No this is exactly what I (and I assume most ) are looking to hear. I’m not here to see National Geographic. They have a bigger budget. I’m here to see and hear a “regular guy” do the off grid thing in an honest way. So spot on.
Shawn, never apologize for cutting "Toxic People" from your life. As I get older, I find that I have less of a tolerance for arrogant, fake or toxic people. Brother always stay true to your own feelings and beliefs and don't feel sorry for it.
Yes sadly I've been forcing myself to do that as ell which includes a lot of family that I do love but just can't be around because of it. Of course I've become the enemy because of it but meh they can keep being negative all they want. I'm grown up now and live alone so at least I can leave when I want to. I feel sorry for others that can't or waiting to do the same. Side not not abused or anything had a great upbringing just have a different mindset then most of the family. I want better, They want me to work at Walmart and take orders and just be a zombie through life. It's a clash that i'm sure many go through. If you can't find support there look elsewhere for positive people.
Shawn your talks warm my heart and give me a little hope for humanity if only more people would take time to be humble and kind our world future may not be so scary as it seems now.
My mama always taught me that there was always somebody better than you and somebody worse than you at whatever activity you participate in. Just do the best to your ability and effort, in your endeavors, and you will find success. And always stay humble or somebody will humble you, most often in an unkindly manner.
Shawn James, I watch your videos regularly. The reason, I enjoy listening and watching your daily life. Depending on the weather conditions, sometimes I watch how you built your cabin; sometimes you just talk to us. I feel like you are our neighbor :) Ignore those negative comments, most people like your personality and how sincere you are. People who give you negative comments, must have something missing in their lives. I admire your skills. I have no jealousy feelings. Keep up . If they don't like it, don't have to watch.
At the risk of stoking resentment, I unsubscribed from Bushcraft channels with hosts that obviously focused on money. The vibe is competitive, hollow and contrived. I am still subscribed here because your vibe is mellow, unpretentious, and genuine. My perception is you are doing what you love, first, and sharing your hard-won experience with us, second.
You are not arrogant. Even my 29 year old daughter in Mexico said in regard to you, “What a beautiful person and a wonderful man”. Oh and by the way, ask my wife how excited I was when you mentioned my favourite song “Humble and Kind”. You have helped me in more ways than you know.
Shawn. Our world literally drowning in psychopaths. They understand not: compassion, humility, honor, self respect, ethics, morals, decency. The list goes on and on. We live amid monsters, we always have and we always will. If I posted a bunch of beautiful roses, there would be those that would click "dislike". A friend told me almost 20 years ago, "it's time to weed the garden". What he meant was, anyone or anything that is not walking the same journey is not worth my time nor effort. My rose garden began to look more beautiful be the minute. Ignore the haters. That's what they do best. It's the only thing they do best. Bless you and your family Shawn. And again, its an honor and a privilege that you should be so gracious as to allow us into your magical realm.
Been watching My Self Reliance for over a year. I prefer the Shawn James channel now more. Nursing school was sooo hard and overwhelming, passed my test and got my license last friday! Shawn's weekly videos helped keep me focused on what really matters and how to manage my stress. :)
In my experience, people with huge egos are very insecure, afraid, anxious, and have low self esteem, so they create a false exterior and in actuality, a false life. Aggressive egomaniacs make sure no one gets too close or they might see the sham. Humility is a golden quality that comes from understanding that everyone is born equal. We are all loved by God equally. And we know our vulnerabilities and the grace that sustains us. I also believe that kindness comes from this same world view. God bless you Shawn and your loved ones.
One of the most authentic people on RU-vid. And... the setting sun behind your head gives a brilliant look! How in the world do you have your frontside lit with so much beautiful backlight? Wonderful!
Your viewers connect with Shawn! You do what you do very well! I’ve never experienced arrogance from you in any of your videos! I watch every single one and have even gone back and watched all of the others you’ve made! You have a great channel and present your tasks and self quite well! I use to work in federal Law Enforcement! Talk about arrogance! I’ve had enough of that throughout my career! Your channel is a blessing!
I worked in law enforcement also ...oh, yes, i can relate!! LOL, Yes, M. Shawn , your channel is a breath of fresh air on social media. I don 't have a TV exactly for this reason! I am also lucky enough to live in the country , not quite as isolated though! Best to you all.
betts258 Shawn’s channels are my relaxation time! I don’t watch TV only a select few RU-vid channels! It’s refreshing and comforting! Especially channels like Shawn’s that are outdoor related!
Your kind and humble nature had me subscribing to both of your channels even though I cannot get outdoors anymore. Keep going you inspire so many people world wide Shawn and the fact that you are humble says it all. Thank you.
I'll just be echoing so many of the aforementioned affirmations of the hundreds of commentors, but it bears repeating: I watch you because of your genuineness, simplicity, humility and magnanimity that all speak for your beautiful character, in addition to your extraordinary genius, talent, tenacity, humor, work ethic and raw skill. I look forward to something from either of your channels, every day, and that wouldn't happen if I was peering into the life of a negative person or a haughty person. You exemplify the generous, kind spirit of a good neighbor. You share. You create content that can and does actually help people figure themselves out. And you don't preach it: you live it. It's why I come back every week, and it's why everyone in my life, at this point, knows that I watch you and what I gleaned from you. Please don't be discouraged by the few who can't stand the success of others. Haters hate because they don't know the concept of love. If ANYONE watched your channel for an episode or two, they'd know how much goodness you are, and that you exude; to hate that is to reside in a very, very dark place. And since so many of us religiously watch your channels and effusively compliment you, it's fair to say that the haters have the problem; you're not the problem. BTW: starting your rundown of music that you regularly listen to with classical music, just put the cherry on the top, for me. You brighten my day in so many ways, you can't even imagine.
Shawn, It's good to hear you speak about living a compassionate life. In the Christmas Carol, Scrooge discovered the joy he had lost after he turned from the greedy, selfish life of a miser. There is no joy trying to get everything for yourself. Yet you see people, even at an older age, who don't have a clue why they are so miserable. Lately in your videos, you almost can't contain the joy in your life. I am very happy for you. I know it comes from the inside out.
I've too cut toxic people out of my life. Wish I would have had the maturity to do it sooner. You are right about people being jealous of you because I've heard them, but know this, I call them out on it. It makes them sound pathetic. Keep doing you because I'm here enjoying you and your videos. 👍👍👍you're a good man Shawn
Your channels make you a better person. They also make us better people for watching such a GOOD man demonstrate what can be achieved with hard work and self determination.
Shawn, your humble approach to the way you share your life is exactly why I keep watching. I was sucked in with the cabin build on My Self Reliance but it’s more than that now. You do you and your audience will grow.
Shawn, I think I have made the same comment before but every time I have a bad day.... and I mean a really bad day at the office... I run to your channel as an antibiotic for stress and bad mood... it works every time, this video is a stellar example why this is happening ... :) thank you my friend!
I am from Upstate, NY, on Lake Ontario, and living in the south right now. When I watch your videos it helps me feel close to home, I can actually feel the cold winters, watching you and Cali. I get home sick.
It's hard to get people to visit if they are approaching and hear a banjo playing, most get spooked, turn tail and skedaddle out of there! Then again, if Shawn could play Foggy Mountain Breakdown and then put that as background music to some sauna assembly footage (he'd have to speed it up by 4-5X), that would be pretty neat to see.
So true, 10 seconds into a video with arrogant people ends it for me. Your comment made me think about this in a new way and see how offensive it is. Wondered what it was that makes me like you more than other similar RU-vidrs, yes, its humility and kindness, the key to all else. Thank you Shawn.
Humility and kindness are, together with your work ethic, the 3 main personality traits I see in your videos, and by extension 3 big reason why I respect what you do here on the channel so much. Thank you Shawn for all your effort, as always :)
I can’t add anything new to the comments already written. You remind me so much of my dad, it’s like he came back to keep teaching me. Thank you for ALL that you do on your two channels.
Thank you for all of the content and wisdom you share with us Shawn! You are easily one of my favorites on YT. I hope many more people find you and can receive your messages... The world needs people like you to be a loud, calm voice in the chaos. Thank you again. Cheers!
Real men cry. My husband loves country music, & he loves that song by Tim McGraw ...Always be humble & kind. He is that exact type of man, that's why I love him so much. I see the same in you Shawn, you are a beautiful, wise man. I love watching you. May you always be blessed! What a touching video. I have unfollowed several people on RU-vid, their content didn't please me. You... are different, I will always watch your videos. You are real, thanks for that. 👍. I love sweet Callie, she makes me smile 😀, just like you do.
Your humble kindness shows through in all that you do. Your compassionate manner is one of your strengths. Thank you for being brave enough to share this.
You know what, sometimes people suck, and that's sad. I'm glad you keep on doing you're thing in the face of some negativity. I, as well of all your supporters, are with you you all the way. Keep the videos coming, and thanks for sharing.
Once again I find your common sense to be outstanding Shawn.. keep up the good work my friend, I find that if you are true to yourself.. you will be true to others. BE SAFE MY FRIEND !
I appreciate it when you speak from the heart. Speaking for myself, these type of videos are a great reminder to slow down and pay attention to yourself as a human being. From appreciating that small patch of grass to simply asking someone how they're doing, it's important that we as humans take a moment and appreciate all that we have and not focus on all that we don't have.
Yours is the only off-grid living channel I watch, because you are humble and kind and an example of someone who can be successful and be a good guy. You are a great role model. Love the thoughts expressed in this video. Thank you so much, love watching your videos. You are an inspiration also, how to overcome adversity, staying positive, working hard, being a good person. I really admire you. I also love watching Cali
It's such a great way to live. Be yourself and don't let negative behaviour change you. It's something that as I get older too matters more and more. Thanks for sharing.
I am a 70 year-old preacher. I love watching you because you are living my dream. I hear your heart. You are on track. Do not change anything in your heart. Keep doing what you are doing. You honesty will bring you a long way. Love you and your dog. Stay humble!!!
I enjoy your musings, particularly while Cali is be-bopping around in the background. You put care into the things you do and to what you say, and that keeping up with your life on both channel quite enjoyable.
Seriously, how can someone give you a thumbs down unless they are absolute assholes. That was such good encouragement and advice. You are a great example to men who desperately need encouragement in today’s world thank you.
Well said! I know that for myself often I do not finish watching your videos not because I'm not interested in the content but because life gets in the way. For instance, I know that I'm never going to build a sauna in the wilderness. However, I found you building your sauna fascinating. Even though the content may not be something I would naturally gravitate to your videos and your commentary are well done and make it interesting. Keep up the great work.
My oldest brother told me about Shawn James , now we r Both avid watchers of both his channels on you tube , we love ,love,love ur message ,ur stories ,just everything , keep it coming ,please ,,, lol 😀
That is a great motto to live by!! Never judge someone on looks or first actions. Once you peel off a couple of layers you may find a wonderful person. Another great video by a good person. Stay humble my friend. (we have never met but its a saying). LOL
I’m watching this video 3 years after it’s publishing, but the content is timeless, we love watching your videos for the build and the talks, thank you 😊
Very good Shawn 👍 One of my many hobbies is making positive statement or quote signs to hang around the yard or for presents to people. One of my favorite that I have says "Always be kinder than necessary " Of course my favorite though is by Benjamin Franklin "Fish and visitors smell in three days"😁 Great video 👍
Just vent like this whenever you feel like you need to, Shawn. Don't feel bad or like you're 'feeding the trolls' or whatever. If you can make just one negative or hate filled individual really reflect on their actions towards bettering themselves, then you've done humanity a great service. Keep doing great work!
Your humility and gentle nature have led me to stay with your channel. I can’t tell you how hard it has been to find a person such as yourself to teach me how to process wood and shoot. I finally found an old friend who is a genuine, kind guy who does not lead with his ego! My kind of people.
Hi mr James. So glad you are making humility and kindness a life long goal. You will always be loved for that by your family and others and God Thank you once again for the videos. Look forward to watching you progressing on with your amazing projects Keep healthy and happy. Carol and Bob
Shawn, the thumbs down are all bots or accidental! :D This video touched me deeply! And yeah I think we def. need more people helping each other - without expecting something in return. Just because it is the right thing to do!
I know there are mean people who are unhappy and want to drag others down, they do the thumbs down and leave nasty comments, I could never in my life understand why they would do that to Shawn but I'm sure they do, just like other channels that get trolled hard, most channels block them and delete the comments so viewers don't have to deal with the negativity, I hope Shawn never takes any of it to heart, unfortunately it's the world we live in.
When I was a teen, I’d watch the guys go to their woodworking class opposite my class and wished I was going to that class instead.I’d have loved to learn how to use tools at least. I did hardwood flooring on my home myself. Clearing all the under carpet gunk was the hardest, with staples @ random on the underlay. Fascinating.
I love watching you build and learning or getting new ideas from you. I tend, I thought, to evaluate others by the way they work. After viewing this video I realized I have also, maybe more so, been evaluating others on their attitudes. You put into words what I have admired in others and strived for in my self for years. Well done.
Just watched your latest today...I have never really watched any channel..but I have watched yours EVERY chance I get. I hope you carry on with the same... Many times you take the words right out of my thoughts, nailing the nail right on the head. I am from a small town too. I was very much like you - a builder and outdoor /dog lover. Same tools. Hunter/fisherman & Island owner. I have sent a few comments on either channel, and really enjoy your input.. I have a small cloth poster in my kitchen, " THE TRUE MEANING OF LIFE... " We are visitors on this planet. We are here for ninety or 100 years at the very most. "During that period, we must try to do something good, something useful, with our lives." If you contribute to other peoples happiness, you will find the true goal, the true meaning of life." From H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama. I'm 62..retired, if there is such a thing. Give Calli a big hug for me..as always.
Other RU-vidrs don't have your "secret weapon" Cali!! But Cali is as nice as she is because of your kind and loving character and nurturing Shawn. Thanks for posting and best wishes!
Great message Shawn. I enjoyed both the words & seeing you make the pegs. It behooves us to know that each step takes time & unlike the magic of editing, it just has to happen. The skill, time & effort are part of the process and in the end, will make the cabin even more of a home than it already is.
I wish your channel was available 20+ years ago, I believe if I would’ve been able to learn from you back then it would’ve made me a better man raising kids which I did anyway but would’ve maybe acted differently growing up myself with them. That song is my wife’s song to our 13 year old son and I get teared up every time I hear it. Great song! Great video Shawn!
You hit the nail on the head. If you waste 30 min a day dealing with idiots that have nothing better to do, that's 30 min you will never get back. Bless those who bless you and this world will be a better place. Keep being who you are my friend.
Hi, i want to thank you for this video. I very much enjoy and appreciate all your videos. This one is closer to my heart as I have had to eliminate (negative) people from life. I am grateful for every breath and heart beat I am given 🙏. Thank you for your channels 🙂
This is exactly why I can watch you for hours. You ARE humble and kind and it shows clearly. You have a warmth and calmness about you that sets my soul at ease and makes it easy to learn from what you're doing, even without a word being spoken.
Don't stop making video's Shawn, I love the escapism it gives me, your lifestyle and the skills you possess is probably what most of us dream of having, + Calli, the coolest dog on youtube.
Well, Shawn i have watched every video of yours, and while watching this one i started thinking and i have a hard time finding anything that would justify a thumbs down anywhere. You seem to make sure that everything is your opinion and you don't push anything on anyone. the thing that i got interested in the beginning was the ten or fifteen minutes of you explaining your self reliance, and i still enjoy them. Thank you and keep up the good work and keep "Cali" healthy.
Shawn- life's not about being rich, or popular, or perfect. Its about being real, about being humble and kind. This is why all of us watch you!!! Its because of YOU!!! Your sincere and extremely modest. You can tell a lot about your character by how you treat Cali... Doesn't get any better than here.
Hit the nail on the head mate. I can relate. And, you know what, it is so refreshing to hear someone with nothing to prove telling it like it is. You're at ease with yourself. That's a rare quality these days. Massive thumbs up :)
Peaceful loving kindness. Honesty. Middle Path. Beginners mind. Humility. A few reasons why I love u, Shawn. That's not time spent outside... That's from time spent inside. Namaste 🙏
A Soft Answer Turneth Away Wrath, But Grievous Words Stir Up Anger - Proverbs 15:1 - A calm verse I enjoy reading daily - A Old Home Remodeler Coming from South Carolina USA Here! I surely enjoy the character, old school disappearing techniques used, and beautiful wilderness you have committed to - Thank you sir
Good Thursday Shawn and Cali! Your viewers like watching your videos because you are genuine, one of kind, hard working, and don't waste not even one second of your breath or energy on those negative people!
I like both your channels, but this kind of content where you share your thoughts and wisdom on life has me appreciating this channel more. Thanks for sharing with us.
It is so rare to hear anyone talking about kindness. It is vastly underrated and you are a breath of fresh air in these vicious times. You give me hope that there are decent people out there.
