Good news. You aren't renting the van so nothing is being thrown away or wasted by deciding to head home. The van will be there whenever you want to get back on the road. Whether there's something you need to do or work on to be ready, or if now just wasn't the time and your brain was letting you know. The hard work you put into the van will let it be there ready and waiting whenever the time is right. Don't feel pressured to cram the maximum amount of van life experiences in all up front just because you're posting your adventures. You're young and have a whole life ahead of you to do all the amazing stuff the world has to offer you. And the authenticity you show by being real, honest, and vulnerable will come through in your documentation of those adventures and that will make it all the better for people following along with your story.
The road will always be there for when you need a new adventure. No big deal wanting to feel some comfort until you’re ready to set out again. You did this all on your own! It’s a lot to be proud of! Some people will never do something like this alone. Nothing wrong with wanting a little familiarity. You rock! ❤
I lived in Flamingo for four years. I felt a lot like you must have my first night there. Traveling alone is tough. If it's any consolation, your van build and travels has inspired me more than any of the other other youtubers I've followed.
I just wanted to reach through the screen and give you a hug and a loving listening ear. There's nothing worse than this spiraling feeling and when you've already tried to fight it and distract but it simply isn't working, there's a point where you just have to listen and go where the relief/comfort is. I too have cried many times on the road and given up on certain adventures that felt overwhelming or 'wrong' for lack of a better way to explain it. I'm amazed at your courage and transparency to pull the camera out even in these hard moments. You didn't have to, but I'm thankful you did. A year isn't so far away and you'll get to experience all of this with more prep and in a better headspace before you know it! I didn't even know Dry Tortuga N.P existed when I was in that area...whoopsies.
Thanks Jessa 🥺 and haha I was also surprised because I just wanted to drop everything and zone out and drive as far north as possible, but I managed to have a real “RU-vidr moment” and filmed things in the heat of the moment lol. And you’re so right, a year really isn’t that far away. And now that I know what it’s like down there, I can hopefully plan things a bit better to see everything next time.
@@LindsayDaly there are gators.....EVERYWHERE in everglades. What you did at the beach was not too bright. You need a heavy stick or a bow staff at all times. And maybe a gun. Dogs are good too.
Lindsay, bless your heart. Like I'm sure everyone who watched this video, I wished I could give you a hug. There is balance to be found in everything -- in being on the road and being home, on being with others and being alone. You'll figure out what works for you. You really pushed your comfort zone on this road trip and saw more national parks than many people see in their entire lifetime. Don't feel disappointed, what you accomplished was awesome! And the good news is, the Florida Everglades have been around for at least 5,000 years so chances are they'll still be there next spring. Congrats on your journey and thanks for sharing it with us!!!
Right? It’s not like the Everglades are going anywhere haha. Thanks for the encouragement. I’ll make it back eventually, but for now I’m focused on my next trip: I’m leaving in just a few weeks! 😱
Props to you for being vulnerable. Knowing when it's time to stop and cut your losses is a skill in itself. It's a difficult call to make, but it's almost always the right one. Gotta trust your gut! Thanks for sharing Lindsay! Dry Tortugas is on my bucket list too : )
I’ve watched quite a few of your posts, including building the van. I think you’re cool and very capable. I was impressed with your ability to just try. Most people won’t even try. Good luck to you. It’s ok to feel happy and sad and everything else.
Sorry to see you are feeling so bad, but might be good to go home. I did something similar, had been out on the road x3 months and then wanted to see Rocky Mt National Park on the way home. Just as I turned into the park I changed my mind, it didn't feel right, I didn't feel right and my rig was having problems with the steep elevation, so I turned around and headed home. No regrets. When it doesn't feel right, don't force yourself to do something.
I can really related to this. Solo travel is really hard for me, though maybe for slightly different reasons. It can trigger both general anxiety and social anxiety, especially if I'm in another country where things are less familiar. I've realized that I need to take trips where I'm either traveling with someone or am meeting up with someone, or I'll get too stuck inside my head and feel really isolated. On my last trip before the pandemic I thought maybe I was past this reaction and went to Mexico City for a short trip. I had to change my flight to return a day early because my anxiety got so bad. I think it's a lifelong challenge to keep figuring out where your limits are what coping strategies can work for you. I find it helpful to think of my anxiety as a medical thing that I can learn to manage rather than having to _mean_ something about myself. It sounds like you made the right decision this time.
There's no shame in learning about ourselves - often the hard way. Jumping in deep water like that is not for everyone. I usually have to do smaller bites. Take what you've learned and apply it to a new adventure - whatever that is. Cheers.
Appreciate the kind words, Steve! It was just a chaotic time in my life and I wasn’t quite prepared to take another trip at the time. Luckily I just came back from my most recent trip a few weeks ago and it was lovely! The next video will be out this Sunday!
Your videos have gotten so good! Fellow van dweller here, I think you should listen to your heart and figure out what will truly make you happy! I suffer with a lot of mental health issues as well and I find that it’s setting expectations for myself that are unrealistic that hurts me the most. You are so talented, Good luck!
You are a resourceful and courageous woman! Also, the best part of your life is just beginning. You have many decades left to travel. Revel in your significant accomplishments, and take the time you need to prepare for your next journey. You've made a lot of people happy with these videos, and I have no doubt you'll be ready soon to travel again in your awesome van. P.S.--Go West quickly next because the wide open spaces are revitalizing. Thank you again for your videos!
I am very glad you went home, the world will still be there! You have so much time! Its so much better for you to go back when you can genuinely enjoy yourself. I am sending internet hugs if you want them
It is a part of van life. Knowing yourself. Knowing when a plan is just a plan and you can pivot and knowing when you can’t. Good for you. Are you building in nearo and zero days (like a thru-hike)? Looking forward to more when you’re ready!
personally when i start van life im going to eases into it and start off leaving for a month at a time for this reason. i fell if i push myself like you did the same will happen to me. it might help if you do the same
Take your time and follow your heart. I think one of the main appeals of vanlife is the freedom and spontaneity, so maybe try planning less and just let the wind take you where it wants to go. It's not about seeing the sights, completing a checklist, or hitting destinations; it's about being in the moment and the friends you make along the way. Even a dirty truckstop can be charming with the right state of mind. Forever looking ahead, the traveler misses the beauty passing beneath their feet.
you putting my updated name even though I forgot to update my patreon lindsay I love u so fuckin much 😭😭😭 I've been exactly where you are in this video babes. Where the anxiety is like sooooo much and you feel like you're ruining all these plans you made, it SUCKS. But sometimes life throws shit at you, reality is never as simple as we planned it out in our heads. Idk if it helps to hear this but my anxiety was REALLY REALLY bad a couple years ago but life has kind of changed and I haven't felt like that in a while, things can change.
Haha I was adding graphics to the video and I was like “wait, that’s not right…” 🥰 Mannnn I actually feel like I’ve been getting worse lately LOL it feels like this stuff didn’t used to happen as much! But to be fair there was a lot happening behind the scenes at the time that added to the stress - since that stuff is resolved now, hopefully I won’t be so anxious next time!
Hey maybe you just aren’t ready for long trips yet . I have so much fun in my van on long weekend trips and little adventures. Also a companion might be a good idea , I suggest a dog . My dog Archie is my best bud and when he’s on trips with me I sleep like a rock knowing he’s on safety patrol 😉
I did a month long trip this past summer, and it was great! But when I went to Florida there were just a lot of moving parts; I had just moved, it was the middle of the holidays, and I just had too much to do in so little time 😢 I’m actually on another trip right now though, so more videos are on the way! Ugh and I wish I could get a dog!! Haha when I found that lost dog in Badlands this summer it was the best experience of my life. Maybe someday. 🐕
Im glad you didn’t give up 😀 . You have done such a great job on your rig that it would be a shame to not use it . I’m very jealous of your travels . Right now I’m just a weekend warrior but it’s my dream to one day see our country on my own terms in my van . Keep the videos coming and keep safe . Hopefully the wife and I will see you on the road 🙂
Hi sweetie.. have you ever check into your Depression? I am a very very depressed kinda person…. Your are a wonderful special person…. Just take each day at a time….. BIG BIG HUG
Wellbutrin is a very dangerous drug and doesn't treat depression but actually causes depression. They'll prescribe it to be help people quit as smoking but then they found that some patients had developed suicidal tendencies. Please take care of yourself. You didn't fail. You can't go wrong when you take care of yourself.
I’m acutely familiar with the medication I take on a daily basis….you are not my doctor! Even if you mean well, it has the opposite effect. To anyone reading this, medication saved my life and continues to do so ✌️
