The quiet diaries of an agoraphobic introvert living alone in the UK. Today: More pottering about the house, musings on what's important in life, minimalism, moving house and potentially slower living?
I had the same feelings as what your experiencing 10 years ago. I bit the bullet and sold my house in the city, gave up my rat race job and moved to a tiny rural cottage in a different county. Now I work when I want to, not because I have to. I try to be as self sufficient and off grid as I possibly can and lead a simple but happy life. Best decision I've ever made. My advice to you is if you've got that itch then you should scratch it 😉
Rick I used to watch way back when you had the allotment. You came across my mind and I wondered how you are doing. And there you had a life update. Here's to going along with the flow and enjoying the changes to come. Wishing you the best in whatever life has in store for you next. 🍀😊
Its not just me then , I have been on the same journey for a while now . I feel so much better and hope you will too . The walking is great for the mind . Its a shame about the podcasts as you have a very soothing voice . Thanks for sharing Rick .
Funny, I am 54 and kind of moving in the opposite direction. I had a long period of minimalism and lived in a motorhome for almost 5 years, but during the pandemic i got myself an apartment and it felt like moving in to a palace after so long in a motorhome. Now i am looking to find a house in a quiet village somewhere, where i can be creative and do stuff and also improve the house. I also think of it as an investment to either rent out or sell when i am retired to go live in a warmer country. If i didnt feel safe taking a walk in my neighbourhood i would move in an instant, that is really sad. Thanks for sharing, love to follow your journey.
Definitely agree with the life stages thing - I have definitely felt more mindful, peaceful and philosophical about my life in the last few years (a bit older than you right now). I have never felt moved to minimalism personally but we are each different. To me, my books and other things are part of what makes our home "home" and are a comfort, not a distraction. At peace in my nest, I suppose! But you will find your peace. And given your practical skills and that you work for yourself, the opportunities for you to move somewhere more remote are still many and varied - do give that some thought. I couldn't go back to living in a built up area now.
I totally understand how you feel Rick .I'm waiting to get my move date any week now .I always wanted to move to an English village,live a simple peaceful life ,I found a house with country walks ,woodlands ,a shop ,church and pub .I would say follow your dream do the move now whilst you in good health ,do what makes your life happy .I love your videos and prefer the spontaneous type ,like this one or your camping 🏕️ ones .Go for long country walks to think things through and the answers will come .Good luck xx
Something to keep in mind, your stuff is your past: a past, that you alone own. Some stages of development can be destructive, and once destroyed -- you can't get them back. It's your own history that's up for grabs here. Been there, done that .. but I stepped back, and glad I did: cos when you get to 60 or 70 -- then I can say from experience, that those things keep you grounded; they reminded you of who you actually are. Yes, have a clear out! - But don't throw the (baby out with the bathwater), just for the sake of cleaning the bath: or stripping the walls. Stay well, ..
Offering stuff to charity shops can often ease guilt or indecision. As an alternative to renting/buying you could drive to many lovely places and walk there with only fuel as the major expense. Good luck, Brendan.
I fully feel you with the stuff oppressing you. I went camping with my boys recently and when I got back the house was just overwhelming, camping appeals to a certain part of me that likes having a simple life with minimal possessions, a bowl each, a mug each, limited clothes, toys etc. I feel like a downsize and a move could be really positive for you given you have revisited it over the years!
You're a real hobby butterfly. I imagine that your minimalism will not last before you move on to something else. It's not a criticism by the way. It's good to try new things and I enjoy your videos.
Im approaching 55 and going through something similar. I think it's a point in life where you do evaluate everything. The clutter is often a representation of what's going in internally. Procrastination is a killer though. With you on the social media have done exactly the same. Maybe because weve lived through simpler times 70s/80s were kind of looking to recreate some of that.
I think it's a great idea to move Rick, being happy and content in your home surroundings is so important in my book and a great foundation to start a new chapter in your life 👍 You can see how happy and relaxed you are when you're at Damon's and Jen's field ❤ It's a big upheaval and expense, but it will be worth it 🌲🌿🍁🪷 😊
Hey Rick, I find it's easier not to attach yourself to a label or an ideology such as "minimalism". As "minimalism" is very much relative to the individual, you can find yourself thinking, I haven't got rid of enough stuff! I prefer just to treat it as a purge. I'm 35 an I'm currently having another purge of my own, but some of my things are just non-negotiables such as tools and materials etc. everything else either gets sold, binned or moved to a staging area for a month and if I still haven't used it, it goes in the bin. I wish you all the best with your latest "purge" and enjoy the headspace and feel good factor that comes with having less stuff 😊
I can totally understand the urge to declutter and be rid of things you don't use, need or want. I'm at a point in my life where my mind wonders to renting a skip and dumping all of the stuff I don't or no one else wants. I'm also feeling less sentimental and nostalgic for things I used to e.g old fave Christmas decorations that I cherished now remind me of times past that I no longer want to dwell on. It's a strange one. Never thought I'd be like that. Take care and good luck with it all, keep us posted on the progress as I find it fascinating.
You are always an inspiration! I have to tell you, I started the Carnivore diet because you did! I know you do your research, and I watched your first month, with great interest. I stared on Jan 5 and I am still living that way! It is amazing and wonderful! Yes, it is hard at certain times, but amazing, thrilling and FREE at ALL times! I feel so good, in all ways. Thank you for your videos on the subject and inspiring me to do this. I lost 60 pounds my husband lost 40! And I have lost my brain fog, aches and pains, mental anguish….and the stress and misery of constant craving and raving over food!! I do not have to worry about not eating food, eating food, or what I’m going to eat! All those stresses have been taken away. I’m going to eat meat; I’m gonna eat eggs; I’m gonna eat fat and I’m going to experience life, instead of worrying about eating bad, eating too much, getting fat and feeling sick. I have no cravings and truly eat for health. Nothing taste better than living as a carnivore feels. And I can thank you!
Rick, try the Marie Kondo method. The “too good to throw away” box will spoil your plans, you need to decide whether the item sparks joy in which case you keep it, or not, in which case you thank it (!) and bin, recycle or sell it. Otherwise you will end up with a mountain of “too good to throw away” and no progress. Look at each item once and decide, don’t get stuck into looking again and again. Best of luck.
Hi Rick! I think you are going through the 3rd /4th stage of a Hindu life: Āśrama is a system of stages of life discussed in Hindu texts of the ancient and medieval eras. The four asramas are: 1. Brahmacharya (student), 2. Gṛhastha (householder), 3. Vanaprastha (forest walker/forest dweller), consisting of withdrawal from concern with material things, pursuit of solitude, and ascetic and yogic practices 4. Sannyasa (renunciate). involving renouncing all one's possessions to wander from place to place 😀
🐞Lovely to see you again Rick! I can so understand with what you are going through, and yes, I do think that a lot of people go through the same thing. I have had these sorts of 'purges' quite a few times in my life since my 40s, where I cleared space mentally and physically for new things, new people, and new adventures. It's a beautiful transition and once you have completed this step, hopefully you will feel what I felt which was relief, contentment, and rejuvenated. I found that the best thing to do is to try not to rush the process, but simply allow it to flow at its own pace. I also completely understand your apprehension about walking in certain neighborhoods. I too prefer to walk in nature, far away from the business of the city parks and roads. Far too many people, dogs, & traffic! I used to have a favorite city park in my neighborhood where I walked for many years in solitude (mostly), gathering my thoughts and nourishing my soul, and was able to walk alone at any time...that is until it became overcrowded and full of seedy characters. I now am also considering moving closer to a huge provincial park so I don't have to drive 30 mins to get to! All the best on your journey and please let us know how you are doing. ~~xx Louise in Canada 🌳🌲🍁🌲🌳
Hi Rick, as we built out a Boxer camper van DIY beautiful inside, we have decided as you are and have already started to de clutter our home, to become minimilists, the most amazing feeling ever, rent out our house, travel full time in South Africa, enjoy our lives out in our beautiful country doing videos on our channel, art on the road as I am an artist, and Graham is retiring from work, we ain't rich but want to enjoy what we have. So exciting to see others on the similiar wavelength, go for new changes Rick☑...
Hi Rick, I don’t think you are mad or alone in feeling this way. I feel a global unease & folk all over the world, well those of us who sense things & trust their instincts, are almost feeling like they are on a precipice & are preparing themselves in all kinds of ways for fight or flight. Since my early teens my great love has been nature & wildlife & when you now be still & observe, colonies of insects have gone, in vast numbers. I won’t get too deep but it’s not great for us as a species. I would absolutely do exactly as you are about to do, if I could. Unfortunately having had MS now for around 30 years I simply can’t physically do it, but over the last 10 years or so I have slowly gathered everything I think I’ll need if I ever find myself without a roof over my head & on the move (I was going to say on the run but that’s also not possible lol) So even though I have a secure home & a car I still feel like we are all going to end up on the move with nothing so I have two rucksacks packed & ready to go, just in case. So Rick you’re not the only one who thinks they sound mad. I think many of us sense this thing, whatever it is & who knows, hopefully it may never happen & if it does hopefully some kind soul along the way would give me a push as we all head to a safe place ♿️ I’m so sorry, that all sounds very gloomy doesn’t it🥴 I think a move for you would probably be the best thing you’d ever done by the sounds of it. I think maybe subconsciously you & many others feeling the same are preparing too. We are a very intuitive species with a great survival instinct. All the best with your project🙏🏻Annie🏴
The quickest method woukd be to put you stuff in storage and rent a place more rural , the simple act of moving is a very freeing experience , moved last year amazing weight lifted off me didn't know I disliked were I lived so much till.i moved 😂
Personally, I find the times we are living are so different from those I knew when young, and so worrying and chaotic, that I too am am finding my way to fundamental principles and spirituality. In a world where a word can be given a diametrically opposite meaning to what it always had, when gender appears to be thought to be fluid, where truth appears to differ according to taste, some of us crave solid ground beneath our feet. I hope you find what you are searching for:)
Instead of jumping from project to project and idea to idea, you need to address the loneliness query. Is that the route cause of all the projects and keeping yourself busy. Good luck with whatever you do and decide as I will always support you as I'm very much like you.
@@James101 @James101 I think it's more about coming up with projects to vlog which often requires buying stuff, than it is the need to own possessions to keep up with the Joneses or to fill in the void of loneliness. We know he has chosen to live the bachelor life without having any children or relationships (he hasn't really spoken about it), but no doubt a single man without commitments frees up alot of cash so he has more money to buy stuff. I haven't heard him speak about loneliness being an issue as he has friends & family, plus VR can be socially interactive. His bigger issue is agoraphobia & staying in doors which limits what he can film, so he focuses on indoor projects that require buying more stuff & this accumulates. He needs to get out more & film, as the outdoor doesn't require buying stuff, nature provides it.
This will be interesting! You’re feeling a lot of what I’m feeling right now. I would love to see you in a new home in the countryside! Good luck with decluttering! 🌷🌷🌷
Hi Rick, you have seemed to of been lost over the last year or two, trying different things. Perhaps all the time you haven’t been looking inwards enough. You are so right about being taken over by social media (living other peoples lives, through the screen) for hours. Which is what I am doing now with you 😂😂 moving house may be exactly what you need and certainly get out into the real world around us and enjoy our wonderful world x
Although not much of a walker, more a cyclist I can relate to the nature and minimalism idea. Just sorting through my stuff, great to audit every now and then.🙂
Minimalism is a amazing way of life, I myself battle with questioning everything I buy (do I actually need it) (can I resell it easily if not) & so on When you actually start thinking like this it’s a massive weight lifted & you feel more alive & free Put it this way I can basically move my life in 1 van this to me is freedom more important lighter sole good luck Rick stick with it
Cotswold or Spain? I understand your new feelings. Exhilarating and scary. I'm wanting to return to the desert where I spent my youth. I'm not interested in the toys I've accumulated. I've driven my SLK once in over a year. As I get older I find the important things are inside me. Congratulations on this next adventure.
Totally get what you are doing, kind of like a rebirth or reboot, simplifying life so you can refocus on things that enhance your life. Or it’s Death Cleaning like some Swedish do lol. The older generation get rid of stuff as they get older so their children don’t have to when the inevitable comes. Good vid mate, I’m sure many will identify with it too, and take a look at their own possessions and ask themselves if they need it. I’m not there yet, Jen, if you are reading this 😂.
Blimey Rick! - Thanks for making Me feel REALLY OLD! - My eldest is Your age 😂 ... Moving House EH? - Back in the early 90's We had a meeting of 'Bad Health & 17% Mortgage rates' - Lost our house - Had to move THREE times in 12 months - The local but International Removal company couldn't fit ALL of our belongings into their LARGEST lorry 🥴 ... As You can imagine, Stressful time with seven kids and ONE on the way - NEVER want to move again - EVER! - in the days I got left, but De-Cluttering FIRST is definitely the way to go 🤠
I think we all occasionally want to clear junk out and probably related to wanting to tidy our lives a little and change things up. Have a look at some properties Rick and see if you can see yourself living there. Might make for some interesting videos too.
I'm older than you and I'm still on the verge of starting this journey. My problem is I have a small piece of land that currently needs a lot of attention, and a wayward dog that needs even more attention. How do you fit it all in? Keep making the videos. It's going to be like one of these, 'Sort your life out,' programmes.
i actually view my environment as a reflection of my mental state. it's ancient buddist wisdom i think. the physical clutter is a manifestation of my emotional clutter. so i look around and understand i'm holding onto old, useless habits, i'm disorganized and i lack structure in my life. it's not easy to glean into your psychological state so you can view the outside world as a mirror.
yeah, having your natal chart read by a professional might be the best psychological advice you'll ever get. and planetary transits might explain the phases you feel you're going through.
It's a bit like preparing and cooking an amazin meal, then wished you just went down the local curry house You get an idea in your head, and just go with it instead of thinking through the pro's and con's, i was the same. A bit of advice (which i haven't taken) is if you haven't used something for a year, you probably won't use it. I think South Wales is calling again, it's where you always seem happiest,🤣🤣 i've been here about 12 yeaars, i don't regret it.
Did a similar project a few years back, downsizing from 1200 sq ft to 600 and now 300. I am convinced de-cluttering prevents or at least delays dementia. Just one suggestion: Don't give the "undecided" pile too much room. as it will tend to drag on you mentally more than you might realize. I have lived by a rule most of my adult life: If I have not used something for at least a year, someone else should get some use out of it and it needs to go. I am 67 now and there are only two (sadly irreplaceable) items I wish I had kept, the rest is out of sight, out of mind, and isn't "out of mind" where you want all stuff to end up, so you can have space there for constructive thoughts, people etc.?
Moving might be the best option. I don't think renting out your house is a wise decision unless you are in dire need of money. We've heard a lot of stories about tenants from hell, which only serves to increase tension and produce issues that are counterproductive to your desire for a calm lifestyle. Although decluttering your home can be rather relaxing, it's advisable to maintain certain items that make you happy even if they don't offer any value to your life because an empty existence can also be very gloomy and we need something at home to distract us from negative thoughts in an otherwise empty quiet space.
Good evening Rick, not sure if you have heard of Andropause as it is not widely spoken about, but I did a lot of research into it what I was researching Menopause for us ladies, it could be elements of the Andropause that you and many men go through without realising. Just a thought 👍
Hi scratch card lady .reading the comments and see you watching channel. Small world .ricks channel is great .maybe he will watch one of yours videos. No sure if it's relaxing but I find both channels relaxing .
Hi Rick, looking at a bigger picture, I think you need to be involved permanently in a project??? Looking back over the years, the allotment, the shed/astro project, LARPing, house renovation, campervan builds…. It has kept you busy and that seems when you are most at ease??? I am proud to say that I have never been tempted with FB or twitter ✊ Had a similar problem with shading my conservatory roof. I used automotive window shade film. It has been on about 8 years now and still looking good 👍🏻 Cheers Nigel
I've said for a long time that my hobby is trying new hobbies, feels like I'm a compass someone keeps passing a magnet over sometimes, constant direction changing.
Well Rick it’s a bit hard for me to comment on this because our situations ( and ages are so far apart ) I was married with three boys 52, 54, and 59 ( you’d slot in there quite nicely 🤣 ) they are all married with kids who I simply adore so there is loads of history there.I also thought I’d go minimal and started your system but as I sorted through I found things from years and years ago that held great memories plus collections of my late husbands etc. I was ruthless determined and filled some boxes. I then looked around my house and realised its soul was disappearing !! And I didn’t like it. Most of the stuff was put back but not utilities that I no longer need to use as a single person. Several ornaments I did let go tho to save dusting etc. You have Gwen ❤️ she is your means to be a home from home and get out into the country do the walks, live solitary and commune with nature any time you like. Stop and think, you already have it all. Don’t change Stay the Rick we all know and love it’s the life you have made I think it’s better than you realise. PLUS we all love your video blogs and you have us all as friends . How great is that ! Looking forward to the next vid xxx😊
@@normatrodd6666 thanks for sharing, Norma, yes, you are right, sometimes we can’t see what is under our nose because we are too busy thinking the grass is greener elsewhere. I guess that is the dilemma, I know what I already have here is actually very good, which makes it extremely difficult to move away from on the hope and promise of something more. At the moment, I shall not be going anywhere, but I’m hoping this exercise will at least Provide some clarity of perspective 😊👍❤️
Absolutely agree with u, Norma. I hope Rick doesn't go too full on with this new ADHD type rabbit hole & I can say that as I'm very Adhd. I think apart from the change of address, this fashion of rigorously decluttering can have negative consequences if not thought through. U look at people renting who have scant sense of stability with landlords & aren't allowed permanent pics up or to have much stuff in case of being told to move on. Minimalism can lead to a sense of not being grounded. There can b a lack of soul in minimalist houses that all look alike & can lack personality. I cudnt live in Rick's house as its far to big 4 me, I cudnt afford it, but I'd also feel the sense of space - & for me the ceilings r too low downstairs where I'd feel contained; even tho the house itself is a large 1. Keeping things that make your house feel like home is a vital element of 'this is me/I am me'. Hopefully as u say Rick can identify what good he has and change/tweek what he needs to, without going full on where his living space is like a bland hotel room. You offer good insight. I lived in the villages around the town he is in, maybe he would benefit from a smaller place in a more village like setting. Having said that if cars become a nightmare to use/tax/run in future - I wouldn't wish to b too isolated in a rural area away from important amenities, so it's finding a balance. I luv a more rural area away from my busy city, but I know if I relocated there I'd b more reliant on my vehicle & have less ease getting to things like a hospital or DIY store. When the pandemic hit it brought up how lovely it was to see nature, but also that you weren't cut off (with miles to travel to get things u didn't want to order on line).
A lot of what you are saying chimes with me Rick, I'm 50 and there was a time where I would always be chasing the latest technology, keeping up with the Jones's etc, the constant feeling of needing to upgrade to the latest of everything. Media is very good at making you feel that you need to do this, and on the subject of social media, how many times do we find ourselves watching videos or reading stuff and wondering why am I wasting my time? Don't get me wrong, I want to be comfortable and live in a nice home, but that doesn't depend on having to have the latest 'things'. I think that the older you get, the more you really ask yourself what it is that you want rather than allowing it to be dictated to you by others.
Do what makes you happy Rick. More camping perhaps, or projects that satisfy your creative needs. Life is too short to stay on social media with "friends" you have never met, or ever likey to meet. Be you.
As for moving further out into the country side looking on the map Swindon is surrounded by smaller satellite villages like Wroughton, Highworth, Wanborough, Shrivenham, Cricklade, Purton, etc, given the close proximity to Swindon they should all have good broadband connection / utilities, whilst only a short distance to drive to get to the big shops / postal hub in town. I'm sure something is within budget if you keep an eye on property for sale in the local area.
Are you still thinking about moving to Spain? My wife and I live in the colonies but went to Spain right before covid. Lovely country, we've talked about moving there a lot since.
Hope you document your (potential) getting-ready-to-move process. I am actually moving in October so it would kind of keep me going as it’s very overwhelming. I’m selling stuff and giving stuff away but I think I need to be more radical with it.
i think carl jung said that at midlife your focus turns from outside to inside. to people who have been primarily dependent on outside things this process is particularly unpleasant. you can look into astrology and especially transits which deal with that matter in particular. in general i think astrology is a good instrument to help you look and understand within. you can start at astro, that's the name of the site
i too have too much stuff that's accumulated over the years that needs sifting through. i just never purged as i went through different stages of life.
I completely relate to what you were trying to explain in the video and I’m doing the exact same thing bit by bit (slightly harder with children). I have an increasing sense of freedom by doing so, and I’m sure you will feel the same. I then had a lightbulb moment about your walking goal that I think would tick a lot of boxes in terms of your hobbies, your diet/fitness and mindfulness. I think you should consider a VR treadmill to work in conjunction with your quest 3! There seems to be a plethora of virtual walking simulators and I would imagine some virtual tours similar to your train ride ones. They have a traditional style treadmill design and then the multi directional versions. All of which would be cheaper than moving house 😊 I’d be interested to know your thoughts on the idea and if it’s something that ever crossed your mind.
How do you earn a living? Your ideas and vlogs on here are great but surely not enough to fund your lifestyle. Is it from your other channel "The honest guys" that you can live the lifestyle you have at the moment?
@@rickvanman I have just cleared out my spare room thanks to your video. I got rid of 4 boxes of stuff "That might come in handy one day" Funny enough it was like I had lost a lot of sentimental baggage that I would never need. Thanks. 😊
@@Conflictofinterest902 oh, I feel your pain LOL! The tool dilemma. My most coveted possessions are my tools. And certainly most difficult to get rid of, even though I have multiple duplicates LOL!
Best of luck with your transition. Spiritualism is materialism of the soul. You can't find lasting happiness in the physical world and likewise, you can't find contentment in the spiritual world. There is nothing to do or understand, nothing to chase after, and there is absolutely no meaning to life and that is total freedom, completeness and perfection but not for you to have.
I think you spend way too much time at home and in your head, I’m 72 so I once was your age, I never had a thought of changing my house, I was just excited to be healthy and able to get out and live. I believe you need to speak to someone about your mental health, the lockdowns 4 years ago haven’t left your life it seems. If you don’t get out and live you’ll be 65 before you know it and you’ll have nothing to show for the last 10 years.
You must have alot of possessions or your an Amazon junkie? it seems your always clearing out stuff & selling it on. You recently cleared out the van, before that downsizing the craft room, then the kitchen only to buy more gadgets for carnivore, also the shed when you moved out the astronomy gear & then the resin printing stuff, not forgetting the hydroponics & herbalism set up before you got the allotment. This is more about having the need to invest in projects to film before moving on to the next thing than the owning of possessions to keep up with the Joneses.
idk, are you willing to share your natal aspects and transits and discuss them with us? i love astrology and find it very useful in understanding myself. for example i have chiron on my midheaven and i never knew what to make of it. but recently it dawns on me it might mean i'm a healer.
