Life takes Courage, channel update, sobriety, new van...
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- Опубликовано: 4 мар 2023
- Life takes Courage, I'm healing or doing my very best to anyway ~ In this video, a channel update, talking about sobriety, starting a new journal, painting, new van search... I am also sharing starting a new journal and how to set it up. This one is specifically for my writings. I've never talked about my sobriety before on here and in this video I'm sharing my journey living alcohol free. A very interesting process indeed and not always easy for sure! There are also some channel updates in this one as I felt I had some things specific about my upload schedule to talk to you about and then... we are also going van shopping! So, do come keep me company and let's tour some vans! One is a self build and another two are custom factory fitted. I wonder which you like best? Suffice to also say, that boy does life take courage at the moment (!) and I know I'm not the only one going through it here. There are a few other things that I didn't mention in the video as they are too personal but aside from my back and the obvious other stuff, there are also some behind the scenes happenings which are not the easiest either... Navigating my way through though, just doing my best as we all are...
As usual, please feel free to leave your comments down below. We can share and offer inspiration and support in this very special community of like~minded beings! Thank you so much for being here, keeping me company in our little corner of RUclips. Biggest Everythings, Wendy. Xx
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FAQ! -
Where do you buy your art supplies?
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Music by;
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#journaling #sobriety #vanlife
I'm a person in long term recovery from heroin addiction. At 2 years clean I revisted my love for art and drawing...in time I discovered color. Specifically watercolor. I'm not sure I would have continued to succeed in my recovery without having found paint, watercolor, gouache, acrylic markers, pastels, oil, neocolor 2, watercolor pencils, and so many other magical supplies and surfaces, and the youtube art videos such as your videos that ground me daily. So thank you. You play a role in saving at least one life, but I'm sure many more.
YAAAY ! YOU KEEP GOING !!!! 🥉🧭🌔😁🎇
Wow, this is amazing and so beautiful, keep going!🤍Art is so healing and I’m so glad you’ve found the magic of expressing yourself. The hardest thing to do is sit and stay in the feelings, but you’re doing it and art is so helpful with expressing what words cannot. Stay well and be proud of all you’ve accomplished 💪🤍
Keep going! You can do it! It’s so much better on the other side. ❤
So proud of you...keep on painting and keeping your mind and hands busy..i wish you nothing but the best!
Soo heartwarming and amazing! What a story, thanks so much for sharing here with us!!! Your story will inspire and save a few I'm sure!!! Congratulations indeed!!!!
Sobriety is the best possible way to live--I don't have words to express my gratitude for 35 years of being a miracle.
I totally gave up alcohol and all drugs for 23 years now. Best thing I've done in my life. I 100% believe in sobriety.
Wow ..wendy after reading the comments, you really hit a nerve... so many of us have been in the same position ... with enjoying a few glasses of wine for our many reasons..I too have been sober for a few years now, but must be aware of falling back into that pit... its not good to depend on a substance to make you feel a certain way... back to our journals and our arts to satisfy our souls!... bless all... peace!...thank you for sharing!.. 🤎🤍🤎🤍💙
Hi Wendy, Thank you for telling us your story. I also enjoyed red wine every day, it helped me sleep ( I worked a night shift at a hospital,very stressful) trying to sleep during the day was so hard. I gave up wine 3 years ago,I developed a stomach ulcer. I can't lie....I still miss it's warm,cozy feeling. I also struggle with anxiety,and depression. Thank you for keeping me company, I appreciate your Art,but it's your lovely personality, and encouragement with life's ups and downs that I love. I hope your feeling better every day ! I wish you and James happiness, and health always. Cindy
That is so fun. Yeah, sobriety is my super-power! I had three years in 2021, July. I got a huge resentment toward global governments and drank wine for 1.5 years, but I did not like how I felt at all! So now I have 94 days, or 3 months and feel like a million bucks! So good to have a beautiful, creative, adventurous sober sister! YAY!
sober sister yay! super power, yay! i love that !! congratulations on 94 days xxx million bucks!!! love it! x
Global governments are destroying us. I fully understand
Keep it up sweet peeps. I'm proud of you!!!❤🧡💛
Love all the plant babies. We have had 8 wks of sad news and things going wrong as well as some health niggles.
Trying hard to ride this storm
Some days are better than others. Very lucky to have good family and friends.
Who I can 😢 cry and laugh with because I think both those things help.
As well as crafts / art / yoga/ running/ walking and my crochet.
Everyday I do some little thing to make people smile be it a little crochet gift/ telling a joke/ posting flower pictures.
I find this helps me a lot and brightens our community.
Take as much time as you need Wendy. Your health and wellbeing is far more important to us than a video. Love and hugs to everyone.
WE GOT THIS
I used to be a wine addict. I quit a few years ago full time, but over the last year or so, I will have a glass, thinking I'm fine, and end up over doing it. Needless to say, I always regret it, and go through a week or two of emotionally beating myself up. Mostly because I effect others who are around me. Whether it's my husband or sister or anyone, and end up despising myself in the most horrible way. I always end up telling myself to just stop, and never ever tell yourself it's ok to just have one drink, because it's never just one. That's why I need to hear other people talk about their journey. It helps me just to know that I'm not the only person dealing with demons.
i became alchohol free year and a half ago (im 55) and am very grateful
Xxxxx yeay!!! I really am too! xxxxx
As a recovering alcoholic I understand where you’re coming from. My last drink of alcohol was June 1985. It’s been one heck of a journey since. It wasn’t enough that I stopped drinking, I had to go back to my taking that first drink - my journey back to me, painful and enlightening. I realised, I didn’t know me at all, it was, and still is, a journey of discovery. With getting to know myself I find I am constantly changing, it’s hard to keep up some times. Whilst I have no desire to take alcohol today, one thing I am forever grateful for, I find that I have an addictive nature. Anything that makes me feel good, I am in danger of becoming addicted to. Routines that make me feel good; the box of chocolates I deserve at the end of a busy day, shopping for beautiful things I like to look at - I’m obsessed with beautiful bedding at present. I’m all or nothing. I find an interest and become obsessed about it, I buy ever book on the topic and get bored with it before I get a chance to read any of them. I could go on and on, but I won’t lol 😂 I’ll continue to be a work in progress. Thanks so much for your
Wow! Things fall into your pathway just when you need them. 7 days so far!!! 🥂🍷🍸
I'm alcohol-free since 2003! To everyone trying to give up, keep going! You can do it! 💚🍄
Love that! And it rhymmes too!!!!!
@@theunexpectedgypsy 😹😹never thought of that!
I love and appreciate your videos anytime you show up. TAKE CARE OF YOU!
Oh I loved the second van so much! There was even a fireplace in it. That would be so cozy.💕
This is wonderful. I have 24 years in recovery, a day at a time. This resonates so much and so happy for you and your journey :) Art is a great balm :)
owowowowow!!! that's amazing! congratulations! what a journey... xx I tried before but fell off during lockdown days... art is a balm you are soo right there xx big loves
Congrats! I'm coming up on 22 years myself 😊
I love your honesty Wendy! I have been sober since December 3, 1980 one day at a time. I could so relate to the fuzzy edges, but meditation helps me a lot to turn off the stress. To thine own self be true.
Hi Wendy & all. Lovely to sit and watch your video. You speak my language Wendy 💖.
I have been clean and sober since 1992 and writing has played a huge part in my recovery. I write every day and feel odd if for any reason I'm unable to get something on the page.
I read 'The Right To Write', by Julia Cameron (The Artist Way) many years ago and still go back to it from time to time. Morning pages have held me through grief, depression & the menopause, as well as all the happy times.
Thank you for building this great channel. Your videos are always a tonic.
honoured to be an alcohol free tonic! and wonderful to hear parts of your story too, thanks so much for sharing xxx
It amazes me to see you growing so wonderfully, and all the difficulties we share with you, and we see ways of how you deal with these difficulties, through painting and writing in your journals, helps us all to recognize that we too will get through the challenges we face. I love your van ideas, because I too am going through a transition of health issues , and moving out of a big old house full of furniture and memories, into ... somewhere, some place, maybe my sister's ...but regardless I'm also on my way.
We are such light spirits, like the fairies ourselves, coming to visit the people who are facing challenges all over the world, saying it's alright to be who you are and feel the things you do, and we can survive, and heal and love. Thank you two!!
awwww I love everything you say in this comment, thank you so much xxx best fortunes with your new lighter ventures!!! xxxx big loves x
❤
Your difficulties you've shared the past year make sense to me now.
I wish you much gentleness for the process you are in now.
Much love from me to you.
Wendy, everyone needs a break from their job once in a while ,no matter how much they love it. When you work a conventional job you get vacation time ,but when you work for yourself it’s harder to take it. But you need it. I’m glad you’re taking time for yourself to figure out your options and decide what you want to do going forward. I will always be here waiting and I know a lot of people here are the same way . We just want you to be happy ,and we’re here when you post a video !!❤ I can’t wait to hear more about the van and it was so much fun seeing those fans! My husband and I want to buy a motorhome in a couple years. He’s planning to retire this year and I can’t wait !!
Oh this one got me! I’m sober now 12 years.. we do recover!! 💜 probably aside from my children, one of the best things I’ve ever done! Sending you good vibes and healing energy for your back. 💜🧚🏼♀️ ☀️
well done for 12 years! what a journey! xx thank you for healing vibes much appreciated!! big loves to you too xx
I've finally found you, my friend across the pond. Sometimes, you pop on a page and think, oh, there you are. I started writing when I stopped drinking 38 miraculously (as in no one thought I could do it, including me) years ago.
Just moved into my little van and head of in two weeks around australia working with art in mental health. Love your channel 💗
Sounds Wonderful!!!Gracie!I'm just starting art therapy the theme is grief and loss after experiencing brain injury.Wish I could do it in a van driving coastal here in Ireland! Wishing you every happiness 💚
Dear Wendy, thank you for showing up again ❤️ Every time you bring me inspiration, light(ness) and pure joy. Love you & your videos to bits ❤️ warmest hugs from Poland ❤️
🌟Thank you for the beautiful inside of processing thoughts. It helps. 🧡🙏🏻
Alot of people are shifting/struggling/re-emerging. A couple of other you tubers have down shifted on releasing weekly videos also. It's truly understandable that you need time. You are appreciated and I am thankful of any time you feel healed/balanced/rested enough, to film, edit and release a video 💝💝
Hi Wendy... the funniest thing has just happened...
So yesterday after watching your video I posted a comment "sending hugs and love your way ❤️ " and then today I got a ❤️ from Indoor Cycling video... lol - I by accident sent them the comment... oops... anyway, so I will send it today... hope you are having a wonderful week so far and that you are healing your back... take special care and sending hugs and love your way 😘
Hi Wendy I'm about to binge watch your videos as not seen any for a while.
I love what you do, your journaling through art speaks volumes, so therapeutic ❤
Thank you so much for just sharing you being you! Your authenticity and vulnerabilities make it feel like we’re all friends here-and who doesn’t need that! ❤
I could so relate to these thoughts and actions. I gave up drinking alcohol 5 years ago. I knew it was a crutch for social situations when I felt anxious and that rang a little bell in my head that I should stop. Now I'm on a medication and cannot drink alcohol anyway so it is not a problem. I am very addicted to sugar. One problem there is that baking for me was always relaxing. I learned to bake with my grandmother on Saturday mornings so that feeling of calm and joy always returned during my bakes....but of course I was getting more sugar too. I have stopped baking as much but sugar remains a problem that I work at every day. TY for sharing your process and thoughts.
oh well done, 5 years is awesome! xx yes, a crutch... and any alarm bells are worth noting for sure. I feel you with the sugar!! much loves xxx
Baking was a thing for me too.
I've recently gone "cold turkey" for sugar, milk and milk products, meat, some carbs and cutting down fruit. Ugh. It's hopefully going to contribute to reducing inflammation in my body. I admit it feels like punishment at the moment though.
💜🙏Thank You For Sharing Wendy.
Fifteen years ago I when I started with the menopause I discovered the negative effects of alcohol and sugar on my body.
Going without these helps control Hot Flushes and Anxiety.
Sounds like you have made this same discovery.
Thanks for the van tour.
Sending You Healing Energy.
🌸x
It's nice to see you. I love your new painting. Rich colors and she has a regal bearing.
Hope you will fell better soon.
Gentle ((HUGS)) sent your way, Wendy! Thank you for reminding us to take care of ourselves first. Without that, the rest is nearly impossible. Much admiration and love to you!
thank you xxxx self care hugs to you too!!! big loves xx
@@theunexpectedgypsy Just a thought - I gave up alcohol that I was using to anesthasize myself from a horrible marriage. I gave it up 14 years ago! I have never been more productive. (I gave up the husband, too! ;) ) I have never been more productive and really rarely feel the urge to drink. I find a lovely cup of my favorite flavour of tea is just as comforting. Yes. I feel the 'lows' a bit more, but I also appreciate the 'highs' too. My partner and I met in hospital actually when we both kind of went over the deep end. We struck up a friendship and were warned by many because of both of our vulnerabilities. But that was 14 years ago and not only do we live together, but we work together for my and now 'our' business. We are with each other 24/7 and while we may have differences, there is no drama and we are in a good, stable place - both clean and sober. I found giving up that crutch helped me more than I can say. It is scary in the beginning, but well worth it. I just wanted you to know my experience. I don't share it often, as people look at us as 'successful' and I always wonder if there would be judgment if they knew my past. But there is no shame in trying your best, is there? We can't change the past, only how we deal with today and tomorrow. ((HUGS)) again.
🦋 Well met !!!
thanks for sharing Sheila, you never know who needs to hear your story out there.... xxx No shame on being addicted to a very addictive substance!
big loves xxx
A lovely, beautiful, warm and heart sharing video. Thank you for sharing your vulnerabilities. So grateful, and yes I would love to hear more about the journalling through the addiction (or the sobriety) plus look forward to hearing more about the van shopping and the future idea. 🙏❤
Addiction is real and it sounds like you are really self aware and caught yourself before anything really spiraled. But everyone has their own idea of what there limit is. Your right the edges of life are sharp but I’ve learned through sobriety that if you face those edges instead of escaping they do begin to dull down some each time. . When you numb yourself you numb all the parts of you even the best pieces. The motivation, the creativity, the genuine happiness and sometimes just the very will to live. My addiction led me to some dark dark places where I wished for just a few or even a lot of hard edges .Once you get in deep where the edges penetrate your soul it takes all you’ve got to mend the cuts. Here’s to being self aware and taking action before the edges cut deep. I needed to hear this today as sometimes I forget how far I’ve come .i love your channel i just turned 50 im an elementary art teacher and im super inspired by your van life. I don’t think I could ever do it full time bc i love my job. But the idea of doing it part time over school holidays , summers and breaks sounds so amazing.
I can’t wait to hear your ideas for a new van! I imagine you taking off into the woods with your art supplies for days and days and just sitting in the silence painting and writing. Maybe a travelling studio? I hope it’s related to something you do for yourself. Any time you post is good for me, I love watching your progress and your faltering, all are important. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs, we have all been there and people rarely talk so openly about it❤
I have been rewatching your videos as I find you do inspire me to start creating again
Alcohol has played a huge part in my dysfunctional family.
I have been sober for over 1 and 1/2 years and distanced my self from others that drink alcohol
I am currently thinking of writing a book to try and help others with coping skills without turning to a bottle to numb the trauma or pain that comes with life sometimes.
Thankyou so much for your videos you are a constant inspiration 💗
Always good to reflect on things,So glad you are looking after you and listening to your body. Love watching you and your art processes very relaxing to watch. Whenever you upload next we will be here and look forward to it. 🧚🏼♀️🧚🏼♀️xx
yes true, x and thank you soooo much xxx
I am so glad that I came across you her on RUclips😊 You are someone that I can totally relate to! You have very deep emotions like myself. There is nothing wrong with that. So far, I am really enjoying your videos! Thanks for sharing your life with us 🥰
I love watching you paint! Glad you felt well enough to start a painting. 🥰
Your art is beautiful. Thank you for all of your inspirations!
gosh thank you, I feel v rusty atm! xxx
I love the van shopping!!! Sooo funn! so much yess! We have to move out in a few weeks and havent found anything yet. Im thinking of getting a big bell tent and putting everything in storage! haha Disappearing into the wilderness doesnt sound like a bad back up plan!! I say yes to Adventure!!
I have more of a sugar addiction myself and I don't drink much at all. I have been to a Club Soda event in London, there was a free event where there were several stalls selling alcohol free/low alcohol drinks, it was great. I am glad that we have more alcohol free choices now in supermarkets, pubs are often very slow to respond though
I think you are an absolute delight! Your authenticity and vulnerability in your videos, makes you so approachable, and I have no doubt that at least half of us here would love to be your best friend. I know I would. Thank you for taking us along on your life journey, as well as smaller, local journeys. Even things as “mundane“ as van shopping is fascinating. You’re a good role model for taking time out for yourself and your healing. Big, long, giggly hugs from America.💙
my dream van is a Mercedes, so out of my Budget I shouldn’t spell it correctly. But still, the shower/bathrooms are superb & the pop-out onnings make an Insta-patio. Perfect for a cat & a few changes of clothes. No more landlord!
Love the Rv's you looked at Thanks for sharing about your alcohol free journey...I love your videos ..Have a great day!!
If you feel like a misfit, turn it around and become a miss fit. To go along with your words matter. Loving these inspirational videos ❤
love it ! the best!! xxxx
Ya; what a great idea BECOME the misfit (you feel you are).
so excited to hear what the van will be for! and thanks for sharing your alcohol free year journey; I too am feeling I need a change with my relationship with it especially now since I turned 50 and my emotions are all over the place recently. I do miss your weekly videos but I am glad you are taking the time you need.
Love & hugs from Australia. Just as long as you and yours are ok. The rest is fine. Really nice to see you and James out and about. I dont mind if I just see "gone fishin" or whatever... you just cross my mind often and I wish you much better health.
Another moment of synchronicity, 'Words have power' you say, as I am writing a section on words of power in my Book of Shadows.
Yes,
Addiction to sugar.
I try very hard and if I can stay off for a week I'm good.
Right now I haven't been able to make it through 24 hours 😔
Thanks for sharing your journal. You inspire me to try new things and go out of my comfort zone. ❤️❤️❤️
Hello Wendy,
As a child you was as cute as a button.
I like how you don't pressure yourself to post videos weekly.
That's why when you do appear it's so refreshing. 🤗☕🌻
Ah yes….those lockdowns….we also increased our wine consumption at that time. The past year we have reduced to the occasional few glasses at supper. And you do put it right when you say it blurs the hard edges, but oh the havoc it has on our bodies! Love your journals….you are an inspiration. Btw, have you looked at tiny homes? Most are on wheels…..very interesting. Shine your light bright, Wendy, as I will too from across the pond in Canada! Hugs
Sending prayers and love, Wendy! Cocoon as you need, and thanks for always shining your light bright!
Lovely as always getting to know Wonderful Wendy better! Your videos are calming and such a gem in our crazy world. You can upload whenever you like, you are number 1 and we love you. x's lj
Your painting was like watching a beautiful ballet. Continue to listen to your body Your self care is a special gift you are giving yourself as well as gifting us your wise words so that perhaps one of us will begin to listen to our bodies as well. thank you for sharing always
I went through the same thing during Covid, started drinking around dinner time, just one or two, then that increased also! After maybe a year or two I realized I had to stop!! It was all too much!! I am also an all or nothing person, so I just stopped!! Not an easy thing to do but it cleared my head and I did feel so much bettet!! I would also love to get a small camper that would work for my husband and I!! I want to escape and see something else!! Not that I'm not grateful for what I have, in need of an adventure!! Sending lots of love to you both!! Hope your back feels better soon!!❤❤❤
Brilliant video, as always.
About the alcohol bit, I'd love for you to do a video on that as I'd like to stop too. Like you, I got into a habit during lockdown, so I'd be interested to hear your take on it all and hopefully encourage me and others.
Thanks, Wendy. You're a gift ❤
Yes, I would love to talk about it all! Lots of dysfuntional drinkers out there and no shame at all with it as it is an addictive substance! I wanted to give up for a while too! I have no judgement at all though on anyone drinking it... it's all a process for sure... x Thanks for your comment too and honesty! xxx big loves
UnexpecteUnexpect
Windy thank you for your openness ! The struggle is real for me.I bought that book on kindle! Wow it is so helpful.I cannot tell you you eternally grateful I am!
Thankyou for being so open about giving up drinking, it looks like lots of us here relate and it would be lovely if you could do a video on the subject. I hope you feel better soon Wendy!🥰x
I love all your content it keeps me smiling all the time
Wendy, I just celebrated 40 years of clean and sober on March 10 2023. However, my dearest sober soul mate of 36 years, Michael died on December 10 2023. He had been sober 44 years. I going to attempt to create a memory journal of our love. We played and wrote music together and he was a brilliant artist and teacher. I am hoping your pages can help me. Trust me, living life on life's terms is the best way. I am so grateful.
Sobriety, good for you! It is a challenge, I had quit during the pandemic and then started up again after losing my husband last March. A friend invited me to a regular happy hour, just one drink at her house and I have been going. Just last month I quit, still go over sometimes with a cup of tea. Other people do not make it easy to stop! I am feeling ready to stick this time.
As far as VANS go, out of those 3 I would pick #1. Looks very clean and I'm sure some decor would make it more cosy.
Good morning from CA, Wendy! Warmly, Sunshine Phoenix 🌞
morning!!! Happy Sunday x
Watching you driving on the left does freak me out, 😆
Yes, I decided to cut back for the same reasons. I may have a drink or two in a social situation, but no more drinking regularly at home.
Life definately takes courage. It is very hard not to crawl under the blankets and just stay right now as it is for many I'm sure. The light isn't there in the tunnel but I'm hoping it will show even ever so lightly and small at the end very soon. Love your videos and honesty. Much love Erika in southern USA.
You are worth waiting for!
So good that you are listening to yourself.💚💚💚
Hi Wendy, Thank you for your video! Ive been sober for 25 years, day by day, moment by moment! Certainly agree, Life takes COURAGE!!! Blessings to you, hang in, This too Shall pass. ❤🙏🌈🍀
I can't say enough how much I enjoy sitting down with a cuppa to spend a snippet of time with you Wendy. Any time you can share is perfect for me. I felt an affinity with you as soon as I stumbled across your channel a couple of months ago and you often voice my thoughts so perfectly. After years of stumbling blindly along the menopause path I have found it more enjoyable to embrace this new chapter and can now walk along calmly, hand in hand, with this . I celebrate my sobriety daily - today is day 282 for me and I am proud of me and all I have learned about myself on this journey. I stopped smothering my head with poison in the form of hair dye 16 months ago and and am embracing the natural highlights and waves I am blessed with. I allow myself time to enjoy my own company and thoughts whilst making candles, stained glass creations and artwork without feeling guilty about the washing up that needs doing or the floors that need sweeping and surprise, surprise - the sun still shines and the roof hasn't fallen in on me for taking time for myself. Brightest blessings and gentle hugs to you Wendy. Have a splendid sunshiny day!
Having owned two vans, and still owning one, the secret is less is more regarding to the belongings one takes with them, when we were in our early 40’s we took everything except the kitchen sink so to speak, now in our 70’s we have learned to take very few things. Love the vans, although why are they always that teak, I wonder, I feel it makes them seem so old fashioned, in Australia we have to be careful about refitting a van, because if the weight varies from the original i.e. heavier cupboards extra paint added we could have trouble getting them through inspections, maybe thats not the same in the u.k. looking at the home made van you showed us.
Thank you for another sweet, caring, and positive video. I do enjoy watching you and James. The painting was especially lovely
You do have to be careful with self-builds as regards weight. So many people add massive weight that the unit isn't designed or licensed to carry, or in the wrong spots. Not to mention wood stoves. I'd be thrilled to get one of this little factory-built units, so well done for floor plan, and windows. Haven't seen those in Canada.
Thanks for sharing and inspiring us all! Many blessings to everyone! Love everyone!
Here in Michigan Wendy we have the same dilemmas😂house hunting is frustrating for 2 yrs! Looking at vans too, 😵💫 stressful, so kudos to you for keeping yourself together and loving that 🎨 painting..well ✅ done!
Oh Yeah 🎉 i love the grace fairy stickers
Love all of you. Such a nice community. Thanks Wemdy for facilitating
Sending softest hugs Wendy 🤗 you take as long as you need. It’s good d to know that you’re safe and taking time to journal. I’ve learned how to do that that from watching your RUclips channel and now working through some things in my own handmade art journal. The process is as important as the finished piece. I’m 62 and know that my 50’s were filled with moments of self doubt probably due to menopause. I’m the other side of this now and it’s been a struggle but worthwhile for the self discovery. Thank goodness for art and fellow artists to hold safe space when I didn’t have the strength to do it alone. Truly grateful for the sisterhood. You’ll get through this turbulent time and it’s a privilege to share your journey. Mwah 💋 xx
Love the way your painting is taking shape. Got me excited with all your van visits! As always love your honesty, and I agree you shouldn't feel pressured into making videos, only do them when you feel you have the energy and inspiration to do so.
Coming out of a depression time, as someone learning how to manage pain, I am filling my life with what I can accomplish! Something like how you are managing your health and well being, as far as when or how often you post, I see it as a gift not an obligation on your part! Each nugget of advice or information is so appreciated as it spurs me on! Blessed days of healing!
I have grown up seeing what alcohol can do to people so I've never wanted anything to do with the stuff, it can be hard to find social activities that don't revolve around alcohol, but I always love hearing other people's journey with sobriety. ❤❤❤
Re the van: Nice potty and very comfy bed is most important. I have great memories of traveling all around the US with my kids in the summer. This country is BIG, your country is CUTE. (I love the hedges.) I downloaded the book and thanks for the suggestion. I am sober for three months and am showing my dogs a good time lately. I am collecting books and pictures of fairies, both grim and beautiful. One book is how to attract fairies. Hm...do I want to?
Great new video; how can we not love you for your honesty and allowing us to share so openly what most keep from public view completely. I so appreciate your beautiful sepia toned under painting on that great big canvas YEAH for painting big bold free and from the heart. You are painting your inner world and creatively living your outer life! I knew a woman that bought a wide open panel van to drive to fabulous spots for painting and could splash oils and completely not worry about it. Giving ourselves permission! The housing market is still completely beyond me too; willingness to explore alternatives; living on our own terms. Lived 8 years in RV and would do it again but I'd go Air Stream this time!
I love your painting she is gorgeous
Managing our time when not on the traditional treadmill is not that easy. Having space to live outside the box is unique. You do both well.
I think especially when you're having pain, it is so easy to use the medicinal effects of alcohol. Thanks for sharing Wendy.
A question, that popps up into my mind: what about some sort of Tiny house, that you could be carried from a van- type of vehicle on a trailer so you could change places but are mobile if you just have a little trip, but could settle down, if you want to. If you know, what i try to say....🤔
Wow! Spot on. Thanks for sharing. I too have giving it up.
given it up! yay!!! xxxx big loves!
I certainly relate to your emotions about alcohol and sobriety and addictions. Seems we give one up and another appears to take it's place! It takes courage and perseverance to overcome our addictive personalities. Staying connected to others helps. Best wishes to you and all who are struggling.
Thank you so much for sharing Wendy❤️ Really relate to what you’re saying.
Yes we did miss you. I am liking all the vans. Hate the cracks in the window of one. Thanks for sharing have a wonderful week.
When I watch your videos, I wish I was your cat. LOL. I know I know. You are so interesting.
Hope you are well and doing well. We're all on kinda a crazy journey so ride the wave.
crazzzyyy journey yes!!! xxxxxxx
I find your story around alcohol interesting . I gave up drinking any alcohol ( and coffee / black tea ) 4 years ago, the reason being that only one glass of wine or champagne would push my nervous system too much and not let me sleep . I maybe once tried a sip of wine, it made my head feel so strange , and I felt a fear of losing control over myself. Meanwhile I even, occasionally, find the smell of alcohol revolting - but I feel very differently about the smell of COFFEE . I never feel sorry for myself for not drinking ( I know former alcoholics who do ) . And I learned to use other ways to unwind after stressful activities . And sweets - yes, need to cut down on those because my gum gives me immediate feedback .
There are so many OTHER ways to give oneself a treat !🌺🌹🪷🌸
Just want you to know how much you are appreciated Wendy. Your videos always help. Thankyou for sharing 🤗
what fun! congrats on your sobriety! and the van looks awaesome and i know there is fun ahead! we are building a camper van now and i cant wait to see what lies ahead!
Hi Wendy! Another Wendy here :-) I'm a relatively new subscriber (about a year I think?!) Anyway, I love your videos - they are a 'cup of tea on a cold day' - I just curl up and enjoy the peacefulness that comes from from watching you! I resonate with so much of today's video - I'm also trying to find my way through the 'penomause' whilst working and all that stuff!
I would love to get another van - the other half and I have had 2, but had to give them up due to expense (why do all garages suck their teeth and add a zero to the cost?!!' so I really enjoyed going van hunting with you - and I absolutely fell in love with the 2nd one - how gorgeous was that?! I'm in love!
And addiction - for me it's definitely sugar - malteasers to be precise! We all struggle with something, don't we?! So glad we can share each other's ups and downs! Sending blessings whilst I cocoon in the cold! :-) xx
I have not had an alcohol for almost 10 years . My life has been so much better .. my health so much better . I stopped eating meat a few year before that and it was equally as life changing . Don’t miss either ever . So excited for you and your journey! X
Bless your misfit soul, you have another sister over here 👋 I didn’t find art until my mid-40s and it’s only with other artists that I truly feel understood. Since Covid I don’t really get with ppl (and I’ve never been an extrovert anyway) but it’s so nice to listen to your videos and find a kindred soul. Thank you for sharing. We love and appreciate you 😀 I quit so many things for health reasons (anxiety and adrenal fatigue), getting off gluten, corn, dairy, sugar and alcohol have all helped me and I think I have the EMF sensitivity too. Congratulations to you on your journey. I also agree on the cold turkey - I can’t have just a little sugar for example. But I found xylitol from a birch (not corn) source works great and you can’t tell the difference between that and sugar so I’m not sure if that can help you. Again, thank you for everything. ❤