How do you like my attention-grabbing title? As Ricky Ricardo said, “Let me ‘splain.”
Two and a half years ago, I completely dismantled my perfectly good life. I exited the Rat Race, downsized drastically, and embarked on a journey of travel and discovery. In the months leading up to the metamorphosis, I imagined my new life; there would be no need for cable, as I would spend my time reading books, meeting people, and writing. As I carry 100 gallons of fresh water on board, I would drink only water and drinks made with water, like unsweetened iced tea. I would shed the shackles of negative thoughts and depression. I would cease being a rampant consumer and choose experiences over junk. I would keep a limited cocktail bar of five key liquors to conserve space.
As I write to you today, liquor is squirreled away all over the rig. The refrigerator is stocked with Diet Coke. I have DirecTV on satellite, and Amazon prime, Netflix, and Hulu online. I still buy shite I don’t need. While I have been off anti-depression medications for a couple of years now, a victory to be sure, I sometimes go through periods of low motivation, self-doubt and cocooning from the world.
I am not despairing about the liquor or the television; I utilize both to my advantage. I am working on the shopping, and I really do need to jettison the Diet Coke – so unhealthy! The point is, when I imagined life in an RV, my expectations were unrealistic. Now, when I read blogs of those preparing to embark on their RV journeys, I immediately recognize their magical thinking, and empathize.
The title of this entry is accurate, but an incomplete thought. Here’s the whole thing: If you are not a happy person, RVing will not make you happy.
Your circumstances will not change you; only you can do that.
I was a generally very happy person in my prior life, and I am now, but life has its ups and downs, no matter how idyllic the scenery.
I Still Worry.
When I traded the sticks and bricks for a motorhome, I exchanged one basket of shelter worries for another. There is less worry in my life since I stopped working, but there is plenty of other stuff to fret about. I worry about money, my health, and the ability to get medical treatment, for starters.
I Still Plan.
You can take the Type A girl out of the office, but she’ll still be a planner. Many RVers are proud of the fact that they fly by the seats of their pants, not making advanced reservations or planning more than a few hours ahead on where they will spend the night. That’s just not me, and living this lifestyle didn’t change that. I sketch plans based on the seasons, chase good weather, and make reservations far in advance to get the best spots. I would rather camp on the edge of the lake than by the dumpsters or the showers. I have no desire to change that aspect of me.
I Still Get Bored.
When writing a travel blog and living the kind of life that many can only dream about, it is practically verboten to say this, but it’s true. While I am invigorated by discovering new places, immersing myself in history, meeting new people, and writing about it all, traveling in an RV is my new normal. I’ve been doing it for over two years now. Without the intense mental stimulation of practicing law, I sometimes struggle with bouts of boredom, which I counteract with reading, watching documentaries, or learning new skills like playing the ukulele. I’m thinking of tackling a foreign language, listening while I drive.
In the words of Buckaroo Bonzai, “Wherever you go, there you are.” A change in latitude will affect only so much attitude. Of course you can make positive changes in your life, with hard work and determination. Even in new surroundings, you will still have work to do.
This Post Has 13 Comments
Amen Sista!
Thanks for being so honest. I really appreciated reading your thoughts and feelings on this topic.
👍
I love, love, love this!! Thank you for telling the “ugly truth,” that it’s not all unicorns and rainbows.
But, every once in a while…
Look forward to meeting you for a cocktail on the road one day.
XO
The good days are especially good, aren’t they Donna?
Well said.
So true!
I have been on the road for 19 years. I have told many people over the years, as they pack their RV and prepare to go on the road, that all of the problems both emotional and physical they had before they hit the road are also packed in the RV. It’s life and you have to deal with it.
Life on the road is a lifestyle choice and not a vacation. Its an easy decision for me and seeing the USA from my RV has been grand.
Well said, Robert!
As in any lifestyle, a few bad days make the good ones even sweeter. You are responsible for your own happiness.
Mariah, isn’t that the truth? Thanks for your comment.
Four stars for the Buckaroo Banzai quote!
Maybe full retirement is overrated. I am work driven and may need to keep working at least for part of the year to maintain my sanity. Also plan on keeping S+B as living in the RV part of the year keeps it fresh.