Van Life: Alone in my 30's...this wasn't the plan. 

I feel this video....“ Loneliness is the pain of being alone. Solitude is the glory of being alone.” - Paul Tillich

“the great part of being human is that we all find joy differently” is honestly such a great reply to people who are like “urrr gonna die aloneee”

I love everything about this edit. The message, the cohesive feel, the footage, the music, it's perfect.

This video speaks to me in so many ways. I'm 35 in Omaha and currently building my van. It's been a dream of mine for a years now to be a nomad. I've watched all of my friends get married, buy houses and raise kids. It really is a tremendous amount of work to achieve this life and I have had lots of negative feedback from people who don't understand.

Alone at 30! At 30 is when I started being alone. Now in my early 70s I'm still alone and I'm a happy camper!

This was a beautiful testament to life as a human being. The ability to flow and grow in the direction that suits your soul rather than what others may expect. I have been single for 15 years now and the number of times I am asked, "You got a man?" by well meaning family and friends - well, I could retire comfortably if I received a dollar for every time I am asked that. And no, I don't have a man but I have a beautifully messy, peaceful, exciting life on my own that I love. :) Wishing you a very happy 33 birthday. I hope your day and year ahead is filled with much joy and laughter.

You kind of remind me of myself from some years back (although I'm male). I also grew up in (two) smaller towns in the Midwest and eventually ended up living in Portland, Oregon for several years. Then I decided to come back to where I was born and where most of my family is from (although they are all pretty much gone at this point), so now I live in Montana. I spent 6 1/2 years in college earning 2 bachelor's degrees in fields that I am no longer pursuing. I'm glad I got that education, because it has made me a more well rounded person, but my life has taken a different path. I figured when I was younger that I would get married someday, but I'm still living with just my dog, and I'd honestly rather be happy doing that than miserable because I settled for living with someone who I don't really like and who doesn't really like me. I'm 49 years old, and if I never end up married, that's okay. I would have to find a woman who absolutely can't imagine her life without me and vice versa. Short of that, I think I'll be happier by myself. I wish you all the best and hope that you continue to find joy in everything life has to offer.

*”Sorry, Nana”* Hah, felt that! 😅 There’s a whole gen of us out here takin alternative paths 🙌🏻 Enjoyed your wisdom, thanks for sharing ❤

Love this channel! People are so judgemental on other people's life choices, and ironically, even the ones that HATE their own lives. So, be authentic and live your OWN life!

I am 73 and am learning similar lessons following the Covid plandemic that separated me from friends and family. I now travel alone in my 24' motorhome. Tough at first but learning to like my own company and the unknown that each day brings. I'm proud of you!

Nice guitar sound and voice! I can relate : at 33 I broke up my marriage and went from Belgium to Greece to become an entertainer and sailing instructor. Best therapy I ever did, although my parents said I was 'totally irresponsable'. Follow your own heart and never listen to the crowd! Greetings from Europe.

What a beautiful message. Aloneness does not mean lonely, nor does it mean unhappy. Most people are so unhappy with themselves that they hope to find external happiness and validation in other people. You have an incredibly soothing singing voice, and you have a soul of gold ☺️ may you find all the happiness in the world in your 30s. I wish i had the balls to go chase happiness…

Your speech and reflections was a mindopener, just what I needed! Some of us are just meant to be true individuals! Loved the guitar playing and singing!

54 and having been doing vanlife over 5 years there are some lonely empty times but the lord is always there with me, I don't desire to go back in home and love this vanlife ❤

Your video popped up in my feed. I'm glad I watched it. I am of the same mindset on finding yourself and a peace of living fulfilled that doesn't depend on someone else. I already have 4 kids, two of them are out of the house, and the youngest two will be in 4 years. I am 44 now and will be living on the road after my two youngest are on their own in 4 years. For now I am planning longer and longer trips exploring. Best of luck!

As a 55 yr old retired Navy Veteran, and now working on my second retirement, your words hit home. Although, I do LOVE being in a relationship, I have sacrificed my identity for others far too often. Now that I can see the end of the tunnel (4 years) my goals are exactly what you are doing. Thank you for sharing!!

Just came here to say the quality of this video is spectacular! It is breathtakingly unique compared to the same copy paste formula used. The editing, shots and an actual message or at the very least personal perspective was incredible! You did a great job! I hope you continue finding your happiness and wish you the best of luck in life!

Thank you for sharing this. Like a lot of folks, I feel so stuck in "what you're supposed to do." You're living in a different way than the world says you have to. And you're doing it. It looks so peaceful. Peace be with you.

Happy Birthday! I'm turning 30 a week from today. Just found your channel and within the first 30 seconds, I'm sold already! Subbed

Awww good for you! I agree with you in so many ways. I did get married, but at age 34. We sailed away to Mexico twice and now are full time in our small travel trailer. No kids, no picket fence. Good on you :)

why is this video making me cry at my desk?! This video came at the right time! I am in the last 6 months of my 20s and entering into my 30s and the pressure from everyone saying I need to have a husband already, kids, and a house is too much! The road is tugging at my soul and this video was confirmation from the universe that I am on the right path! Thank you for this beautiful magic! So glad I am not the only who thinks this way cause kids are a no for me and I am also at a place where I am perfectly fine being alone. I am focused more on gaining loving friendships, having epic adventures, and falling in love with art again! Hope to see you on the road one day! Happy travels ✨✨ also Happy belated birthday!

So great to have you back! Beautiful video, both artistically and philosophically! Glad you're living your life the way you want to live it!

After 15 years fulltiming I love to hear someone discover what you have found. The push back is so often someone trying to justify their reasons for not choosing our paths. This lesson we've learned is applicable to other facets of the journey and every day we live the lives we do, the way we choose, is very good ROI. Good on ya!

I’m 33 and I definitely like my alone time, I notice the older I get the less lonely I am. Please take care of yourself dear, be safe.

I hope this video goes mega viral… I was hooked through the whole thing… that rarely happens on RU-vid these days, especially with a creator you just found! Thank you for being you!

1st timer here.....68, kid-less, and....super happy. I see what my nieces/nephews are going thru. (ie ENDURING) and....I dodged a bullet! Being alone doesn't mean lonely: it does mean "ALL ONE" if you use the time well!

That song at the beginning is beautiful, and your videos make me want to start a journey of my own even more! I look forward to seeing more of your stuff!

You be you, cuz no one can tell you how to be truly happy. I'm glad I found your channel, and thank you for sharing.

I just ordered a 2024 Transit, selling the house and going mobile solo. The 9-5 taxed to death with wifey is no longer a happy way of life, your awesome video captured all that is good in living free. Thank you for supporting the dream is real.

It takes a strong person to be comfortable with themselves alone. Great job living your own life! It helps when there are beautiful mountains, deserts, rivers, oceans etc. Ive been alone most of my life. I dont want kids either. Great video, injoy the journey!~

That's the way girl. The sky is the limit and life can be just wonderful and fulfilling without kids and marriage. What world lies ahead for kids anyway? Your van looks just great and I wish you wonderful days now and in the future. Peace ❤

Well Said, I’m happy to see you living your life the way you want to and not what “society” says you have to be or do, I’m 59 and have never been married and have no children, I spent time in the military and after my last overseas deployment in 2005-06 and after seeing and helping to load flag draped transfer cases I knew that my life was forever changed, I did not want to get married or have kids, I found myself enjoying the solitude of being a lifelong bachelor, and over the past 17 years I have been involved in Cat rescues, and sitting on my couch with multiple cats that are alive because of me brings me great peace, happiness, and pleasure, sure I will die alone and forgotten by society, but at least I can say that in my tiny little corner of the world there was a place where Peace, Love, and Happiness reigned. And I send those same blessings to you as well.

I just discovered your channel with this video and I started crying because it sounded like you were telling my story too. I grew up in Iowa, with the same expectations of settling down, getting a 9-5, and having kids. I’ve always been single and I’ve never wanted to have kids (I think I was under 10 the first time I told my Mom that). I tried the 9-5 corporate job for a decade and it destroyed my mental health. On December 18th, 2022 I set out on the road in my Ford Econoline (low roof) and finally found the freedom I was looking for. Unfortunately I had to return home for a year due to financial issues, but I spent the time rebuilding my van and now I’m setting out again in 2 weeks and I can’t wait! Maybe I’ll see you down the road sometime! Thank you for telling your story! ❤

Hey There! I stumbled upon your channel today and thought I would take a moment to send positive female-adventurer vibes your way! I love that you are seizing the day, living unconventionally and sharing your story. I am also in my 30's, childfree and traveling the Colorado wilderness in a 20 ft trailer along with my life partner. Maybe we'll bump into each other on the road! Happy travels!

Hey Melissa, I’m glad to have come across your chaneel and be joining your community 🙂. I subscribe to every word you said. I’m 20 years older than you and have realized probably later than you did that there are so many ways to enjoy life, not just the “standard” one 😉. Cheers, peace out and see ya in the next one 😊

I think it's refreshing to see a surge in people adopting the nomadic lifestyle. One reason is because it allows them to not only experience new relationships with other people but also to allow other people to experience them. I've met so many cool people while traveling. What was it your patients said? "Live now". Yeah, best advice for anyone and everyone on the planet. Do you. Be who you are. We all die alone if you really think about it. I'm going to subscribe because I admire your philosophy on life.

Certain ‘commitments’ are just a box society places us into. Whether or not we stay, leave or paint ourselves a new box.. well. That’s up to us now, isn’t it. Glad the algorithm placed this edit in front of me this evening. Cheers, and rubber side down.

This video is beautifully shot and beautifully told. It has a spiritually airy essence that makes me feel at peace. Thank you.

That was really touching. I can really feel that video and closely relate. You’re a special kind of person. Thank you

This is beautiful. Glad you’re finding you peace ☺️

Also 33, turning 34 in September, I work a typical 9-5 and recently started doing vanlife out of a truck camper, the amount of people that question my life choices but the freedom to go anywhere is such a great feeling. Keep doing what you love to do and I'm happy to have found your channel. ❤

Love your concept. We don't need to allow others to define us. Enjoy the journey.

I am going on 20 years of being a widow I am the most happiest person in the world I'll even be happier like I said when my home sales no more I'm happy for who I am and where I am I'm 72 years old going on 52... I'm looking forward to my New journey I love who I am!!!😊

aw this was uploaded on my 30th birthday 🥲 I love how you put this video together- its inspiring!

The song and the singing was absolutely beautiful. Totally from the heart. You could feel it.

Being alone is terrible. We’re all incredibly blessed to have life and a relationship with God and Jesus. The van life seems like an awesome adventure. I’m glad God brought my wife and I together 3 years ago. It’s been a great joy to grow as individuals and in our faith, together. We’re so excited to have our first child as well. Babies are bundles of joy! And they got those michellin arms and legs and chubby cheeks and adorable smiles!! ❤😊😅

Wow! Your storytelling is magic

You are doing everything right. 50 year old dog dad here, no kids, no self-owned house (never wanted one), gave up my corporate job for being self-employed and working with a handful of clients. Happy with my life and totally at peace with everything, and yes I'd do it all again. I've come to the conclusion that most other people are insecure and seek for reassurance on their own decisions. They have the kids, they wanted a house more than anything in the world, they stick to their corporates because it gives them so much safety - and that's why you have to do it all the same, so they can feel acknowledged. If you don't, guess who's the weirdo. Don't fall for it! Thanks for the nice video. Take care out there

We are here to experience. We shouldn't take others or ourselves too seriously. We should try our best and let go of the rest.

When you recounted what your patients told you - their regrets, wasted time, and missed opportunities - that landed HARD with me. I'm glad you heard that message at a time in your life when you needed it, and could act on it. Happy trails!

I’ve followed you on Instagram for a while, but this popped up on my recommended feed today and I’m so glad I clicked. You have a beautiful and creative style of making videos, and I completely resonate with your message ❤

Beautiful video. Very well done, and I agree with the message. Not everyone wants or values the same things, and that's OK. Keep on keepin on 👍

Dude, 2:18 - 2:32 is such an amazing transition. Perfect amount of silence between joking about being alone and acknowledging that it might just be for you. And the energy change with the music..SO GOOD!

I am so happy I found your page, your music and views are wonderful! Firstly i have a son who said he would never marry, stout in his view like you. Hes independent, strong, and always busy, he felt it wouldnt be fair to a spouse with how chaotic his life is. Then randomly one day a woman bumped into him at the gym, and they started being friendly at the gym, she too was busy... She was a lawyer who went into nursing, and now focuses on training folks. shes a fitness competitor like him haha. Both have multiple side businesses, both are always on the go! Now? She just finished swapping a rebuilt cummins into her uhaul box truck build. she just did the 4x4 conversion and modded the frame a lot. He has a small none high roof e350 long body van non 4x4. They are currently taking the year off and traveling together. Next year they will begin homesteading on their property in N AZ. A he and she tinyhouse, on L and R rv ports of a shop building for shade from heat and sun. green houses and garden beds. goats. chickens. conies. fishes. etc. They didnt want kids, and now they are talking about it haha. My daughter is different. She was in a committed relationship, thought shed have kids, and loved being stationary predictable and worked at her small hospital. Now shes a traveling nurse, has been since the plandemic. She made and makes very good money. Her life falling apart lead her to get her masters. And chase other education to grow as an individual. She used to be anti fishing anti hunting. She now enjoys bow hunting, and etc. She was so afraid to be alone... her work made her unhealthy and tired all the time. Now shes super fit. She does brazilian jj, muay thai, boxing, karate, she showers at the gyms she goes to while traveling. She wont die alone. In CO a friend of hers owns a private tinyhouse community on their massive ranch property, plans to build more, she will eventually live there with all her gfs haha. All of them arent interested in getting married or having kids, but they dont mind baby sitting nephews, nieces, etc. Some were teachers so they def dont want their own kids haha. Just live and live well. "Fear not death nor the pain of it, Fear the life left unlived; Live a life less ordinary."

Fantastic video!

Love the content, 33 going on living life like others dont know. Oh and btw you look 23. Your as young as you feel: but mature in the knowledge you've acquired.😊

Wow what a great video. I did the 9-5 wife, kids and now retired divorced and alone I’m just now at 59 feeling free to live my life. I have been taking short trips my whole life but since I retired I’m gone a month at a time soon to be traveling full time. Live now life goes by soooo fast enjoy every second and do what makes you feel alive. Maybe I’ll see you on the road someday. Oh and happy birthday!!

Happy Birthday!!! that is the truth, I do believe that you have to enjoy your own time and love the connection that you create with people who support your dreams are. It was a beautiful setting in this video and you really seem to enjoy the open road:)

thank you sooo much for sharing this, you are an inspiration!

Clicked on this randomly, when it came up in my feed. Loveky to see someone so happy and comfortable in themself, living for the now is the perfect situation, anything else and you just end up regretting it later, when it's too late to do anything about it 😊

I needed to hear this, you're not behind anybody, you're just on a different path 💜

You go girl. Amazing voice. Amazing talent. Keep going and don't stop for anyone.

Excellent video. Loved and enjoyed it a lot.!!! All of it….!! Namaste ❤

i’m proud of you for doing what you need to do for you. I will pray for you and wish you success and happiness in your travels and searches.

"constantly chasing whats next" this is something i struggle with at 29 and learning to practice being present and mindful of what i already have and where i already am has been a challenge.

Hi I'm 42 and trying to figure out how to live my life after being married for 24 yrs and 2 kids later. I want what I want and I don't want to lose that freedom. Every day it's scary and I admit lonely. You inspire me to keep going and push forward to be happy.

I've been full time RV for 4 years. I've met a few women traveling alone and I am always impressed. You Go!!

In the land of the free it's sometimes hard to be free. It's good you found your version of freedom.

Well said! Im almost 39. Never married and no kids. I hate that society views the "normal path" to be college, marriage, kids when a lot of people don't want that. I do want to be married some day but I don't want to be married just to be married.

Amazing! Thank you for uploading this video and sharing your experience with us! I’m very happy for you that you have found your path and living it without regrets. I hope more people can be like you follow their hearts and not be strained by fear or the unknown! Keep up the good works, Melissa!

I love that rig!

I travel solo and love it. It gives you time to stop and enjoy the little things. Meeting people on the road fill in the gaps. Take care and have a Vantastic time.

That’s great you get to live like this. I was the opposite. I always thought I wouldn’t get married until my 40’s but I met the right person at 23 and am still married 23 years later. I did imagine traveling around like you but things changed

I really like and admire your feelings. Most people don’t understand there’s a big difference between loneliness and being alone. Thanks!

I think no matter where you at in life you always have a group or family that support you even if they don’t look familiar

Thanks for posting, Rover. I'm so grateful you posted this video. We are so fortunate in this country to have many options. However, many people hold on to the ideals of our parents and friends who haven't yet realized that there are many paths in this life and there are no rules. We can always go back to the old ways of living if this doesn't suit us. 😊

Aloha Melissa, loved this video. You do you and thank you for sharing your adventures. Looking forward to your next video, safe travels! =)

Happy Birthday!! Thank you for your courage to be vulnerable and post this video of your inner feelings. It's hard to realize how powerful the influence is of mainstream culture. It's incrementally more challenging to choose a different path. Kudos to you for overcoming both of these and choosing your own path.

Hi congratulations on reaching contentment with the 'alone' part. Most people whether they have someone or don't, don't have that. Edit: also guitar and voice combo was literally album worthy, would recommend uploading some of your originals... could pay the bills.

Congrats on finding what makes you happy. - mango

Thank you. I am looking closely into living on the road myself and this little video encourages me.

This video and message really resonates with me. I’m 21 and it’s probably TMI but I have never even kissed someone before. I’m a very independent person and the thought of marrying someone is not something that I see as a requirement unlike many people. I think finding joy in life on your own is such an important thing that everyone (and I mean everyone) should be able to do. If one day, I find the perfect person that loves me and we better each other, then yah I’ll get married. But I’m confident when I say I won’t rush that process and if I end up never getting married, so be it. This video was perfect…how you worded every detail was spot on.

How nice it is to hear others expressing shared values. We get you. This was really inspiring. 🥰 Bon & Melissa

I’m 65 years old and the essence of this video and your personal vibe is the same as it was in the 60’s and early 70’s. Enjoy it now, not many keep it their whole lives.

Thank you for sharing these thoughts! Very very relatable at this moment in my life as well. Thank you so much for the reminder that it is okay. These choices are okay. We will be okay 💓

Turned 34 myself 2 months ago. I've been struggling with figuring out how i want to live my life. While I know for a fact I'm not going to have kids, i don't really feel pressured to marry either. But when I think about my ideal living which just gets summed up to "comfy" I get a little sad because If i get to that point where i live in a modest comfy home in a forest, I'd think "I wish i could share this joy with someone". Ive been enjoying watching Air BnB videos lately which has that comfy vibe. I enjoyed this video too. Very comfy. I made this comment before finishing the video, yea I def agree on the kids thing.

Well, happy belated birthday I guess! 🎉 I am 32, and trying to find joy in my own company and my own pace. Van life isn't for me - at least, I wouldn't want to do it for long - but it's great to see people can find meaning in it. I hope you keep enjoying them road.

I loved this video so much! I'm so glad to see you settling into road life and really finding your flow. also I needed to be reminded of a lot of what you talked about.. I'm turning 30 this year and definitely letting it get to my head a bit, focusing on too many things in the future instead of the now. this one really helped me 💛

I absolutely loved this video! The message was so meaningful. Happy birthday! I'm glad that you have found what makes YOU happy and have figured out that you don't need to fit in to everyone else "norm".

Happy Birthday! Keep going your own way, it's a gift to live this freely and keep doing what you want now what the majority wants. Its very relatable to me, almost getting 30 and sometimes feeling "behind things" but my path is different and that's okay. ❤

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else, is the greatest acomplishment!!!! Ralph Aldo Emerson.

good for you - live your life your way

Great video! Good for you!! 🙏🙏👏👏👏

well as a fellow 33 year old whos actively working towards hitting the road and being free, you got my sub and just maybe, ill see you out there :)

I AM MOST EXCITED!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I appreciate this video a great deal. Turned 30 this year and plan to spend a few months on the road at a time this coming year while my girlfriend finishes grad school. Have a life at home I love, but been wanting to see more of the world for years. Weird intersection of life getting locked down on one hand and still wanting to explore on the other hand. Thanks for the perspective and transparency!!

Great video. Thanks for your open honesty. I love the shot of your books, especially The War of Art. Steven Pressfield is such an inspiration as are you.

I think I needed this video

Just bumbled into your channel, and I love your kind of stream-of-consciousness narration style.

Celebrate the experiences! You have done things people have only thought or spoken about. Congratulations and happy birthday!!