Very proud of you Brian. I started out life being mobile in my late teens early 20s. I thought I had to have the big new houses and trucks. I did it. But, they did not make me happy. Now I have come full circle and back to my roots. I am happiest being mobile. It's not that I have to go anywhere, it's just knowing I can if need be. CVK
You have found your calling. Your life (and specifically this video) has touched more lives than you can ever imagine. By being open when you are feeling both up and down helps so many. You are a shining light.
Brother I love this video! !! I can so relate to the worldly matters and watching the news never helped... lol I can still remember your very 1st video 😃...you come a long way and I'm glad your still here 😊✌
The Universe has a way of plucking us out of a situation before we implode. Your soul is at peace ✌️. That’s the number one thing you can do for yourself in life...find peace in your soul. 💜🐾
Very inspirational video. 👍 Thank you for taking the risk and opening up like you did. Depression is such a huge battle in today's world. It is a subject that very few people feel comfortable talking about whether they are still battling it or have overcome it. I know your message will inspire and help so many people. Peace to you always Brian!!! 😉
The ocean/beach will do that for you. It's called grounding. Anyone depressed, or ill and do what you did will heal. I feel the closest to God when I am looking out at the ocean. He is everywhere, but that's when I realize how unimportant all the worries I have are and what a minute spec we are on earth. Brian, this was worth watching twice!
Not sure you'll ever see this post but I gotta tell you iam really happy for you..making Hugh changes can be difficult but brother you did it...i like watching your adventures it takes my mind off of all the bs going on in this world..one thing you touched on about the news and talk radio was spot on..iam was also feeling a sense of depression and I stopped listening to all the negative even on Facebook...life is short no more time for negativity...anyway..thanks this really did speak to me...anyway funny thing is iam going camping this weekend....for real...can't wait. ...take care and safe travels...lee
Who the heck thumbs down this video?! Anyway, Brian this really resonates with me. You hit the nail on the head!!! I cannot wait to become unstuck ... a couple more months and I'm "free." :-) Can't wait to have those unlimited moments in nature where you just lose yourself (in a good way). sigh...
Angela M I loved seeing your comment here about getting on the road since I followed you while you were still doing videos. So glad you made it and I hope you are doing well!
My hats off to you!!! I can relate 100% Brian hard work pays off!! I commend you for what you did it takes a lot of courage and guts to walk away. I did the same with corporate America and now living my dream. It has made me a better person in solidarity BOBBY B....👁👁👁🐛🦋🏁🦅⚖️🙋🏻♂️💪
Depression is the worst. When I was there, the only way I could describe it was as if I was a walking dead person. I was alive but I wasn't. I was going into the dark hole with my head barely above ground. And negatuve thoughts feed negative thoughts. I've stopped the news, etc because I couldn't take it anymore. I want the beautiful side of life!
What a great vid Brian. I use the van the same way. To be in nature away from cities. Its amazing the effect living like that can have. I now have a love affair with this planet. I love it here very much.
Good video! Your situation is different from most. No family or employees to be concerned about. A lot of us dream about that kind of life style but it's not possible. We can watch your videos though and live vicariously. I look forward to all your videos.
You’re such a blessing. God bless and keep you. Safe travels. We love you and your videos. Thanks for sharing your life with us. You inspire us to get out and be one with nature!
This is THE BEST VIDEO! As someone who has struggled with depression all my life, u r so right on about news etc! Being in the sunshine, in the country and hearing a rooster crow is what makes me happy to be alive! As soon as my son can get the time to install my fantastic fan and a bit of solar in my old Chinook, Tank, I will be on the road and never look back! The younger u start this lifestyle, the better! dj 🐙 Tank is big and blue!
So glad you found your happiness ... simple living IS designed by nature ... Bob is a wonderful inspiration ... you're a great person ... thanks for your testimony ...
I'm glad you turned it around and made it through the depression and tough patches of life. Without the darkness, though, we'd never know how awesome the light really is. Thanks for sharing!
The world is full of negativity. I am glad you found a way to rise above it. Some people think a pill will do it. Getting through depression without drugs is great! Safe travels!
You're amazing I think you hit the nail on the head. Alot of people who are stuck really need to watch this video so inspiring.thank for sharing and peace.
Love your story and so glad you have found peace and contentment. Love your other videos as well. I too am preparing for a simpler life on the road. Thanks for your perspective and encouragement!
I am in the process right now of downsizing my life and letting go of "things" that I have lugged around with me from place to place. Now, like you I just want to go see all the beauty there is to see in nature, meet up with great people like you and Bob and others at RTR. Next year, I will be there, just was not yet ready. Hope to see you there or elsewhere on the road. Way to live your life your way, instead of the way it was set up by those who came before. Work, purchase, marry, have kids, get tied down, then die or retire or worse. Your videos are amazing and I don't usually comment, just come and watch. Been watching for awhile now, I would not keep coming back if the videos were terrible. But you do a great job, keep it up.
I can relate..I had worked in the corporate world from 1992-2003 when I started my own house cleaning business, a Butler Service really, in 2003...in Tampa/Sarasota FL...I was also still working nights at HCA Healthcare as well but my cleaning business took off much faster than I ever thought could happen so I left HCA after only a few months cleaning houses..the money was that good...Cleaning toilets has bought me 3 houses, who knows how many cars and RV's but no time to use anything!! I'm just existing..working..the rat race...Now, I'm ready to leave it all and buy another RV or maybe a van, this time to live in Full Time on the road...My main goal is to get out of this horrible state of FL...born and raised here...I truly hate it here now!! Problem is I have a LOT of stuff to dispose of and sell so I wont have to maintain a $200.00 a month 10X25 storage unit here..I won't be truly free until I get rid of all that junk!!
This is where I am now...my situation is bad now. Not even a car, living on Social Security, struggling all the time. You have spoken to me. Thank you for your openness!
Brian, thank you for sharing your very personal story. I think that your search for helping others has been found. You are always helping others with your inspirational videos and techniques on how to fix up your van. I am much older than you but I am becoming extremely discontent with everything around me. I have purchased my first van and hope that fixing it up and getting on the road as you have will open up my world! Keep the videos coming, I and many others enjoy them.
You followed your heart - good for you!! I could absolutely sell my house & stuff and take off in an RV. I would do it in a heartbeat. I'm married and my husband isn't quite with me on this subject yet. He likes the idea of RVing (for a while), but that's all. Anyway, it's my dream that I will keep dreaming and hopefully one day it will turn to reality.
+Tygerlady99 I'm the same way, Been in the same home for 25 years, Ready to sell the home and take $200,000 Equity and pay cash for brand new RV, But, The wife doesn't like the idea, Come to a fork in the road where if she doesn't want to join me, I might have to venture out on my own, $100,000 will still get me a nice RV. I'm 61 and it's never to late. :)
Another great video! I really appreciate your honesty and willingness to share your story. I am happy that you are doing so well, really you're thriving! Your message is a powerful one. While I am not in a position to make the move you did, for now, I can live vicariously through your videos! Keep smiling, Valerie
Thanks for the words of encouragement....sounds like there is hope for a 67 year old woman "to find peace" in this world and that change is still possible. Thank you for sharing.
Proud of you as a person. You will certainly inspire many. I'm 63 and love my life most of the time... yet dream of what you vandwellers live. I suppose I live vicariously through you wonderful people. I do get a way from time to time, do a little rv traveling. Always seems like we take to much and have too much and spend too much. Looking more into boondocking lately and I feel the adventure calling. But, for a while, at least until my bride of 37 years retires, I'll be happy to play in my wood-shop and during the evening take trips with each of you through your videos, pictures, Facebook groups, and RV blogs all over the net. Will say this... many times in the evening experiencing the joy and passion so many of you willingly share... I sleep better and my heart is happier. So... thank you.
Thank you for sharing! I saw you on Bob's channel. You gave us lots of good reasons to just "Follow Our Dreams!" Thank you. Looking forward to watching more. :-)
Thank you for sharing your story. You are quickly becoming someone that aspiring van dwellers look to for an example of how to do it and the advantages of doing it.
You are now not only living a better life (one that makes you happier) but you are helping others to do the same by making these inspirational videos! Thank you so much Brian! Keep doing this! Also.... Have you ever watched a youtube channel by Gabriel Kundalini? He also has a travel channel called Gabriel Traveler! Both great channels that I watch. I think you will enjoy watching him. The 1st one is a life and philosophy type channel. The latter is vids of him traveling all over the world. He's kind of like a backpacker version of you sort of. lol Anyway...maybe I'll see you out there someday soon! Take care!
This is the video that hits home, out of all the vanning videos I have watched over the years this is the one! I have been though the same sort of situation. My depression and anxiety almost made me leave this world by my own hand. I am now in search of a van. It has been years and years since I set a goal like this. I am currently just past the bottom, have a great job and have pretty much gotten rid of all of my belongings that do nothing for me. Now for the next step and find a decent van and build it out. I thought that people would frown upon me for moving back in with my parents and doing a complete reset of life, now I have come to realize that it doesn’t matter what people think as long as I know that I am on the path that I am making for myself. I thank you so very much for sharing this experience with the world and other people like me who have hit the bottom and have decided to do a living reset. Thank you! Safe travels dude! ✌️
I have watched a lot of our videos, and it was clear early on your discomfort, or maybe newness. Now, you seem to have really embraced it, and are far more comfortable. I hope you continue to flourish in your new life. Taking those first steps is so hard, and yet they can lead somewhere great if you take them. Keep on keeping on!
Thanks Brian, your words have helped me a lot. I completely agree in regard to removing negativity from one's life. 6 months ago I stopped watching TV and listening to talk radio. That small adjustment alone made a world of difference in my life. Thanks again Brian... thumbs up as always
This is a great example of how peoples words can affect others. Because of Bob's video, your life changed drastically for the better. I wonder how many lives you'll touch with your open and honest story? Awesome job, Brian!
Living an Authentic life is rare & awe inspiring. Giving up the social construct /belief system (be like, do like, have like, etc takes courage. Appears when you get sick and tired of being sick and tired the course of right action presents iteslf. Great job Brian ~~
dude, you sound just like me! I don't watch tv news anymore...Too depressing...I'm gearing up to get on the road soon. life is way too short nit to have happiness! drive on my friend!
I'm at the same point in my life. I just tirned fifty years old. I recently lost most of my immediate family. I've been a school teacher and over the past the 21 years,I've gone through too much stress. I plan on being at the 2021 RTR. I don't have a van, but I will get one. I also have a parttime job at a spice factory in which you have to be kind. It's one of the best places I've ever worked. I'm even hoping that maybe I could work at sites around the country as I travel. Being an older, Black woman, I'm very anxious about safety on the road. I think I'm going to take my terrier mix with me or get another dog with which I can travel. He's a very good watch dog, but I'd maybe need a dog that would actually bite someone. Maybe a small shepherd mixed dog. I also came upon Bob on RU-vid and came to conclusions about escaping negativity and stovks and bricks for at least the cold seasons in the Midwest. Being from Chicago, now living in Milwaukee is really depressing. Plus, I love the way your van is set up and how you eat and cook much of what I like. I also love gardening and like watchong your workamping videos. You and Kelly are always smiling in those. I'd love to help on agricultural projects as I go about my journey. This lifestyle may also afford me a way to obtain or connect to my dream career of becoming horticulture therapist. My tragic family medical and mental tragedies have prevented me from beong able to study. On trying to clear out clutter from my basement, my brother recently threw out the one box of my horticulture mini library. Whoch included my college books worth hundreds of dollars. That's the kind of things from which I'm trying to escape. As I'm thonling it was die to lack of regard and respect for my property even tjough I've recently paid hundreds of dollars to help hom move and keep his possessions. Maybe nect year around this time, my life will be very different as it is when I plan to leave to hit the road.
I am absolutely at the point where you were. The negativity surrou3me is all consuming. I am depressed I know it. I have a van and when it come outof the mechanics shop I am leaving. I dont have a back up bunch of money but I do have a monthly income I can well live on Wish me well.
I gave up TV 5 years ago because of all the negative energy, but haven't made the step to Van dwelling. Because of Bob's book, you and several other dwellers I have been planning to make the move this year. My plan was to buy a van this month, but was terminated Wednesday and feel my dream is being crushed in front of me.
Lawrence Bishop Don't give up yet. Many people find losing a job is what pushes them to make that change. Trade or sell your vehicle for a van. Sell your stuff and go for it!
Thank you for sharing. We create our own reality and you chose to experience a beautiful new one. It's hard NOT to be grateful and happy most of the time, when immersed in the meditation of Mother Nature. After being in negativity - it just makes you appreciate the beautiful side of life even more. Be thankful for seeing the other side.
Thanks for sharing your story Brian. I can most certainly relate. I know what it's like to be in that dark place. Been there most of my life without any relief. The only difference between you and I is, I cannot yet see the light at the end of the tunnel. The struggle is harder and harder everyday. Again thanks for your story. I'm sure you've helped someone today :-)
One reason I enjoy your travel video's is your honesty. This last one confirms my judgement of your character. Wishing you a long and successful life's journey!
Kudos Brian! I hear you-I went thru similar depression and illness in my 20's, with cancer, divorce, grief, 2 kids, and no family support, in fact the opposite: my mother actually told me to stop phoning her. The medications that Dr.s gave me fried my brain even more, and with no money I did not find the vitamins I really needed. What I did was walk in nature, as you said, it is a Healing Force unto Itself. I just walked until I got to a forest and kept walking. I sang as well, not just to keep the wild beasts away (there were cougars, bears and wolves) but to send out my healing energy to the trees, plants and wildlife around me. It came back immeasurably, (7 X 70) and I am so glad to say that I survived and raised 2 healthy children to happy adulthood. Now I am a grandmother and my heart yearns for the forest again. Nothing is more beautiful to me than watching the trees swaying back and forth in the ocean breeze, and hearing the lovely bird song. Come up to the West Coast of Vancouver Island and experience Bliss. I am sure you will love it. Winters are very cold here, so I am considering driving down and living in my car. What do you think?
I think a lot of people share your experience, Brian. I can relate to everything you said in this video and I am so glad you found a path that brought you happiness. You're an inspiration.
I am currently at that dark place and these videos and community are something I stumbled on while researching a new lifestyle. this gives me so much hope, thank you!
News, talk radio and a Election year ! Can put in anyone in the Dumps ! More people need to take a chance like you did. Very Good video, Wish you the Best Of Luck !
I am so late in visiting this video but you can't have any idea how much this resonates with me - and I think with a lot of people, judging by the comments. So grateful that you followed the nudges leading you outside. Thank you so much for sharing.
Dude you and I are so much alike !I just hit 63 ! I got feeling dizzy and had to quit my job ! Now im feeling better now ! You And Bob have saved me ! Thank you for your show ! Thank You !
I know its got to be difficult expressing your feelings. I think many people feel this way and end up doing the wrong thing. You definitely did the right thing by making a positive change and making yourself happy. Your decision to tell all may help someone else whos in the same situation. Thanks for sharing.
May God bless you for sharing your life story. I cannot thank you enough Brian for explaining how this life has given new meaning to your life. If I may share-I suddenly became a widow-not long after O became disabled. I was homeless and the government took what little dignity I had left but finally awarded me SSI when they found I was working at a school cafateria with a broken back. God willing I will pay off my last credit card debt this coming month. I have been shopping for a minivan and am somewhat relieved to see the prices becoming more affordable on my fixed income. I have been feeding my soul with Cheap RV Living videos & then onto the rest of the nomadic community for years as I overcame these hurdles. I sleep on the dinette of my daughters RV with her & my teenage grandson. I no longer enjoy life & struggle to search the internet for my escape home on wheels. I look forward to getting back to living again. Thank you Brian
Thanks for a very personal look at the life of Brian. Last year at Amazon when I first met you I was really impressed with the you and your van and after subscribing to your channel and watching your metamorphosis, I became a fan. Connecting in Quartzsite was a wonderful experience and also made me feel that I too could survive and enjoy this lifestyle. This is my last month in Booneville. Im closing on my house this April and I'll be living in my RV full time. I'm hooked up with the sugar beet harvest in Sept and then Amazon in October. For the first in a long time I'm digging life. Thanks again for a very genuine and heartfelt story about your life Brian. Peace I'll be seeing you again!
Brian I like the way you are able to open up and share your experience with depression and how you deal with it. I am certain you have been an inspiration to many. Keep it up friend.
I'm 27 and own a moving company. I'm about to do the same thing your doing. Might do it out of my truck camper though. Glad you're happier now. I'm depressed just like you used to be. hoping I will come out of it.
Thank you for sharing your story...I shared it in hopes it reaches more people who could be in the same situation. I love Bob Wells too, I only have a few years left until retirement so I decided to stick it out so I can have a pension. I Love Nomad RU-vidrs for sharing their knowledge and showing the people in the world there is another way!! Thank you Brian :)
Wise beyond your years. Most people don't get it figured out until after they retire. Enjoy the ride and please keep us updated. Heading to a new job? Peace
Exceptional video! I agree with your thoughts and findings. I have been following you since your channel started and we are defiantly alike in so many ways. Your common sense aproach and sincerity are much appreciated. I am looking forward to the day I can be a full time Vandweller as well. It's my dream. Many people might laugh at such a dream but, only a certain breed of people get it. Keep the videos coming and be well!
Been watching your videos for the past few weeks and just saw this one. Amazing story, thanks for opening up and sharing. Hope the good times and adventures keep rolling on. Hope to see you on the road some time soon 🤙🏻
Thank you for this video! This is exactly why I started full-time RV'ing. I saw only the bad in the world. Your video gives me a lot of hope. Only day 6 of full time life.
Brian I have been watching you for about a month now and you have inspired me so much with your positive attitude about life. I have been wanting to make a change to my own life for the past few years and now feel I am finally moving in the right direction. You are a beautiful soul and an inspiration to many. Thank you for sharing your life & journey.
Wow your story is similar to mine. I lived in my vintage trailer for years. Now a class A motorhome. But it's big so I just got a Ford camper van. I would love to be in nature but I have a very bad irrational fear of spiders. Soooo, I'm gonna park near your camp and you can evict my spiders. Lol. I'm a loner, so living with someone that can kill my spiders isn't an option, unless they have their own rig. Ha! But seriously, thanks for sharing your story. It reminds me that their are like-minded people out there and I don't feel so alone :)
Brian thank you for sharing your story with us all, you have come a long way to happiness now, you are a wonderful guy, I've watched many of your youtube video's and I think you have given inspiration to more people than you know! Keep living the good life for you! Thanks for another great video.
A very surprising video. The first thing that struck me about you when I watched one of your recent videos was what a positive person you are. You've come a long way! Good for you!
Wow, Brian, look at all the positive energy your video generated. Sounds like a classic midlife crisis. Yours came a little early so you had lots of time and resources to tackle it head on. Making my own plans...thanks for the inspiration!!
Thank you talking about your mental struggles... You echo my struggles.. unlike you I doubt that I will continue living! As a woman it is even tougher eventhough I consider myself a tuff cookie. I luv nature. Bottom line I am exhausted. I am a hard worker.. working keep my mind off of depression and loneliness.., at 56 I am tired. I live in a Honda Element... 5 months.. I work 50 hrs a week ... thank you Brian..
