These last few years on the road have really allowed me to get in touch with the things that fuel me, recharge my battery, and bring me peace ✨ Thanks for watching everyone!
Vanlife is the best thing that's ever happened to me. Being alone most of the time is like being in a warm bath and only getting out to visit people. I had no idea that this is what was missing my whole life. Finding it at 49 was the perfect time. Thank you for always being there from the beginning!!!! That MaxAir install video will always be near and dear to my heart ❤
Oh I love that! "Like being in a warm bath and only getting out to visit people"... that is so perfectly true! Thank you for your kind comment, I am so happy you have found & built this life for yourself!
Hi I’m 58 I’ve been living in my van just 3 days ,I’ve had my van for over three years ,but now I’ve started living ,your so right about the warm bath . My first night in the the van with my dog Ragnar was the best full night sleep I’ve had in years .in the morning 5am we went to the beach cold sand ,but I still kick my boots off and run along the beach then in to the sea , only up to my knees uk water is very cold.at 58 I’ve just started living..
I am 49 and have health problems😒, however I am going to do this lifestyle. I am going to get a van and build it as I can. I will take adventures and come back home when I need too. Then my son can also utilize the van for adventures. He just has to clean it when he is done. Boys in their late teens early 20’s just stink. He has autism and would love this lifestyle. If he wants the van later when I cannot use it he can have it. Yep I can’t do it now but I can start!!
I am a woman about to be 79. I have had an extraordinary life ......My gratitude is immense. I always had to recharge by going to the mountains and hiking or horse back riding. Lucky that I was able to. You have explained things so well. Cloud forests, Amazon jungles, Patagonia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nepal, India. Many places. I only stayed in big cities as little as possible. Thank you for so beautifully explaining the recharge to the soul that nature provides and alone time. I was able to pass this on to my children. With gratitude, Thank you and Akela
I don’t think humans are meant to live lives that are so complicated and stressful! A clear mind, in touch with nature and time to re regulate ourselves is so important for a balanced life!! Thanks for being such a good example❤️
Thank goodness for solitude 😊 it's an introverts medicine like sunshine on cloudy days we must be alone to recharge.. I'm so grateful for my van tiny home on wheels.. beautiful little trip nice and cozy Linnea
♥️ love this video Linnea. It’s a hard balance between loving people and loving peace. Over the last few years I’ve been full on Buslife hanging with nomads and it was a drastic change to move to the woods. Alone. But I’ve slowly realized I really like this solitude.
It's so interesting that you experienced such drastic change with that! It certainly makes sense, and certainly seems like you are thriving. When I first got on the road I had no idea the kind of community out there... it's amazing that everyone can be supported in their own way within the community. Sending a big hug your way (and one to Rocky Duck too!).
@@Linneaandakela I can from a really strong community base profession, and thought that’s what I wanted or needed. And in some ways I did. But it also distracted from the real work I needed to do inside. Now, here I sit, listening to nature and my inner voice, doing the hard stuff.
I’ve been more introverted my whole life. I actually love meeting interesting people, and in those moments I am engaged. However, my personal life is quiet and peaceful, living alone with my dogs, horse and birds, I feel very fulfilled having space to myself, my own time. I think some look at this way of life as being lonely and I don’t think I ever feel lonely. Some people need to be surrounded by people all the time, we’re just different and it’s ok. On another note, I need to write down the recipe for your salad dressing. Lately my dressing is a simple sprinkle of Parm cheese, with drizzles of maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, salt, garlic-fresh or ground, and red pepper flakes. Then toss the salad and enjoy! I love any leafy green, with any mix of another crunchy veg like a slaw.
Being an introvert myself, I totally understand. As an only child, I was alone all the time and now, I prefer it. I do like being around people, sometimes, but I find interacting awkward. Blessings on your journey!
I can definitely relate. I call myself an introverted extrovert. I can be social but I HAVE to recharge alone. Sometimes people don't understand why I would sleep in my van in their driveway. this is why. 🙂
Yea I've missed you!! Ive been so sick stuck in my 10x12 bedroom and trust me!! There's no one out there like you!! You give me strength and make me smile!!❤❤ so glad your back!!
I live alone in my home with dreams of retirement in a few years at which time I will sell my house and move into the 26 yr old RV I purchased last year. It's so hard to explain to extroverts what it's like to be an introvert. I get asked often, "Don't you get lonely?" or the dreaded, "You got a man?" quite often and it's just hard to explain - I love my life. I have a house full of senior, medical Chihuahuas who get to live their final days being spoiled by a crazy introverted gal in Cali and that just fills me up. I'd love to retire now but planning to stay the course because the pension is too good to pass up. But... freedom is in sight. And in the meantime, I get to live vicariously through you and others I have found on YT and IG. :) I spent one night last week camping in my RV alone thanks to a dog sitter. Reading a good book. Eating some great food. And then sleeping a fabulous night away to wake up to a misty morning and a wake-up fly by of a gorgeous raven. Someday... Thank you for sharing. Your videos make the wait for my adventures a little less painful. :)
I love that you recharge and practice self care. I'm an extrovert but as I get older, am finding that I need more alone time. A beautiful video Linnea. The relationship between you and Akiela is just so beautiful. When bugs are pestering me as well or if im in a high tick area, I use a diy blend to spray on me and is safe to spray on dogs. Its highly effective. In a 8oz spray bottle mix 4tbsp of apple cider vinegar with 10 drops of lavender, 20 drops of citronella oil, 5 drops of lemon oil and 1 tbsp of sweet almond oil. Fill remaining 8 oz bottle with distilled water. Shake and spray. It works amazingly. Oh those burgers and salad looked amazing. Tfs sharing your life with us. Have a great upcoming week 😊
I so look forward to Sundays to watch your new videos. Thank you for your content. 🙏❤️ I to am an introvert and it took me 50 years to figure that out. Good on you for recognizing it at a much younger age 🙌
Earlier this year I spent 5 weeks with my sister and sister in law, sharing an Airbnb in AZ. They are both extroverts, I am an introvert. My SIL kept getting upset when I'd go to my room in the evening because I was drained and didn't have anything more to give. She just couldn't comprehend that no matter how I tried to explain it. I will hopefully finally get my van this summer so I can go be by myself. Although living in NH I'm going to be challenged to find free remote camping to be alone.
Hi, I recently started following you on RU-vid. I follow you on fb and love all your posts..I mainly see them when they show up in my news feed....lately on not on fb much so I remembered you were on here. I want to thank you for sharing your life like you do. I love the way you live your life and love to see what your next new place will be. After watching this post you gave me some food for thought. All my life I have been told that I am a social butterfly and growing up I was always around family and friends non stop. But, 10yrs ago my husband and I moved away from everyone for his job. We have lived in some amazingly beautiful places. I have come to realize in the last 10yrs that like you ...I love being around people, going to parties, and what not but I have also learned how to slow down and have my alone time to recharge my mind and body, to soak in beautiful land i live in(Colorado Mountain's). I have also learned im definitely a lot more entraverted than anyone ever thought I was. So, I agree with you....though I love being around people and such...I can now only do it in small doses. I'm looking forward to your next week's post.
I’m with you 100%!!! I get it!! I dismissed my “recharging” when it was needed and when it took a toll on me … sheesh! It hit hard! I’ve learned and allowed myself my “recharge” time. At first, I was always worried of what others thought, didn’t want them to get angry. Now, I don’t care! I LOVE to recharge in the woods. Whether it’s on a hike, stroll in the woods or listening to all that the wild has to offer …. Hunting!! I even recharge listening to waterfalls or waves crashing on the shore, or listening to every snap crackle and pop of a cozy hot fire!! Yup, I’m with ya!! Enjoy!! 🌸
Hi, graduate in counseling here. Yes, you’re totally right that the way a person recharges is how they can be defined as extroverted or introverted among other things. An extrovert typically receives energy by being with others; as introverts receive energy by being apart from other individuals. Love your emotional awareness and introspective attitude. Keep on!
There is more than one way to be an introvert. Anyone “shaming” others because they’re not the version of an introvert that they understand is utterly ridiculous. Thanks once again for sharing your life and how you live van life. It’s always inspiring for me. ❤
I am so glad that you are on your Sunday schedule again. Watching from Germany that means I get to watch your videos Monday mornings and I am always looking forward to that. I had a dog very much like Akela (a giant schnauzer) that passed away a couple of years again and that I still miss dearly - so I always love seeing her. Thanks for that in a very stressful time in my life!
I definitely watch your videos to recharge in between the times that I can get away for camping trips. Thanks for sharing the small moments. Always love to see what adventures you and Akela get up to!
What a great looking meal. I bet it was good. I spend most of my time alone. I feel comfortable being by myself. I have a dog, Bleu and cockatiel Yang. I think sometimes I get along with animals than people. That sounds bad but I really don’t feel it is. Enjoy your break. It’s a good thing to do.😬
So important to get time to yourself, if that is what you need. I love it! That elk burger in roasted pepper, onion and mayo looked the best, and the salad dressing!
Oh my gosh yessss - being an introvert or extrovert has absolutely nothing to do with being shy, or willing to share your life online, or whatever. Not all introverts are private and not all extroverts are very open. Introvert vs extrovert has to do with where you derive your energy. Like you said, an introvert can love all of those very social things, but they find them draining: they deplete their energy levels. Whereas an extrovert will find too much alone time draining and find their energy level low if they don't have a fulfilling social calendar. I grew up a very, VERY shy child, but an extrovert at heart - it was *miserable* because I needed that connection with people to thrive, but was so hindered by my shyness and private nature. Love seeing you acknowledge and embrace this for yourself, this is what true self care looks like
I like lots of alone time. When I'm among people, I'm energized, interactive, social, etc. But the "battery" is steadily dischharging. When the low lite starts flashing, it's time to disconnect. smiles
Yes girl 🙌🏼 I’ve had several of these conversations lately. When you are a highly empathic introverted extrovert it can be such a difficult balance to maintain. 😂 I have a tendency to make it harder on myself by pushing when I know I need to recharge. (Which means recluse with my dog.) I love that you share this about yourself. It resonates HARD. 🙌🏼💙🙏🏼
I relate as I am an empathetic introverted extrovert. Extrovert when I worked and very much an introvert in my daily life. Any amount of crowds/parties are not my thing. 2-4 extra people is all I can do. My dog is my bestie and my hubby and son are who I love to spend time with. ❤️
Girl you are not alone-in a world of so many other introverts🎉 My recharge is the smell and sounds and textures and and of nature! I think most novelist (RU-vidr vanlifers) are introverts. Extroverts have no time to write or read:)
I am slowly catching up to your most recent videos, I am glad the outtakes are still here it has become my routine to watch before bed time thank you for the great content.
Loved the outtake at the end 😂 hilarious! Wonderful video all in all, great job. I totally relate with needing alone time to recharge. ❤ Luckily, I have friends and family who are understanding and respectful and give me my time. ❤
When I stopped allowing other humans to tell me what was best for me and started living the life that brought me the most peace, that is when I really started living and enjoying life. Do YOU and seek no validations from anyone because they are not YOU. ❤ I love your videos. So inspiring. I absolutely love being alone way more than be around people. I am 95% alone and 5% around people and it has been so very awesome.
I don't do van life but I do camp alone (to the dismay of my friends) as often as I can. It's the most wonderful thing to be free to your own needs, wants and schedule. It's the only way I can recharge, so fellow introvert here loving your content. BTW, living in WI, I get all excited when I see a white promaster "Is that Linnea??" ❤
Honestly watching your videos and seeing how you thrive in such beautiful environments makes me feel so much better about myself and what my future could hold. Thank you for sharing. Much love to you and Akela x
I am a true introvert..having more than 4 people around me i cannot handle.. Always been like this.. Living on my own helps me to litterly find my wat through life.. being pleased with Friends that understand and except it.. Nature with animals is my world. And yet having company once in a while is good too.. after years i except it finally myself...
Thank you for sharing your introvert life with us. Very brave. I couldn't do it. Gotta say tho', my favorite parts are the "bloopers". That sneeze was epic!! I actually laughed aloud, a rarity for me. Thank you.
You are awesome!!! Thank you for talking about how you 're charge.. feeling less alone now 🤗 just spent a week away in Spain alone.. best vacation ever! Totally recharged 👍🙏✌
Yesss! I’m a huge introvert but I also love hanging out with people and gatherings. I too need large amounts of recharging and I have had family and friends get but hurt over me going what they consider MIA.
Wow Linnea I love this video!! I am so proud of everything you have accomplished. I watched your build series as I was building my own van. You gave me the courage to do this myself. I’m so happy your channel is so successful and you’re able to live your best life!! Thank you so much for being yourself and putting it out here for the rest of us!
I totally understand. I too need my alone time to recharge. I live alone, and I call my apartment my fortress of solitude. I love it, but I can't wait to be on the road traveling by myself. Being out in nature is an amazing way to recharge.
What a wonderful message. I'm an introvert, too, and it seems like some folks misunderstand what that really means. You hit the nail on the head, for me anyway! While I can enjoy being around people and some people even think I'm an extrovert because I can fake it so well, it utterly drains me. I need alone time, often a weekend or more, to recover from even a small social event. It seems to me that extroverts are recharged by socializing, and drained by being alone...while introverts are the exact opposite. IMHO, it has nothing to do with liking or hating people in general -- I think that's a different set of preferences, though they can coincide -- but is all about how you are drained and how you are energized. Listen to yourself; you know what you need. :)
The thing i really enjoy being by myself in nature, is the silent communication with existence and myself. No words or talk needed. But one thing I've learned when i feel overwhelmed, is to take 10 min to sort the impressions away, and do it a couple of times in the day. It's like a filter and helps me to not keep too many thoughts running at the same time. Like your videos!🤗
Laughing with the waking up with the fur butt in the face. My fur babies woke me with the tugging the arm tapping the face and sleeping with the big fur tail in my face. 😆 🤣 😂 😹
Thanks for sharing! This is something that I'm just learning about myself. It's one of the main reasons I'm building my bus. I'm looking forward to boondocking in Arizona for long periods of time. BTW...creative use of the bell pepper for a bun. It looked wonderful.
Wow, Linnea: This is spot on: “running being a benchmark or punishment.” I never realized how true that statement is for many of us. No wonder it’s never held any appeal for me.
Thanks for this lovely video, Linnea. Good to hear you talk about being introverted. Me too. Sending blessings to you and Akela and to all from this American lady now living in Sri Lanka ❣️🌺❣️🌺
I'm a single mom of 54 years old and my kids left home 2 years ago and have their own life. I missed the caring for them and the company and friends over but our relationship now is also great. I love my new life on my own. Have my own home, my doggy of 15 years Cody, he's my buddy and have my own massage practice in my home. I love being on my own and I'm happy. People always say me to find a relationship but I don't want to. Had one for 23 years. Good and bad times but my time is now so I live every day and enjoy life. My best time of the day. Get up, take my first coffee outside during my walk with my dog. Love it.
The area you’re in looks like Tennessee! It’s beautiful there I have been told but also full of people. I also tend to feel drained if I spend to much time around people. It’s really nice to take off and be out of service away to recharge. That’s what I do as well. Love that you’re thinking differently about running. I also tend to think of it as punishment and feel the need to perform at a certain level every time. Good for you dude! Thanks for the hotspot Intel. ❤
This is a great topic. I'm a 55-year old female, also an introvert. But I've always known it. My mother (and grandmother) was an introvert too and we protected and respected each other's alone time. I have studied the MBTI (Myers Briggs) in-depth for many years and learned that you don't change from extroversion to introversion or vice versa. You are one or the other your whole life. It's based off your cognitive function stack which relates to your brain. We all have 4 main cognitive functions (out of the 8 that exist), 2 introverted functions and 2 extroverted functions. If your 1st/dominant function is an introverted function, then you are an introvert. Or, if your dominant function is an extroverted function, then you're an extrovert. This cognitive function stack is part of who you are and does not change. You do hone the 4 functions more or less at different times of life, the dominant being with your from infancy and being your greatest skill and joy, while the inferior/aspirational/4th not developed as much until middle-age and tends to be admired in others but avoided in the self. The 2 middle functions are developed in late teen/early twenties so at times we can feel more one or the other. We all have extroverted and introverted parts of us. But it's strongly one over the other. Nobody is "half and half" because the dominant function and 3rd functions are the same orientation (introverted or extroverted) and together they make up a good 85% or more of your personality (mostly made up of your dominant). Your second function and 4th will be the opposite orientation from the other two and combined make up a smaller part of your personality, maybe 15%. So introverts are typically 70-90% introverts while the reverse is true for extroverts. There are some other nuances that affect this and you can break the 16 personalities into subsets, some having slightly more introversion or extroversion but this is the general tendency. I recommend everyone take the test at 16personalities.com to start learning what you are. The accuracy of the test is dependent on how well you know yourself, thus how honestly you answer the questions for yourself. It will usually take some time to figure out your type. Learn the cognitive functions that define your type. Once you eventually know your type, then dive deeper into your cognitive function stack, as it explains AMAZING things about yourself and others that you never understood. It's a wonderful, nuanced, complex, fascinating system. Fun fact, there are actually slightly more introverts in the US (where studies have been done) than extroverts. It's about 50.5% introverts to 49.5% extroverts. Cool, huh? 🙂
I've been with my daughter's family the last 2 weeks and am preparing to have my first mert-up with other nomads next weekend. I definately NEED a couple days in between ALONE in the woods by myself worh my dog to regroup and recharge. I've been mostly alone for 13 years. I've been more social the last 4 months being a nomad than I ha e in the last 8 years living in a place. I find that after a week or so I am craving quiet alone time with no sounds of TV or stereos or people being busy or traffic. I need bird song or waves of the ocean or the wind blowing through the trees or squirrels chirping at each other. I too love people and a good party and live music. UT I need balance and that means down alone time. Necessary.
I am currently in a space where I am around loved ones all the time... and while that is wonderful, my true self is quietly, and sometimes not so quietly, freaking out... I cannot wait until I am travelling solo again. Also, loving the outtakes. :)
Yay true introverts. So many people confuse shyness or quietness or just a subdued nature with being an introvert and think that someone outgoing or animated or just comfortable in social situations (like you and me and bazillions of other introverts) couldn’t possibly be an introvert, when really it is all about how someone recharges: alone or with other people. Yay reinvigorating solitude!
Ive been following you since the beginning of your build. I don’t know how your video showed up but man…YT DEFINITELY got this one right. I love your love for Akela. The discipline she has and the way she looks at you just makes me smile every time. Your bloopers crack me up every time. Thanks for another amazing video!
Linnea when you said you were going to change your videos up a bit, this is the best, the adventures are great but we follow the most because of you, who you are and your thoughts, reminds me of your videos from the past, new or old you and Akela are the best !!
I love what you're doing I have to do that myself at times and I'm 71 years old going on 51 I feel great you need that for your mental health. When I'm around people I feel like my energy is drained I feel like they're all vampires at times even though I love them dearly it's just that it's hard not Not to give him love and hugs and tell thim I love them but it just drains me. I love my time alone it's so healthy for your soul 🤗❤️
INTP here. Do relate to the need for time alone to recharge. And holy moly ... looks like you should start an outdoor cooking channel, too! (stomach growling)
Linnea, I have missed you, I must have taken a break away from my regular RU-vid channels, I just am happier you are able to travel around and be with nature. I so enjoy watching your beautiful adventures!! 😊
Another vanlifer also mentioned how it's actually a great asset to living this lifestyle, being an introvert. Couldn't agree more. We need to recharge after peopling 🥰. Always love your content!
I love what you said about reframing what running means to you, i think I need to do the same and needed to hear that. Also would love more book recommendations from you!❤️
This is such a good video. I love “some” people, but I can only love them if I can show myself love by recharging and being alone. When I was younger i didn’t realize that being alone to recharge is what I needed. I just knew that I had to close everyone out for a few days and then I would come out of my cocoon and be ok. Lol. Wait until you get my age, being alone becomes a preference 😂
I agree with you id rather not be around too many people or people at all esspecially while hiking in nature. I enjoy doing this with my dog as well. I work with people In a retirement home daily why I can do without. Your meal looked delicious. thanks for your recipe. I really enjoy my alone time . Nice video . Ontario, Canada.
Mouth was watering over the meal...looked wonderful..Im needing to work on my food on road ...get off the back packer meals ..lol..never could be an introvert with three kids but get the nature recharge ....share all the food prep and tips u can please..
Absolutely. I need like 2 days minimum to recharge by myself (and maybe my partner) after a single party. Being outside for a while speeds up the process for sure. So relatable.
I loved this vlog and love watching you with Akela. I too have a German Sheppard. They are the best dogs. Besides the shedding. 😅 Anyway I’m also an introvert but never realized it until I was older. I just tell my friends and family straight up when I need to bow out and go do my own thing. Thankfully my circle gets it an it’s not an issue. Probably because I’m much nicer when I’ve been able to recharge my batteries. 😂
Oh yes, she is blowing her coat right now and I can't keep up! So happy that your circle gets you, that's when it feels the best! Wishing you the best week :)
