The Adventure…
UnRooting
While watching a video of a young couple talk about their nomadic living experience, the concept of unrooting came to me. They spoke of the expense of renting an apartment and how their currently lifestyle was financially freeing. Our two circumstances are very different; both of the homes I’ve mortgaged had minimal house payments.
When we (my late-ex-husband and I) purchased the property on Hobbs Knob (a nickname we gave our hilltop oasis), I grew a tap root that went to China. I had no intentions of moving. Our home was home and I planned to live there forever! My attachment strengthen as the years passed. And, along with that tap root, memories blossomed everywhere on the twenty acres. Up until three years ago I had no desire to sell, much less live as a nomad. Sure I romanticized about camping for a couple of months and how fun and exciting it would be. BUT, I also thought of it as impractical. There were chores to be done and firewood to be cut, you know.
“If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.” -Woody Allen
Obviously my plan changed. I pulled up roots and moved in September to temporary shelter at my son’s home. It’s been a blessing to participate in the day-to-day activities with his wife, sons, three dogs and (of course) him.
The task of finding a camper and truck was daunting. Nothing fit right or felt like the one. Friday my mother took me to Camper World in Houghton Lake and boom! I found MY camper. Then panic set in – what was I going to tow it with? I’d been scrolling through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, this auto dealership and that one over there just as I had for the travel trailer. Even my friends sent me photos and links to ones they thought would be appropriate. Again, none of the vehicles clicked until yesterday.
“Ye of little faith” is a phrase a dear friend has repetitively said to me through this whole process.
There for a while it felt like I was going to be living with my son and his family into winter. Our weather shifted into the cold, wet fall season and my monkey-mind is screaming “let’s get outta here!” And, I agree.
When my mother and I walked into Camping World RV Sales, the man leaning against the wall said the faithful words, “Hi. How can I help you? What are you looking for?” Oh. My. God! A salesperson that actually spoke to me – and in a nice, welcoming tone.
Dan drove mom and I around the large lot showing us various trailers that fit my desired layout. It was when I entered the first camper we toured for the second time that I knew without a doubt, this was the one. Boom, bang, and the papers were signed. I get to pick up my new camper Friday!
Then another Oh Shit moment rattled my monkey-mind. I need a vehicle! I drove through too many car lots in Traverse City, scrolled through websites like a feverish hound and nothing. Not-a-thing! Sure, I found a few that I liked, but they were $15,000+ out of my budget and bank account.
Sunday night I found a truck downstate online. That was until my favorite salesperson (she’s my sister, after all) emailed photos of the stained interior, rusted dent on the tailgate. Nope. Not gonna buy that hot mess.
Monday night, I found a 2010 Ford F-150 at our local dealership. It was a new trade-in and it was clean! I took the V8 4×4 out for a drive and boom, bang, the papers were signed.
Each time I let go of the thought, “I have to have ___ so I can get out of town,” what I needed appeared. I allowed myself to be more playful and that’s when the magic happened. Being patient, keeping the faith that ‘it’ will materialize and to play were the lessons for me to learn as I unroot. I am now ready to wander the country.
P.S. For my safety, I will not be sharing too many photos of my new home or vehicle.
Along the way…
Pearl Of Wisdom
Discovering what you want is the hardest part of the journey. The head, with all its logic, asks, “Is that realistic? Is that possible? How are you going to do it?” In the meantime the heart quietly waits for your attention.
Indecision is the ice in fear-freeze. It’s cold, ruthless way of halting any forward motion keeps you frozen in a state of doubt-filled questions. You’ve been told a million times that you already know your answers, you just have to silent your mind and listen with your heart. Damn, I hate that statement. It’s true, but it still drives me insane.
But… if you did know, what would it be?
No one can tell you what is best for you. Only you get to decide that. If you’re unclear, then I suggest putting pen to paper. Take a minimum of ten minutes to journal. Stop! Before reaching for the pen and paper – play. Yes, play. When you give yourself permission to play you activate your imagination,. This element of the process will help you to avoid the “how” rabbit hole. Once you’ve played (or went for a brisk walk in the neighborhood), write out the things you’d like to do and what excites you. The “how” part will come later. First, decide what it is you want to do.
Some questions to use in this discover session:
- If money were not an issue, what would you like to see and do?
- What are your priorities?
- Which priorities are non-negotiable?
- Which priorities can you let go of?
- Are you ready to stop saying, “Some day I will ____”?
I was amazed at the answers I received. Some of the things I wrote in “Deleting Thoughts & A Bad FD In New York” seem null and void. Again, the statement that we know our answers is one that can drive a sane gal to chug a bottle of cheap wine! In short, I’ve once again changed my mind on how I wish to live as a nomad.
And, if you see me drunk on the side of the road holding a bottle of cheap wine, you know my mind got stuck in indecision again.
Posts Of Interest…
An Ultimatum Directed at Spirit is a Bad, Bad Idea
The Adventure Continues...“You do what you can for as long as you can, and when you finally can’t, you do the next best thing. You back up but you don’t give up.” ―Chuck YeagerWhat are a few of the lines they say about tempting fate? If you want to hear God laugh,...
19 to 75 in Less Than a Week
The Adventure Continues...“Life is an amazing adventure; it was never intended to be lived in gray-scale.” ― CK KochisMy breath hung frozen in the air for a moment before evaporating into the dawn of the day. The words thank you slipped through my lips as I observed...
Letting Go & Shrinking Spaces
The Adventure Continues...“How can you write from your heart if your head is busy yelling at you?” ― Barb ParcellsIt's not easy to let go of the critical monkey-mind voice somedays. When I edited the podcast interviews with Barb Parcells and Christin Bjergbakke, I...
To Write. To Travel. To Explore.
Curious to find out where my adventures lead me? Subscribe and find out!
And here she goes! I was so excited to see your Facebook photo of your new home. How exciting for you! Looking forward to reading more about your travels. xoxo
Wow
Thank you for sharing.
So inspiring your story.
With each step that you take towards your dream, I am reliving my own 25 years ago when I packed up my car with only my most precious belongings and moved to another state to start a new life. Even though over the years that followed I often fell back on my old, indecisive ways, I tried to remember what it felt like to get in that car, turn the key, and head north. What a rush of power and self-worth. Happy trails, my friend!
Congratulations Cindy and happy trails – wherever they may lead you!
Wow, big doings! Congratulations.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Hi Cindy!!! Wow! You are so courageous!!! What a time in your life to experience such a journey! Congratulations and thank you for sharing your journey. Your writing is spectacular! Thank you!
Thank you for your kind words, Krystal. Glad you’re enjoying my gift of storytelling.
Whoo hoo! I love your spirit of adventure Cindy. Thanks for sharing your journey with me, you are an inspiration. Blessings, Lisa xx
It’s wonderful to share your journey with you Cindy. Happy adventures.