The Odd Reason Why I Chose To Live In A Van
I thought I’d share a note about why I live the van life.
I shared some details in my previous post where I talked about my Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). But I’ll narrow it down here and share some extra tidbits.
I often wonder if I chose van life or if it chose me. But here’s the scoop…
Why I Live In My Cozy Little Home On Wheels…
- I chose to live in a van because I thought it was a better way to live with MCS
- I wasn’t planning on moving into the van full-time until 2018 - when I turned 55 and could take early retirement
But In August 2015…
- My job of 30 years was eliminated - they moved it overseas
- My 19 year old daughter was leaving the nest - I’m a single mom
- We lived in a one room house that I did not want to spend winter in by myself
On October 1, 2015…
- My daughter (Nikki), our dog (Cookie), and I hopped into my partially converted van and hit the road
- Nikki was moving to southeast Florida from northwest Illinois
- I decided to drive her to Florida myself and we’d make an adventure out of it
Prior to moving into the van…
- I had never camped - ever
- I never travelled far - especially by myself
- I couldn’t read a map nor did I know how to use GPS
- I jumped into van life head first
While on the road…
- Nikki taught me how to use the GPS
- There were many “What the hell was I thinking moving into a van?!” moments
- Despite the stress from losing my job, completely changing lifestyles, and becoming an empty-nester… Nikki, Cookie, and I had so much fun
Eventually…
- Nikki and Cookie stayed in south Florida
- I headed into the great unknown alone
- I did things I never thought I would do and things I never thought I could do
Is van life really a better way to live with MCS?
It’s not a 100% better way - but I suppose it depends on the individual situation.
The truth is, there are pros and cons to any lifestyle.
What I can say is, this lifestyle has given me opportunities I did not have prior to jumping in.
Connie 🌸
💬 Share your thoughts… send me a note!