Confession : I’ve never done van life on my own! Seems like you’re doing a great job! Slowing down and getting into a routine seems like a great idea. Rooting for you Liz!
Thank you, Brenna! I feel comfortable with solo travel, but it will definitely help if I can slow down and ease some of the pressure to see and do everything and camp somewhere new every night. I hope I’ll find that routine soon!
It’s only been 4+ weeks since you left NH . It may take another 4+ weeks before you’re really in an emotional space that has truly shifted away from habitual responses. You’re not missing out of anything, right now you’re in the heart of deep healing. It will take a lot of time. 💚
I got all tied up just reading this, girlfriend. Man, this is INTENSE! I know it's way easier to say then do but please give yourself a clap on the back because you are DOING this! I really don't know anybody who would and could take this on, fercryinoutloud. Bravo! But yeah, the anxiety is a crippler. I feel ya. Love ya too. One foot in front of the other.
Thank you, Sally! You’re right; I keep forgetting that being on this journey at all is a miracle, and one I’ve waited a long time for, and is something that not everybody would want to do solo. I’ll pay myself on the back for that. And the anxiety is what it is; no matter where I am or what I’m doing, I’ve got to learn to manage it. Hopefully slowing down will help. 🤗
I identify with so many of the sentiments, having also learned the hard way that getting out into nature alone isn't always an intensely romantic experience. It's just facing reality in another way - and that includes not always liking what I see in myself and the world around me.
Over the years, I've learned that when I'm on the trail my main job is to stay super-vigilant for any expectations of feeling this or experiencing that, and to just be open to whatever happens. Those lurking expectations must be rooted out mercilessly! Which is kinda the point of it all: spending expectation-free time out in God's beautiful world.
You are so right, Shmuel. The expectations are my biggest obstacle. That’s where something like this becomes a spiritual journey, learning to let go and accept whatever comes. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Your emotional and mental struggles are all too common with so many people who are afraid to share what they are going through. This blog may help some of them deal with them a bit more. I feel blessed that we were able to met on the AT!
Thank you, Deb. One of the gifts of sharing my story has been learning that I’m not alone, and it’s a bonus if I can help others feel less alone too. I appreciate your kind words and encouragement, and I’m so glad we met on the trail!
OK, I'm in awe...you.are.amazing! Your journey is incredible and instead of your FOMO, I'm focused on your ability to survive and thrive and persevere- just a thought for you from an admirer! Keep on keeping on! (if I may!).
Thank you for your kind words, Deb! I love this perspective--that despite my challenges, I keep going. There’s not much choice when you’re 5,000 miles from home! 😂
Dear Liz, thankyou for honestly sharing the experience you are having as you travel along. I can relate to the anxiety and being overwhelmed . What I cannot imagine is the braveness and confidence that have allowed you to forge ahead. I’m impressed by you. Beautiful descriptive writing, photos, and videos.
Thank you so much, Robin. I don’t think of myself as brave, but I’m soaking in your words, wanting to believe them for myself. I’m so grateful to have you following along on my journey!
Wise words, Keith. I’m practicing our coaching skills of really feeling each decision in my body to guide me. I think that’s the key to not letting the “should” parts push me around and stress me out!
I used think I wasn't posting enough about traveling. It made me anxious to think I wasn't maximizing my "posting potential". Then I realized I felt better without the pressure.
That’s it. I got off of Facebook six years ago and only returned in 2018 when I started my business. Other than that I don’t think I would be on it at all. And I still sometimes wonder if it’s worth it, especially since I can’t seem to keep up! I follow a best-selling author who just deleted his Instagram because it was stressing him out. It is always our choice to engage when and how it feels right to us.
Adventure is all about facing your fears, overcoming anxiety and learning to embrace change as it comes. It's never meant to be comfortable or safe. Real adventure starts when plans fall into water, or a bear knocks on your van. 😁Embrace it
I enjoyed this post. Apart from reading about your needless suffering. Anxiety is a bitch.
Btw. Expectations are the enemy! This journey is about you. You go, girl!
Thank you so much, Tommesa! I can hear you in the back seat cheering me on. I’m so grateful for your support and encouragement!
Confession : I’ve never done van life on my own! Seems like you’re doing a great job! Slowing down and getting into a routine seems like a great idea. Rooting for you Liz!
Thank you, Brenna! I feel comfortable with solo travel, but it will definitely help if I can slow down and ease some of the pressure to see and do everything and camp somewhere new every night. I hope I’ll find that routine soon!
It’s only been 4+ weeks since you left NH . It may take another 4+ weeks before you’re really in an emotional space that has truly shifted away from habitual responses. You’re not missing out of anything, right now you’re in the heart of deep healing. It will take a lot of time. 💚
You are so right, my friend. I need time. Lots of time. Enough time to really slow down and ease my nervous system. ♥️
I got all tied up just reading this, girlfriend. Man, this is INTENSE! I know it's way easier to say then do but please give yourself a clap on the back because you are DOING this! I really don't know anybody who would and could take this on, fercryinoutloud. Bravo! But yeah, the anxiety is a crippler. I feel ya. Love ya too. One foot in front of the other.
Thank you, Sally! You’re right; I keep forgetting that being on this journey at all is a miracle, and one I’ve waited a long time for, and is something that not everybody would want to do solo. I’ll pay myself on the back for that. And the anxiety is what it is; no matter where I am or what I’m doing, I’ve got to learn to manage it. Hopefully slowing down will help. 🤗
What a story, thanks for sharing it!
I identify with so many of the sentiments, having also learned the hard way that getting out into nature alone isn't always an intensely romantic experience. It's just facing reality in another way - and that includes not always liking what I see in myself and the world around me.
Over the years, I've learned that when I'm on the trail my main job is to stay super-vigilant for any expectations of feeling this or experiencing that, and to just be open to whatever happens. Those lurking expectations must be rooted out mercilessly! Which is kinda the point of it all: spending expectation-free time out in God's beautiful world.
You are so right, Shmuel. The expectations are my biggest obstacle. That’s where something like this becomes a spiritual journey, learning to let go and accept whatever comes. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Your emotional and mental struggles are all too common with so many people who are afraid to share what they are going through. This blog may help some of them deal with them a bit more. I feel blessed that we were able to met on the AT!
Thank you, Deb. One of the gifts of sharing my story has been learning that I’m not alone, and it’s a bonus if I can help others feel less alone too. I appreciate your kind words and encouragement, and I’m so glad we met on the trail!
OK, I'm in awe...you.are.amazing! Your journey is incredible and instead of your FOMO, I'm focused on your ability to survive and thrive and persevere- just a thought for you from an admirer! Keep on keeping on! (if I may!).
Thank you for your kind words, Deb! I love this perspective--that despite my challenges, I keep going. There’s not much choice when you’re 5,000 miles from home! 😂
Maybe true, but you are still doing it! I don’t have your courage!
You never know until you try! 😉
Dear Liz, thankyou for honestly sharing the experience you are having as you travel along. I can relate to the anxiety and being overwhelmed . What I cannot imagine is the braveness and confidence that have allowed you to forge ahead. I’m impressed by you. Beautiful descriptive writing, photos, and videos.
Thank you so much, Robin. I don’t think of myself as brave, but I’m soaking in your words, wanting to believe them for myself. I’m so grateful to have you following along on my journey!
Love your writing! Do what feels right to you, not what you THINK you should be doing.
Wise words, Keith. I’m practicing our coaching skills of really feeling each decision in my body to guide me. I think that’s the key to not letting the “should” parts push me around and stress me out!
I used think I wasn't posting enough about traveling. It made me anxious to think I wasn't maximizing my "posting potential". Then I realized I felt better without the pressure.
That’s it. I got off of Facebook six years ago and only returned in 2018 when I started my business. Other than that I don’t think I would be on it at all. And I still sometimes wonder if it’s worth it, especially since I can’t seem to keep up! I follow a best-selling author who just deleted his Instagram because it was stressing him out. It is always our choice to engage when and how it feels right to us.
Adventure is all about facing your fears, overcoming anxiety and learning to embrace change as it comes. It's never meant to be comfortable or safe. Real adventure starts when plans fall into water, or a bear knocks on your van. 😁Embrace it
I enjoyed this post. Apart from reading about your needless suffering. Anxiety is a bitch.
Btw. Expectations are the enemy! This journey is about you. You go, girl!
Thanks, ZZ! You’re right; if it were easy, it wouldn’t be an adventure! 😄