with rustic home decor items I'll buy and/or make. I'll work 3 nights a wk at DG for awhile until my business takes off and I won't need to any longer. Birdie, take some time and look around for that perfect, small Mayberry town that you can lay down roots and call home. Open a flea market shop and create a business where you can utilize your skills, interests, and talents. Get to know people, make friends. They are going to absolutely love having you as a member of their community. You're a people magnet. Use it to your advantage. Make sure there's a Planet Fitness close buy for shower/ restroom purposes. Membership is really cheap $10-$15 a month. Also gives you a safe place to park at night. Try a Walmart. Bren P Grace has been using it almost exclusively for 3 years. Maybe a new found friend will offer you a driveway or something. The world is your clam shell, become the pearl that you are. Think outside of the box. Color outside the lines. You've got everything you need to make it. Go for it and have FUN!!!😊❤❤❤
What a great suggestion!
I love that - your plans are amazing - best wishes for all the success you deserve 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
@@davidgray1515 maybe so. Got a better idea? I'm listening.
I am thinking of getting a really small motor home, an older one...I have a support dog for my anxiety....
I know a lady who rents the very smallest stg unit that has electric. She's in a van...the stg unit gives her a safe place to sleep and electric
I'm planning on living in my car when I retire because if Social Security still exists I won't be able to afford to live in an apartment.
In kentucky you can put a tiny home on my lot and help tend my chickens! ❤
❤love this!
Unfortunately, there’s snow in Kentucky 😂
@KimHenderson-NC nope, its gone! That's kentucky! 😁
Snow is temporary and pretty though not from a van. However, tornadoes and floods not so pretty but I guess if you know the seasons, ya can get outta there.
@@AnnLeiSoCal Dude he said a tiny home not a van.
I've been on the road for 9 years now, and the biggest lesson I've learned is: No matter where you go, there you are. The next lesson I've learned is that nothing is permanent. As you change, so does the environment around you. Maybe this time in your life is the time to get clear on what you truly value and make a plan to create that. Sounds like you're half way through the process. Start planning! List all of the creative ways you can accomplish your goal. There are a million ways to the top of the mountain.
You’re such a good communicator Birdie.
I have been with you since day one in that dark video filmed in your van, when you realized that we are here!!!! I am so proud of you on your good and bad days. I’m so glad you had the balls to start this channel. 🎉❤🎉
And waiting for you to start your political channel as well!
Oh! It hurt my heart when you said you just want to go home. I hope you get your home, Birdie. Sending you a hug 🦋🦋🦋
Wtf Get a church to help yu a place . References help
Your personality is tops. Tops as in you make it fun to watch your videos. I can't wait to see more. I hope you get what your heart desires.
This is so sweet to read! Thank you so much!!
I remember some of your early videos and what a difference! You seem so much more confident now. It’s easier to be happy with money and security. I admire you for being able to appreciate the good but also being realistic and honest. You are making the best of it but deserve more. I hope you are on a subsidized housing wait list. Eventually you’ll get to the top of the list. In the meantime keep surviving and thriving.
What a great retrospective! Been following you since you were at RTR, and watching your growth and blossoming has been wonderful. Your videos are life!
What an incredibly sweet thing to say!! Thank you!!!! 🥰
Sweetheart you are NOT homeless. You are HOuseless. The van IS your home!!!
Weather issues are controlled by elevation for most Vanlifers.
Oh yes I get the bathroom anxiety LOL!
Birdie!!! Oh honey I didn’t know your solar panel broke! 😢😢. WTH?? What happened?
I am so so sorry your van doesn’t feel like home for you. But I also fully realize that Vanlife is not for everyone. And I am so proud of you for making an uncomfortable situation work as much as possible. I am going to send out vibes to the Universe for the day you own a little piece of land to happen sooner rather than later for you. Because to me it doesn’t matter where you live or what you live in. I will be here for you until the day you decide you no longer choose to have us in your life. Love you girlfriend❤❤❤
Well said!
@@cyndeeh
I know you're absolutely right. :) And yes! Dang thing! lol. It just stopped working. I tried hooking it up to a different battery, using different cords, and it just wouldn't do anything even in full sun. Twas so sad! But I guess that ended up being a good thing cause at least now I don't have to worry about transferring that along with everything else should I need to move into a new van. :)
Thank you so much for your good vibes and badassery. I hope you'll be in my life for the rest of my days. ❤
@@WaywardAbode As long as I’m kicking you’re stuck with me LOL 🩷🩷🩷
@@WaywardAbode hi Birdie. Another genuine heartfelt video. ❤️ if one buys land can you live on it with your van or car?
You are the most genuine and extraordinarily brave woman I have heard on the internet. Please post a short blog to let us know where your van drama ended up. Many of us have spiritually adopted you and worry about you. I almost ended up in my car but God steered the angels my way; my pension ran out; my rent was raised to 1800/mo and me and kitty had to live on my social security allottment. Couldn't cope here in PHX apt market. Then I heard about Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)and within a day I got an apt for 720/mo utilities included in new senior housing complex. I'm praying you may be so blessed to find something soon. YOU ARE SO UNIQUE AND SPECIAL AND ON OTHER LEVELS A SPIRITUAL MASTER...of course, I also am slightly crazy...LOL.
I have been following you and i call your life choice : wonderlust. It allows for adventure on the fly. It takes courage to keep moving forward without a destination in sight. You are honest about the good, the bad and the fugly. What you have accomplished in one year of desperation and survival, others like myself have just sat on the couch and watch a woman succeed in a tough world.
Thank you, Terri. We're both succeeding in a tough world. I'm proud of you. ❤️
I have a wanderlust logo in the back window of my vehicle
❄️Hiya sweetie. Everything's going to be just fine, you know why? You are a treasure. I want you to know that I too, have issues from things that have happened to me but I'm pretty fortunate. I do have a little tiny camper and a good rig and if you're anywhere in Arkansas, I sure would love to meet up with you. I have 3 acres if you ever need somewhere to park for a bit and down at the shop there's even a porta potty. I sure would like to have a friend like you. Having things mess with your brain and your heart make life just a little bit harder. I watch you every time I see you up there on RUclips. Big hugs to you and I really do feel like I'm sitting right next to you listening to you. You are very entertaining with your beautiful smile. HUGS SWEETHEART.❄️
I'm so glad this popped up in my feed. You speak very well in front of a camera. Held my interest through the whole video and usually people talking do not hold my interest early in the morning. Lol I subscribed and will watch some of your older videos. Thanks.
What a sweet thing to say! Thank you so much. It's very nice to meet you! ❤️
This may be the best video yet on real feelings and thoughts of your experiences regarding van life. You never disappoint.
This is the clearest description of someone's feeling and experience in van life I have seen in a long time. Thank you so much for the openness into your life.
Hi Birdie! I can't believe it's been a year already. I wish, I wish I could bring myself to do what you are doing. It's not because of the stigma that goes with living like that, I think it's because I just don't want to be cold in the winter months and because I'm 65 with lots of health problems. But I really do envy you and others who are doing what you do. You are so strong and a beautiful person. I love that about you. Thank you for allowing me to live through you and your experiences.
Please consider my invitation to use the ranch as a "home" base until you figure this out. You can have privacy and peace, and it would be our pleasure to host you. Thinking of you. I am your age and would feel the same way you do. I love my home, and I'm a nester. Natalie (Tasha)
@WaywardAbode
@@Tashimoto3359 you’re an Angel🩷
@@PattisArtInnaVan that’s so awesome! I don’t really think she gets it on how lucky we would feel to have her in our lives a more permanent basis❤❤
@@marlenemulrenin8552 It takes time for it to fully sink in, but it will one day with our encouragement
Wow!!
I am a full time RVer for 6 years. These are all relevant things. I view vehicle dwellers as my tribe, and I know some people feel safer when they are parked next to me- so I don’t worry about it. I am in Tucson camping in the desert. My daughter lives in town. PS- I love Sedona!
I don't feel safe with them wanting to feel safe.
I can see that some people might feel safer parking nearby. Not always, but sometimes.
Yes, we get this too. These people are not feeling safe so come and invade the small space we have created for ourselves. What really pisses us off is when they start a generator or have loud music. Someone nearby that is quiet is no issue to us, but when they park in the view we have set up for ourselves, gotta confess, there's a little bit of the grrrr.....
Bless you sweetie. Thanks for sharing. I love your gratitude. It melts my heart.
I also don't think you have the gypsy spirit that alot of us have. This is just a thought, but maybe you could do a different version of van life. I am in Utah and I live in a little trailer on an elderly gentleman's property. I pay a little for power. I help him with shopping, chores and I am able to have a part time job. It's home and I love it. I have often thought that van lifers could help elderly people.
Thanks again for sharing :)
Hey Birdie, I'm just seeing you for the first time. Thank you so much for you video! I had a heart attack almost 6 months ago, can't work, have a room I'm renting for now. I've been watching van life vids for a couple years, dreaming about the possibility. Now, I think it has become a necessity. I really appreciate your honesty and realness. Hope you got your van fixed. ❤
When do we get to hear how you are doing post van breakdown? How did the long weekend treat you solutions wise?
Hi! I'm gonna do a livestream later today. I was able to drive (very slowly) up to Flagstaff where the motels are cheaper. I'm gonna get a second opinion on the van to find out for sure one way or the other whether she can be saved. In the meantime, I'm safe and warm in a motel. Thank you so much for caring!!
@WaywardAbode I suspect there has been a number of us worried about you for a few days. Not that you don't got this, but our desire to want to ease the experience of struggle. Love the update. ❤️ thanks. Sending love and hugs.
@@jacksonjantzen5549so true!
Oh dang did you record this just before your van got sick?! Talk about speaking something into existence sort of. 🩷
@WaywardAbode Flagstaff is the absolute worst for vehicle repair pricing - absolute highway robbery. I tried connecting with you to offer a likely far less expensive option, but you didn't respond.
Sounds like life has thrown you an opportunity to decide whether you want to make a change. Hope you find the solution that is right for you. Maybe there's a bigger van in your future. Maybe your van can be saved for a bit while you are on the waiting list for a small apartment. Something good is about to happen!
Happy anniversary sweet Birdie. I can’t wait to see your dreams come true.❤
Hi Birdie! So much truth! Every time I watch one of your videos, I discover more similarities between us. I moved into my van just before my 40th birthday and traveled for almost 2 years. It was my dream, and then I found myself praying for different circumstances, which I'm now in. I was so exhausted after! But I also miss it. I've come to the conclusion that the ideal scenario is to have the option to travel this way but also have a home base. Working on it! In the meantime, I'll keep armchair traveling with you. I sure hope the transmission situation is sorted. I spent a Christmas in the yard of the nicest tow truck driver/mechanic during my travels. Good souls exist, and you are definitely one of them! ♥
Awww, happy anniversary, lady!!!!!!💞💞💞
Thank you, Lyn!! 🤗
Look who's FLYING....
You deserve all the good and all the love.
Fly Birdie, FLY
I love you!
Birdie. I so hear your desire for a home. A read a lady who is willing to share her ranch. Lots of nomads are welcome on peoples farms etc.
I understand wanting somewhere to call your own. A garden. Plumbing is a big plus. And being able to stand up inside. Picture what you want. Even Bob Wells has a permanent place now. Just to feel home. I love you and admire you. Your place is waiting for you. From there you can go out to explore. Hugs and love. Ann ❤🙏🤗
Good afternoon Birdie from the UK! Happy 1 year anniversary!!
How is everything since your last live feed that I watched after it was live? I hope in the meantime you have found a temporary solution but I still want to donate to help. Sorry that your solar died too but maybe it was meant to happen for a reason and to get a flexible solar for the future. I know what you feel about 'home', my military house where I have been for the last 8 years doesn't feel like home either. I have hardly any single photographs up because it doesn't feel like home. I do see you settling eventually on a plot of land like other vanlifers but it does take years. A girl I follow who lives local to me has been going 5 years now and only now she can afford some land as does another UK couple, who have taken just as long but they moved to Spain.
I have been worried about you, hope something has been sorted to some extent. BIG HUGS to you😊
Off you go to her community page her Venmo and PayPal are linked under “more”. Someone else has also started a GoFundMe but I’m sorry I don’t know the listing name. But I’m sure someone in the community could tell you❤
You are under no obligation to donate. Your compassion and support is perfectly acceptable
@@DearestDawn do you have a GoFundMe set up?
@marlenemulrenin8552 Hopefully there is only one set up for her, otherwise it might be Bot
Maybe what's important to think about is why you are on this journey? What is the lesson (s) to be learned? Also, Birdie we all want to go "home" and we will one day because this-what you see and deal with everyday-is temporary. You are loved by so many and have brought together a great little community and I wonder if that fact is actually the point of your whole journey? Keep spreading the love Birdie, you are so very good at it :) ❤
Happy Vanniversay Birdie 🌻🚐 🎊
Woot woot! Thank you!!
Happy Anniversary Birdie! One year ago you didn’t think you were going to get this far🩷. One day at a time and looking back you have came so far❤️❤️❤️. You are such a beautiful soul and I am so happy to see you on tonight!! I look every day for a post or a video from you, you are in my daily thoughts and prayers. You got this Girl! What ever the future has in store for you ❤️. Much love
There is a phrase I repeat to myself all the time . . . home is within, grasshopper.
Logically, I know it is true. Houses can be made into beautiful nests with loved ones, but all that can (and probably will, in the case of kids growing) go away.
But emotionally, it is a daily struggle.
A struggle I'm choosing over a nice nest.
And today I am sad and struggling and . . . you know exactly what this is like . . . it is FREAKING COLD on the east coast. I'm moving through Appalachia right now!
"Home is where your heart is." Is phrase i keep with me. My heart is with my dog, and my vehicle is my shelter. My story is similar to yours. There are joys and sorrows in all of life. We just have to make the best of it.
Come on out to LTVA, and I'll pay the fee for you, that is, if you'd like a place to rest for a few months.
This was SO INTERESTING, Birdie! Thank you for so eloquently sharing your feelings, your experiences, your hopes and dreams! ❤❤❤
Wishing you a Happy Anniversary Birdie!🌻Your smile brightens our world and your knowledge helps us to grow! Thank you 🙏🔆🫶 (Is home where our heart is? Does it matter where we live as long as we feel comfortable in our home(body))? ✌️🎶🦋
I totally agree - home is where we feel at home. Whatever that is for each of us. :) Thank you!!
I got really sick, and my husband walked out, leaving me with a 13 yr old. I had to sell my home and all the antique contents. I bounced around for 8 moves in the next 10 years. Nothing permanent, nothing my own. I'm disabled so I was no longer able to work as a nurse. I was 3 years from retirement when I got sick at age 52. Took me so many years to get disability that I had 500 less each month, than what it should have been, but that's why the social security drags their feet, reducing what they have to pay you. I moved in with my daughter and DIL in 2013, and I'm still here. I helped them buy a home, but they sold it in 2020, and we've been traveling in an RV ever since. I'm almost 72, and although I love this lifestyle so much, it's hard on me. Stairs are just killer for my knees, but we can't change out of this 5th wheel just yet. I would be golden if it weren't for the 7 stories of stairs I climb up and down each day. I counted it up one day and was shocked. It's no wonder my knees hurt so badly. I don't like complaining either. I have seen so much in the past 4 1/2 years. Things I would never take back. I look younger now than when we started, and I know that it's nature's healing power. I'm so grateful for this time with my daughter and DIL. I can never thank them enough for helping me fulfill my bucket list to see all 50 states. I've seen 42 so far. I discovered that home is where I am. My physical body. Nothing else really matters because life is so short, and if I had this opportunity at age 50, I would have jumped on it like my daughters did. But I understand how Birdie feels. I miss a piece of something that belongs to me. Land, an RV, or tiny home. I'm ready to settle, but unfortunately, for so many of us seniors, we are unable to afford rent or to own anything. I'm sorry, this is so long. You touch my heart, Birdie. If I were rich, I'd make sure you had your tiny home, a chicken coop, and a garden. Blessings for your life and all your viewers that love you, too. ❤
Birdie, have you ever heard of Givers Gain? It is when people want and long to give because they get just as much outmof it as the receiver does. When people want to give to you, please remember that ❤️
HAPPY YEAR ONE BIRDIE!!!!!
Girl you are an awesome human being...keep being yourself. After all there is only one of you in the whole wide world. We were all lucky enough to find you on you tube!
Loved this video! 🚐✨ Your honesty and humor make it so relatable. Traveling has its ups and downs, but the freedom and experiences are worth it! 🌍💫 Thanks for sharing your journey-even the "pain in the tuckus" moments. Keep exploring and rolling with the punches! 🙌🏾✌🏾
You are amazing at making me smile. You do it every time! 🤗
Ty for sharing ❤ everything you said is what I've been through, I've been a vanlifer for 3 years in April ❤ everything you said was my life , ty ❤️ you are not alone 🥰
Those that make a point of telling someone they are not “homeless” but only “ houseless” That’s called gaslighting. One’s experience is their own and not for others to tell them what they are. I am a homeless and houseless disabled veteran. And i’m sick of people stating any different. Be respectful and support where a person actually is, not where you think they are. deeja
❤tru but try talking to the police that, and also looking at all the no over night parking all around the scenic areas at least just put a time limit,. I just watch Victoria Rose and she couldn't find a place to park. It's not all homless it all the carlife camping i wish they had more of a chance, ❤😢❤❤
I am very blessed to have a home...any of us could end up houseless, the older generation and disabled are the fastest growing demographic as well as single moms
I definitely believe and feel that you are in a temporary situation. You will find your home and can take us along that journey as well! 🌟
Birdie it is not selfish or stupid to have complex feelings about van life. It’s so cool that you are so open and expressive about both sides of van life. I pray that in the year of 2025 the feeling of home and belonging come to be friends with you. Where you go either in a home or a van I hope you can hold freedom in your heart. ❤
Great video, I understand that feeling of wanting to go home but not knowing exactly where that is.
Hang in there because I’m proof that you get your wish in life! And you deserve it! Where ever it is ❤
💯YOU are DEFINITELY One of the GOOD HUMANS B❣
I LOVE YOU❤
Birdie!!! Happy anniversary ❤
Thank you so much!! 😊
Oh girl I have gotten the knock while taking care of the bizness… it was the worst. The most humiliating moment ever. Hands down. I’m sorry you experience this anxiety. But once it’s one and done… it’s just a bad memory of crying laughing and going well… still alive 🤷♀️🤣😔
Lord have mercy on me learning humility one day at a time on this life journey of necessity. ❤❤❤
Birdie, this is one of your BEST videos! I like your vision for your future life, too!
Bob bought a piece of land in Aragona I believe. I think you can get something for a couple of thousand. Sounds very attainable. Love you Birdie ❤
Really well spoken. Good information. Wishing you good happy times.
I just started watching Bunny and was going through some of her older post and noticed that she had mentioned your channel a while back. So now I’m going to be watching too!
I hope you get that piece of land some day! Everyone deserves a home! Love following you! ❤
Good morning, Birdie! Thanks for sharing all this, and for your honesty. I think it’s important for people to understand that it’s not everyone’s dream & not everyone got to this place because it’s what they wanted. My hope for you is that you’re able to find that place that resonates with you and feels like a balm to your soul. Love you, friend!☮️💖
I hope you are good Bridie! your videos bring me joy
I really appreciate this honest look at how things are with you. I’m just realizing how lucky I am. I’m disabled and have been unable to work full time for years. But, I’ve been lucky to have family to provide me shelter and support. I’d be homeless otherwise without a vehicle of any kind. I recently won my disability case after a three year fight and am considering van life as a way of reestablishing my independence of a sort. I’d also be on a limited income but would have some money to invest in a rig of some kind- skoolie, rv, or van conversion. I have many anxieties about dealing with people too and really found your authenticity refreshing and helpful. I’m grateful to have your experiences to factor in my future decisions. ❤
I'm so glad I was helpful! I hope you love vanlife. It can be incredible!!! 🤗 I hope you're able to get on the road soon. ❤️
GREAT OUTLOOK AND EXPERIENCE!! Thank you for sharing your tender thoughts and parts of your life !! I needed to hear exactly what you said !!! You have no idea how important your opinion and experience is to me ..
I’m jobless and can’t work .. All I want to do is start a Homestead .. I’ve had everything anyone could want in life and it was lost to my inability to make my own money .. I’m very very blessed.. I have a roof over my head in the winter & I stay at my 5th wheel in the summer .. I always want to travel but I can’t due to money issues .. Bless your soul for your honesty and truth’s ..
Birdie, for a fixed Solar panel option that is less likely to break, try a flexible panel, you can adhere it to the roof of your van. It will stay put. I have one on my van and it works really well. They're fairly cheap as well, 80 for a 100w panel.
Totally understand!! I have an awesome little traveling van BUT there is no place like home for me. Awesome goal and totally doable.
Great video, Birdie! 😁
I’d definitely go with converting one of those sheds if it was me. Before you even do anything, you already have a place to get inside out of the weather. A space where I can stretch out, stand up, and have a nice recliner to sit in. 😆
Dearest Birdie, You are an inspiration for those of us with mental illness challenges! I understand your fear and decision paralysis. It’s not your fault! It’s a symptom of depression…made harder by your van circumstances. I’m so proud of you for making the brave decision to get yourself to a safe place, for taking time to think about your dreams and choices! The van breakdown could be a blessing in disguise! You are indeed a strong intrepid girl! You will figure this out❤
This is a great great video…. You are a gifted communicator Birdie. I am the same way…I get it about ‘home’…totally understand. I guess that for now you have to just know this is temporary and you have to spend lots of time visualizing with feeling and emotion what you want and eventually it will happen.
YOU WILL HAVE YOUR COZY HOME AND WE ALL Will BE WITH YOU WITH MUCH LOVE ❤❤
It is cold in the morning in the desert! It's SUPER COOL for me to be in my little 24' tt, open the door, and be in a different place. It's surreal. You can take your "house" anywhere. I am currently in the desert at a RV park. 100' from a hot shower, laundry and trash bins. Plus a pool all to myself. A hot shower is #1 for me. I have a hightop cargo van and Hi-Lo trailer. A perfect setup for me. I wish you could add a small trailer?
Hi Birdie! I am so glad that you are hanging in there!
You are a honest person and I appreciate your story. I sincerely hope you find the place to call home and feel like you are home when you get there. God Bless.
Best video ever! Thank you so much! Your struggles are so relatable to so many of us. Home is where the heart is! We are gonna watch you build that chicken coop and cheer you on!!!!
You make my day a little better each time I watch one of your videos. You are so resilient! You will make it!
Aw birdie your personality and spirit bring me so much joy! I'm rooting for you so much. I see the way you keep moving despite the extreme challenges youve had to deal with and it inspires me to keep moving despite my own struggles. Your words and wisdom are such a light to me and so many others. Im happy we all get to struggle forward together.
If you ever decided to write a book I would read it to pieces. No pressure of course :)
Keep being the light that you are. I hope you are able to come out of this recent challenge even stronger than you were before. ❤
So good to see your smile. Cant wait for the next live
You have done great in this year, and have been such an inspiration to to us all.
And you're such an inspiration to me! Thank you so much. ❤️
New subscriber! I appreciate the honesty. Most Van life is just to give you the best of the best parts of their life.
Great video Birdie! Love your honesty!
Everybody hit 👍👍❤❤🤗🙏🙏
Hey Birdie 👋🏽Thank you for giving your perspective on this lifestyle. I hope all your desires manifest real soon! There is nothing better than security, safety, connection, respect, to be seen, to be heard, to be understood, and to be loved. When one of those needs are unmet, people suffer. I want for all your needs to be met. 🫶🏽🥰🙏🏾
I just find you so charming and adorable! You remind me alot of my best friend growing up. Thanks for sharing honestly about your journey. It’s fun to see your growth! I’m proud of you!
I appreciate your well-earned insight & honesty, Gal. Compared to those living under blue tarps on city sidewalks, YOUR lifestyle seems pretty NICE.....Merry Christmas & a pleasant New Year to you. Happy Trails !
I so get what you are saying about being home and the feelings. ❤
I suggest you consider planning for and eventually finding a home port, vs. Owning a piece of land.. My grandmother lived on a boat for 7 years...with her home port to return to, with a place to dock the boat that was theirs. And she lived in a van for 7 years after thar, and kept the same small town as her home port. It has sounded truly difficult for many van amd rv folks to find a piece of property...regulations are tricky to identify clearly, apparently, because the sellers dont know or wont tell you.But if you set your sites on a home port space to dock at, you might find what you need to keep the advantages of van life. Be well. Thank you for sharing these personal thoughts with us.
Thank you so much for this! You are very genuine and addressed so many of my concerns. I am in the planning stage of becoming a nomad. When you talked about a need to “go home” that is a question I ask myself.
I was in my car for 3 weeks before I got temporary shelter assistance. Hats off to you! The bugs. The constant people everywhere. They're being watched by everybody. Made me crazy! Like my brain went off the charts. It is not for me. I hope I find housing PDQ and I wish you the best!!
Really appreciate your honesty and insight. Birdie, you are NOT stupid for wanting somewhere static to call home. I pray that you get a home you feel connected to and safe in. God bless you sweet lady. ❤❤
Too my houseless sister..Congratulations on one year…hope to see you out there for another year plus..You have come a long way Birdy…So very proud of you…🙏💕🙏
So honest and you have really thought about this! No harm in recognizing your desires and working towards freedom of choices, whatever that looks like for you. Plan on the land idea 👏🏻👏🏻 you can do it all, it just may take time. Follow your joy 👏🏻👏🏻
You are a blessing to all of us!
🦋💜♒️🤗🫶🏼🌟 I see a bigger more dependable van in your future. Spirit is getting you an upgrade baby! Keep your head up! We’re carrying you while you build your angel wings 🪽
Im so glad to have found you...I have been wanting to try van life just to save money...Im afraid since watching this I've changed my mind...It seems exhausting ..Thanks for your honesty...very helpful
I really enjoyed your video and being optimistic. It was a pleasure watching you. I understand the need to have a place to call home. With your attitude you will one day have that home that you’re missing. Aloha
Dear Birdie. I was an early, passionate follower but have been a little MIA for the last few months. And back with a new username to boot! (I was formerly Feisty Shlomit). I’m back and you’re still here being so genuine and real!! Your insights are so valuable and I’m really happy to hear about the areas you’ve grown. The anti homeless sentiment in the US is frightening - particularly it seems in California. And truly not much better here in 🇨🇦. The criminalization of homelessness is mind boggling when it’s the result of f’ed up corporate greed for the most part. Anyway I also appreciated your thoughts about ‘coming home’. That’s a big one for me these days. After some financial instability a few years ago I’m very lucky to be 8n a stable position in terms of job, housing, etc. But my concept of ‘home’ has been rocked this past year. Some of it is undoubtedly internal and has to do with aging. A lot of it has to do with the amount of Jew hatred (aka AntiSemitism) I encounter on a regular basis in a large urban area. My spouse and I went to a rural community for a bit of a working holiday and to decompress after we experienced a LOT of losses over the summer. That is the first time I was NOT ‘relieved’ to come home. I have wanted to run away almost every moment since I’ve been back. I yearn for a home that I don’t have. Yes, I have a wonderful, healthy, fulfilling relationship. A dream job. A terrific apartment. A great neighbourhood. Yet I feel bereft of a place to call ‘home’. I’m figuring it out. I recognize it’s a problem wrought with privilege. I just really appreciate you and your ability to make me think. I hope you can realize your hopes and dreams for a place called home. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
only five mins in so far and already can tell this will be one of the most real and honest videos about van life. hope youre doing okay with the van breaking down.
You are a very wise soul. This video is brilliant. Thank you ❤
I love your self-awareness and perspective. I am new to your channel, and I hope to meet you on the road sometime. Looking forward to nomad life when I retire.
I've never felt "at home" anywhere and I've never lived in a van or RV.
You are such a sweet soul ♡ best wishes to you and creating your home ♡
I resonate so much with you. From the knock to decisions to moving to 'roots'... TY for sharing and enjoy your adventures.
I just rewatched this video. I can relate to the feeling about wanting to be home. I have a home to go to so it’s nothing like you’re dealing with but I have felt this for just a small smidge of time and it’s so horrible. Feeling that way for a year must be so painful. I’m sorry that’s happening for you. ❤
Van life scares me because I have too many down days, days where I can not force myself to do a thing. I would follow you with chickens and a homestead too, or reading a phone book, you are that awesome
I just found your page, and i'm glad I did. Your first year is reminding me of my first year that i'm still currently enduring. I started out by leaving a toxic situation with my seventeen year old child and ended up in an rv rather than a van. I quickly realized the rv I bought needed far more work than I thought. Towards the end of June, I put the rv in the shop to have a complete roof replacement and some other work done. The guy said he could have it done in three weeks, and it's been five months, and I still don't have it back. I spent until the end of october in a hotel because it was just too hot in arizona to be in a car. Since the end of October.I have been in my car, mostly in a walmart parking lot or the side of a street where other rv's and trucks park. I only wish I had a minivan. I'm stuck in a 2017 dodge journey.
I wanted to be creating content at this point, but I can't bring myself to do so when I feel so miserable and I don't sleep well.
One of my biggest problems is decision paralysis. It seems that throughout my whole life, every decision I have made has turned into chaos. I guess hope that someday soon, I will be able to enjoy the benefits of car-van-rv life.
Hope things get better for you soon 🤗❤
Wonderful video! Thanks for keeping it real with us!
❤ you Birdie, you can definitely live that dream. You survived the first year it only gets better from here. It all starts with a dream.
Thank you so much, beautiful PR. ❤️