Why I Miss Van Life

I have had Norma, my 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon for two years and three months. I will share more of her story on here, but for now I wanted to talk about some things I miss about living in my van in the city/suburbs.

# 1 Being Out and About At All Times

Living in a van got me out and about in the world. I don’t know about you but I feel so much more connected inspired when I can live outside of four walls always surrounding me. When I lived in my van I was constantly meeting other people and making rad friends. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone and forced me to really rely on others for help, my trust muscle has strengthened because of it.

# 2 Saving Money

Right now I am paying rent and don’t get me wrong it’s definitely a lower number compared to what others may pay living in the city, but for me it’s one of those expenses that I just would rather not have, *especially when I have a van outside always calling my name. She misses me staying the night. :) I think it does take a certain type of person that doesn't necessarily need a normal living space, I am not sure what has made me this way but I know that I am so content in my tiny space, and having only what I need. Experiences matter to me. My health matters to me. Relationships matter to me. My peace matters to me. Having a space to lay my head every night has been such a huge blessing, especially being able to help out my brother and his girlfriend with rent, and to be near love has been such a treasure. Although, I do feel love wherever I am.

# 3 Time

I feel like I’ve spent so much time doing unnecessary things living in a house like cleaning the dishes and cleaning up my room every single day to keep my space all nice and tidy because I have so much stuff all around me. Don't get me wrong, there is something super mindful and grounding to be able to help with dishes and laundry here and there, I actually do enjoy these tasks! Living in a van has made me cherish them. Everything stayed pretty tidy and I didn’t have very many things to always be picking up as you can imagine, when I was living in Norma. I had a few dishes and a few outfits that I use everyday. Life was simple and I got to spend my time doing more meaningful things. This also brings up a huge point that matters to me a lot, waste. I was wasting a lot less water, a lot less electricity. My footprint on the earth was insanely decreased.

# 4 Flexibility

When I lived in the van I had everything I needed with me at all times so I never had to run home and change or run home and shower, mainly because I didn’t have the option but now that I experience always having to run home and grab things, I do miss having everything with me at all times. The flexibility that comes with living in a van is so incredible to me, to be one place and that's home, then to be able to go to the next place and make that home. Home was wherever I parked it. It meant for more time being right where I was rather than to be planning how I was going to get here and there and then back home to be able to start the next day with a fresh head space.

These are just a few things I miss about living in my sacred tiny van within the city or suburbs. I have lived in her in the mountains of North California, and I hope to share those moments with you all as well. 

Thank you for being here. I love you.

Experiencing more with so much love,

Demi