I came to Idaho in the fall of 2020 to visit may son who was living in his SUV. I was worried about him and how he was going to make it through the winter. He took me to a spot on BLM land overlooking a special valley. We tailgated, had great BBQ and watched the sun set. When he drove me up, off the highway, to the road, up the gulley and then to the view, I experienced an incredible feeling of letting go. It was beautiful and I could sense this peace my son was experiencing and my concerns shifted. We were a family that grew up camping and hiking and exploring the west. I came home to the midwest and made a decision to build a van for myself. Thank you for your inspiring van videos and for your honesty and being present.
A similar story here...my son moved to Colorado several years ago. Although he does live in a small home, he camps and we camp when I visit. I am taking tiny steps to getting a van or something to experience nature and adventure. How are you with your van build?
@@purplehippy62 54 year old stay at home mom here who never built anything and I'm about two weeks away from finishing my van with heat, shower, AC and all the comforts. It isn't rocket science. You just have to read the instruction manual and ask the employees at the hardware store how to do things....really!
@@juliawhenthegirlsrule7937 Hey there! Wanted to tell you I went out in my Subaru last Saturday night. Great fun! Didn't have a mattress so it ws quite uncomfortable but still loads of fun! Had planned on taking my adult daughter last night but it rained. I'd love to connect and see your build photos!
You are brilliant Linnea! Having the wherewithal to get to know who YOU ARE at such a young age will undoubtedly save you from a lifetime of doubt, guilt, and missed opportunities. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
As an old man I would say you are wise beyond your years and Akela is awesome my dog too was very protective like a big white wolf as Mark Twain would say the more I get to know people the more I like my dog LOL 👍😉🤠😁🐝
I think being comfortable being alone is a beautiful thing . I actually prefer to be alone most of the time . For me nature is where I feel most comfortable …sometimes it seems like a Spiritual place . I have been judged many times for liking to be alone . I am glad you are putting that out there that we are all different . Some of us need our time alone .
Every time I watch one of your videos, I think to myself how PROUD your mom must be of you. I love how you are so very in tune with yourself. How you seem to find the beauty in things despite everything else. Even questions people ask that are so very personal, you answer them with such poise. Beautiful video once again!
Having a pet as companion on the road got to help one from feeling lonely, at least to some degree? And as you said a dog makes one feel safer too, though a bow would certainly scare most of the rest. You did answer some tough questions today, and did a good job with it to. Stay safe and continue to live life the way you want to.
I work with customers every day, and I flatter myself that I'm engaging, chatty and entertaining... It wasn't until Covid hit New Zealand, and we had our first lock down in March 2020, that I had time to introspect and do various personality tests (preparing for a potential job loss). It was then that I discovered that I was an introvert. I can't begin to explain what a revelation this was.... Suddenly, after half a century on this rock, things made sense!!! I am never lonely, and I love walking under starlight with my dog (I'd often ramble alone on the moors and fells when I was young). I find the chatty engaging side of me - at work- is basically an act of deflection - focusing all the attention onto the customer (which is why I'm good at sales) - it's like speed-dating- but all focused on the customer and their needs. ;)
This observation about your inner, introverted personality learning about how you use the chatty you to let your customers guide you to where you can help them get what they want is excellent. You really don't want it to be about you, you want it to be about your customers. Best of everything to you. Susie from Port Washington WI
Thank You, You described perfectly the feeling I have tried to explain to people when they ask if I don’t get lonely when traveling with just my dog. I enjoy the solitude and zen of nature.
I tell you a few things about loneliness or isolation. I lost my wife in May from a stroke. We were married 41 years. Life does seem a bit pointless. Loneliness is leaving people, but when they leave you.
Hello. This is the first time I have watched a video of yours. Very impressed. I am a 73 year old woman and on the road alone. Not quite at your level. I have a 25' Motorhome, no slide outs, and I tow a Jeep Wrangler. We are on the same page about travel and being alone. About the Garmin Mini...I got mine because....what if I fell and couldn't walk to a road and there was no service for a phone. The question about a man in your life was such a perfect answer. Because I am older I get that question a lot. My life is pretty perfect someone always around would have to really want to do what I am doing. Stay safe and keep following those instincts 😊
You inspire me to do this myself. I am getting my RV within the next week and I’ll be ready to take my first trip out on my own. I’m nervous and a little scared but you have given me faith in myself. Thank you! And keep your chin up! You are and inspiration to us! ❤️
I love how you present your experience, I might have a specific question about a piece of gear or about a place, but I feel no need to ask you anything about how you experience your life. I see it and feel it through how you choose to share. Grateful you are out there living.
Sounds like you have a healthy perspective. People don't realize that we live in a fear based society. I lived in a city with 2 million people. I didn't like how it changed me. I had become urban hostile, always looking over my shoulder. That was 11 years ago. I now live in a remote canyon in Colorado. My nearest neighbor is a half mile away. No cars, no traffic and no neighbors in sight. Alone for over a decade and I'm happy and healthy because of it. Not everyone is a brainwashed consumer. I MTB and hike with my Dogs. I can go weeks with out seeing anyone. I love the solitude.
I have been watching your channel for about two weeks now, getting caught up and it is wonderful! I want my comment to be one of those that makes you feel good and encouraged. I love how connected you are to your family and especially your connection with Akela. So many folks that view your channel might not appreciate the bond, love and companionship that our dogs provide and your and Akela's example of that is one of the best I've seen. So hats off to Akela! What a exemplary pack you are! (I also know how your pack grows in the future from this point and am equally amazed at the two of you in that regard as well!)
The scars on my body are the road map of my life. Each was an event along the way. For me the outdoors is my buffer between the stress of my work and my absolute calm space. My friends are my anchor. Oh, and paper cuts ARE the worst! Cheers from Canader eh!
I have the highest respect for you. With so many years of social psychology education and many years of practicing, you are one of the most grounded persons I've ever had the pleasure of hearing how you deal with life
that had to be the healthiest response to mental health questions I've ever heard. I absolutely love your freedom and the way you share it. thank you for your nuggets of truth and wisdom.
If I had a son or daughter, I would so much want them to watch this video. Very thoughtful, and articulate answers, and explanations, on so many areas of life in general, not just "vanlife". Thank you for puting all this into words, I really enjoy your channel, have fun, and keep doing you.
Im sure lots of us appreciate a better insight of who you are! We love the both of you and im sure this video helped someone who may be struggling or just needed a quick boost to revive their spirit! Thank you 💪🤙🤟
I am 55 yrs old and I really enjoy your honesty and sense of humor. You always make me smile and I really think you are wise beyond your years. Enjoy your travels and keep making great memories!!!
I wish I would of tried this life style when I got out of the Army instead of the hustle and bustle of life. I feel I didn’t go anywhere in life. Love to watch your beautiful location you and Akela find. It’s as though I am there. Thanks!
I was feeling the partner talk - not looking for anyone at the moment, and just focusing on having a good time with friends and taking care of myself, providing all the happiness I need in my life. I see you're def on the same path. So happy for you! Also, pretty much on the same spectrum, half introvert and half extrovert, so time alone in the van and outdoors are amazing too, as well as with friends or strangers I meet on the road.
This was very helpful. Loneliness is my biggest fear going fulltime in two months. I feel better because I’m ok with solitude. Thanks for the clarification!
I love your channel, I’ve been watching you for awhile and I so admire your strength & I think it’s amazing that you live your life on your own terms. I am old now but so wish I could have lived my life like that, I believe it would have made me so much happier. God bless you to continue on the journey that makes you happy
I would advise to maybe not go to isolated areas until you feel more comfortable, take your time to build up the confidence. I live in Australia and when I finish my bus build I really wanted to go to WA first (haven't been there) however, it's very remote most of the way and I wasn't comfortable with that, so I have flipped it and will go up the east coast as its built up more and I know that way much better etc. By the time I head down through WA I will be a well seasoned traveler. All the best Shannon :)
I loved your answer about knowing when you need to be alone in solitude. It's something I had to learn to. It took me a long time before I was able do that. You need to be able to recharge.
This was a great listen. I backpack solo by choice. I can't say I've every felt lonely out there. When you're on your own, your day is full of decisions about when to stop, eat, stay on trail, take a photo, walk slow or fast, stop to take a photo, etc. There is no one else and their needs/agenda to distract you from experiencing your surroundings. I chat with other hikers on the top of passes, and keep in touch with home with my Garmin Inreach. Mostly I just send Leaving Camp and Stopping Here messages. I'm about to embark on van life for a while with my two dogs, a Malamute and a husky/shepherd mix. Floor space is a key design parameter. Your comments about backpacking experience helping you deal with solo van life were helpful, as were your comments about listening to yourself about when to go visit a friend and when to leave.
Your candor and genuineness is so refreshing. With so much on social media being about always having to be “doing something” it is refreshing to hear someone speak about solitude versus loneliness.
You are such an amazing woman for your age! I've watched other solo women vanlifers and they are not as grounded in life like you are. You are wise beyond your years Linnea and I'm guessing it has much to do with those that raised you. Have seen you share some of your adventures with your mom and brothers and you all share a love of nature and a peaceful existence in this world. Happy travels and stay safe young lady.
I LOVE watching your videos. I LOVE that you're so transparent about being SOLO (NOT ALONE)! I used to be the biggest social butterfly ever but as I got older I became an extreme introvert & I LOVE BEING WITH JUST ME! For so long people thought I was depressed & I even believed that but I wasn't. I just get burnt out, drained, exhausted being around people. I have been a very happy introvert for a long time now & I am NOT LONELY AT ALL. In fact that's the LAST thing I am. When I need my "dose of people" I get it but it's not often. Once a year with my brother & his family is enough for me & the occasional texts suits me just fine. I am active but active without people. I'm active with my plants & nature. I love that when you say you love nature & being outdoors you're not one of these vanlifers that has one succulent in your van & eats vegan & that's what defines you as a nature lover. I love that you fish, hunt, hike, build a fire, shower outside etc. These other solo "one with nature" vanlifers I've watched even know how to fetch their own wood much less build a fire. Not knocking them but there's a HUGE difference! Don't pay any attention to anyone questioning your "loneliness" or mental health. I believe 100% if you can be content with JUST YOU & not have that NEED for someone else to fill that hole then you are & will forever be complete with being JUST YOU WITH YOU! LOVE YOUR content & never change!
Your comment is appreciated as I gave been both a depressed introvert as well as a happy introvert and your comment is a good reminder that for some of us enjoying time alone is not necessarily a measure of one's mental health. 😊
Linnea, you seem to have such a healthy sense of self. I look forward to each of your videos because you say so many wise things. In the next year I'll be able to purchase a minivan and start out on my own road of adventure at age 73. We're never too old to learn and experience new things. Hugs to you and Akela.
Thank you so much for this. You should be aware of the positive impact sharing your experiences and thoughts have on others (even those who couldn’t be in more different stages of life than you are now). I am a 61 year old woman coming (I feel) out of a five year grieving period after losing my daughter who was about your age. Listening to your thoughts on dealing with anxiety and fears helps to both understand her decisions and deal with my own. I come away from watching each video with feelings of admiration and peace. 🌻
I'm hopefully buying a box truck before the end of the month. I love camping in the middle of no where, I've spent time driving bands on tour so being away from family and friend for 6 months to 2 years is something I loved. Now it's my time. No pressure to get from city to city. Go at my pace. As for being lonely, I spent most of my free time sitting outside alone. It's peaceful.
I feel the same way about feeling the most drained mentally and at my biggest lows once I spend an extended period of time surrounded by people. A lot of the time I leave social situations feeling so alone
Wow what a great and insightful video! I loved how you articulated yourself when answering some of those tough questions. Good job and keep filling your cup with happiness and contentness 🤗❤️🤗❤️
Hi, tkx for this talk... I am 72 and live in a gipsy wagon tiny house by myself with my animals... By having time to discover who i am, connecting within, i conquered my fear and start trusting and taking care of myself. Its a youney ....... Love your videos... Hugh for the white lovely wolf❤
I have just started to look into van life seriously. I ran across your video and wanted to say thank you for your honesty in answering these questions and your view point on living with healthy fear
It’s so important and lush to have the reminder that you didn’t just build this van and off you go, you have built up years of experiences to get you to this point of your life, and this isn’t such a massive jump as it may seem! It’s easy to watch RU-vid videos and think wow they just took the leap and did it but we don’t see the finer details and years of building up confidence etc I know if I built my dream van up and went off full time now it would be the worst decision for me and I need the smaller trips to build my confidence so thank you for the reminder! All the best xx
I can’t help but feel that you youngins are more likely to tussle with loneliness than us old farts. But it can be really hard at times I remember going into the military, it was a BOOGER! But after a while I had a better life than on the outside. You have a really good perspective on many of these things. All the best and many happy trails to you kiddo.
That whole Brian laundry and Gabby Petito incident would be on my mind. I was on a sailboat traveling and loved it, read books. Watched sunsets. Swim/snorkeling . People couldn't just walk up . I would go into a marina when I wanted to be around people.
Hi Linnea I just came across your channel and I think I may have picked the best one to get to know who you are and your life perspective. Very well said on a number of topics and I appreciated your openness. One thing I noticed right away are your big, pretty, expressive eyes. I love your perspectives on things and look forward to getting to know you better through your videos. And your dog, love it! Don;t have any idea where you like to hang our, I'm in Southern Oregon, but, if some day our paths were to cross I would thoroughly enjoy sitting down and talking about whatever. Be safe.
So glad I found your channel! I am a ways off from van life but am taking tiny steps. It was funny that you suggested just an overnight at a state park in your car with a journal...I am actually planning to do that this week-end! So excited, a little scared, and lots to prep! I will be taking my bossy pomeranian...surely nobody will want to get close to me with her! LOL
So many good thoughts in this video! Especially differentiating between healthy fear and unhealthy and then learning to acknowledge it and not let it consume you. Traveling can be hard, its not always butterflies and rainbows, but it all creates growth and it changes you so much!!! I love seeing you inspire others to push themselves and change their perspective on life.
Wow...I just found you. Have watched only a few of your vids but after this one and your incredibly honest approach to those personal questions.....I Subscribed💛.......I would have never answered all this questions. You're your own person seeking your own way in YOUR life.....it's really not their biz, but you handled it superbly. Congrats.... 💛🤍❤️❣️🤎🖤💙💕💗♥️💚🧡💜 I'm so impressed with you. I want to try van-life but haven't done it yet. Your strength gives me hope. Thank you💗
Firstly...Akela is your Soul Hound. People are a destination and you can travel to and fro...This journey is well suited for you and to share it...GOLDEN.
It's wonderful that you have the courage to live the way that you want while you are young enough to enjoy it. I often wish I could turn the clock back 20 years and do the things I am now when I was healthy. The relationship question is the worst, been getting it for 22 years now. My answer, I have my pup for companionship and that makes me happy. We only have one life on this beautiful planet, enjoy it 🙂
That was just the right amount of you regarding fear, solitude & suggestions. Like making a meal and you nailed the right amt of measurements & every spices to make a perfect meal. Thank you.
I want to thank you. You are so lucky to know being in the outdoors is what feeds your soul. I have knew this most of my life, but to hear a young person say that is very good for the younger generation. RU-vid needs more young people with your outlook. Always remember to love yourself no matter what others say or do. You need to live your life for you. God bless you and Akela, safe roads from Russ & Keira(my dog), HA! HA!
Congratulation for taking the leap to take your adventures. It can be tough at times, but at least you stay connected with people in your life when you get back into cell service. Keep it up!
thank you for being so open and forward. I know how hard that can be. but also how cathartic and freeing as well. watching through some of your videos this evening has been a perfect inspiration / escape from my build.
Very good point…..loneliness and solitude are very different. Everyone is different. Some people need to always be around people. I personally enjoy solitude.
Your intuition is your strongest weapon. Always listen to your gut and you won't go far wrong. When I haven't listened to it been in a bad situation. You remind me of a warrior woman and give me inspro to get out and live.
Hey Respect! I’m 55 and you inspire me, you have a great look on things and I’m sure you have your moments like we all do so keep it up. I hope to be out on the road in a year and your definitely inspiring. God bless.
Miss Idaho lived there for 10 yrs. A wonderful place to camp is grimes creek. If u ever get back there Idaho city is right up the road as well as Placerville.
I feel a lot like you. I have always been comfortable being alone, camping alone, traveling alone, and everyone always wants to know if I'm scared. The truth is I love it. There's a huge difference between being alone and being lonely. I feel so close to nature and happiness when I am alone with my dogs. I guess it's just personality. I feel you!!
You share some very insightful viewpoints. I really liked what you said on challenging yourself with discomfort. Going off on that tangent was exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve stayed inside all summer because of the heat. Just get out there and get used to it. Live it, love it, sweat it out!
Honesty and integrity are rare qualities and you display both with such quiet dignity. Your pathway to this point has clearly had its problems and fears but you're able to empathise with others and recognise their struggles might come from a completely different direction to your own. That was the best 20 minutes of RU-vid I've watched in a long while, anyone can do a piece to camera and answer questions, few can hold an audience without natural sincerity, you can't fake that. Happy trails. 😊
I love being by myself and even though you might not read this, I have to say thank you. I started watching you two or three days ago. And you have taught me so much I’m planning on living in a van when I’m older. You have given me some skills and tips for when I get my van. Thank you 🤗
Love your videos.You bring van life back to real life .love your down to earth approach .And your courage to bring up mental health issues . Akela is lovely to🇮🇸🤘
By reading other people's comments and listening to yours also makes me realize that this is what I have been looking for. I understand completely when you have had enough of people it's time to go. I would be more interested in learning more about van life and meeting and helping other people. Maybe we will see each other on the road.
Beautiful person you Linnea and Akela are Simply the BEST !!!!! absolutely inspirational dont ever change your perfect the way you are ,stay safe boy of you and most of all stay Happy love to you and Akela from your no 1 fan in Australia😁😘😘🥰🥰😇GOD BLESS YOU LINNEA AND AKELA
I love your videos Linnea you are a massive role model for me. I started my own van build in July and have loved watching your videos for tips and advice so thank you so much for making them! You are an absolute beast
