Heart 2 Heart about Freedom, Excuses and my Purpose

[@Musingsatcoco]

72 years old here. I am about to buy a class B van and will be traveling alone. My fiance died 6 years ago and we had the dream. Now I am pursuing it. I am scared to pieces but excited. It is pricey and I rely on the income to live but I am doing it anyway. At my age, excuses could be not in the best of shape, the $$$. Thanks for your inspiration. Keep the videos coming.

[@bonnieetc]

so wonderful that you are still doing it! Hope to join you all some day. 67 now, maybe when I'm 72? no hopefully before that.

[@larryhutton8776]

I have a 1969 17 ft Winnebago..I'm starting out soon from Washington to Arizona..this ought to be interesting..I'm 77 yrs old..

[@larryhutton8776]

I should add I have been living off the grid for 27 years on my own property, so I have some practice.

[@customcraft1]

Carolyn: I have been watching you almost since you began your KZbin Channel. I just have to say how much I do admire what you are doing. I found myself alone after 50 years of a fantastic marriage My Soul Mate passed on and I then ventured out into "our" dream of Rving. I cannot tell you how much good it has done for me. You are a very courageous lady and I will continue watching. I love your videos and hope you continue to give others the entertainment that you give.

[@trace-elementz1343]

I'm one of those people who follow this channel and have no desire to live in an RV. I have travelled the world a few times, now I travel within the states and overseas on rare occasions. I have a city place, a beach place, and the ability to rent an RV for 2-3 week jaunts if I choose. I live with my true love, have pets, family, friends, an amazing garden, and no financial issues, and for me, I am living the dream. I watch this channel because I an fascinated by the spirit of adventure, boon-docking stories, the tips and educational content. Somewhere deep down I may aspire to get away with my dog, but not full-time. I admire people who share their lives on the tube, expose raw emotion, and emote authenticity. My grandparents owned an RV park in Quartzite, Az. and I have met and made true friendships with some awesome full-time RV'ers. That's why I follow this channel.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Trace, thank you very much for that!! And i'm glad you're part of my Friendly community!

[@bertanelson8062]

Carolyn, I'm glad you're doing these vids. I got on the road full time @ 65, three years ago. Always wanted to do this, live free in nature. It seemed impossible for a long time due to being entrapped in relationships & also the need for money. I probably needed the experiences to help me have compassion for those who feel trapped, especially with family. Turns out, fear is the biggest obstacle & it is heavily programmed into all of us. Stepping out of it, layer after layer, by facing & overcoming each one, can lead to immense freedom, whatever one's goal or dream might be. I've always been a risk taker & didn't think I had many fears. In comparison, I didn't. But comparing doesn't help. Only being clear & honest with & about myself has set me on a path to my sense of freedom.

[@lisachafin4101]

I'm a 56 yr old woman that grew up dreaming of the day when I'd find the love of my life & to be happily married in a nice house. Career was definitely secondary to wanting a man to love & who loved me back! I never wanted children, but God had other plans! He gave me the "love of my life" in the form of a beautiful baby girl on May 1st 2002. She's now becoming an amazing, independent young woman. I know when she turns 18, she's outta here! She wants to be married & go to college to become a psychotherapist. I pray her dreams come TRUE! I've been married for 30 yrs to a gaslighter, narcissistic abuser. I dream of FREEDOM! My dream of finding my true love & living happily ever after has bombed in a big way. My family stands behind me 100% for my dream of freedom. They want nothing more than to see me break my shackles and have a chance at happiness during the possible last 20 yrs of my life. Sounds melodramatic, but it's true. I've ALWAYS loved camping! I'm also a crafty artist. I love traveling. Now that I've discovered the RV nomadic lifestyle through KZbin, I don't think I can stay chained to this life of basically waiting to die ... my huge house full of "stuff" ... disabled ... surfing the net ... watching TV ... sleeping ... waiting to die. I want desperately to LIVE before I die! Since slowly becoming disabled after serving in the Marines ... I can't work a 9 to 5. I've filed for VA disability. If I'm awarded 100% permanent VA disability for severe depression, anxiety disorder with psuedo seizures, chronic migraine & PTSD, I will have enough income to live on my own. The saying goes: "If you break it, you buy it". Well, my last duty station in the Marines HATED women! (I got out 9 mo. before Tailhook hit the news) I was tormented, degraded, humiliated, abused, discriminated against ... & OH! ... 1 death threat broke me! Now they can pay me, right? God I hope so. I've been so terrified by my military service that it has taken 29 years to go apply for disability. "Find your voice" That's my new mantra. I'm allowed to honor my own feelings as VALID. I'm not "crazy" ... I'm depressed. Who wouldn't be depressed living in a dead 30 yr marriage & chronic illness? I want to heal thyself! I want to reinvent myself! I want to find myself. I'm learning & it's going to take time to heal. But, I'm finding I don't need a man to complete me. I have a fabulous relationship with my daughter! THAT'S what means the world to me. My dream is: to be awarded my disability. Take my back pay & buy a class C RV! YES, you convinced me! Especially the part by where you can jump out of bed, get to the driver's seat & LEAVE if you feel you're in danger! I'd outfit my rig with the cool gadget things I'm always finding. Telescoping ladder. Camera equipment. Awsome laptop. A PTSD service dog to help me navigate the world safely. I'd LOVE a dobie service dog! Be able to use any Vetrans Hospital / medical services all across the country if need be. (I see the doctor a lot, so that's really handy). I want as much PURPLE as possible! I'd love to be able to tow my 2014 purple dodge charger, but it's not a dealbreaker. Put my really important ... just can't part with it yet ... "stuff" in storage just in case I have to live in a box without wheels again. Visit my family & friends as I trek across the country as the strong old lady that walked through the fire & came out the other side! I want to see the Aurora borealis! I want to see LOTS of mountains! I want to find a good craft show organization that I can sell my one of a kind vintage greeting card 3-D shadowboxes for a little extra cash. That would make me an ARTIST! Wow ... what a concept! I want to be FREE to see & do anything I want on MY terms! Putting all this down is making me realize I really WANT this. To live the last part of my life on MY terms. Happy, self fulfilled, resourceful, confident & independent. Ok ... I don't want to start crying, so I'm going to close for now. Woman ... you may well have been instrumental in saving my life. I had given up. Now I feel hope returning. Now I want to LIVE! Thank you.

[@janeskey5042]

Wow. Now I’m tearing up, 4 years later.. so did it come true ? I hope it did for you…

[@slyboy45]

Thank you for validating us who love our houses! I follow you because I just love your honesty, vulnerability, and courage. You feel like a friend. My husband just retired early and we will begin our RV life traveling and camping at least two weeks every month, returning home often enough to watch our precious grandbabies grow up. This is our dream.

[@repponter5244]

Excellent talk Carolyn! You continue to verbally communicate my feelings! When I bought the RV, almost like Matilda, 26' Class C, it was my home away from the 4200 sq' empty home we had raised four children in. You have never talked about children? With retirement approaching and an empty house (did I mention the divorce). It was time to do something with the house. Tried to sell it did'nt work, it's renting, which is paying the mortgage. I always loved the outdoors, never did a 30 day backpack. I like the water, always been a fisherman, now I live on the water. Would never been able to buy a place, but now I rent a spot for my RV on a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. Private land, I'm the ONLY "RV", it's great. You didn't inspire me because I was already here, but you have definitely helped me explain to myself why I am here! Thank You Carolyn, Your Friendly....REP

[@joanmilano5302]

I've always told you how I'd love to be living the nomad life, but now, due to my serious health problems, it is not possible, but that I love watching your journey. I have never once felt one shred of judgement from you. That's what I love the most about you! My dream in life right now would be to be able to see the world, travel...do the things I never could do while busy raising a family. Now, what's holding me back is my health. Period. I am stuck in a wheelchair, I am alone and couldn't even get into an RV without help. That's the rest of my life and I'm stuck with it. How I wish I knew sooner what was out there for me. Moral of the story, people - don't wait. Now that you know what's possible, go for it! You aren't promised tomorrow.

[@elainej9127]

Your passion is extraordinary. I'm never ceased to be amazed by your outpouring of genuine goodness that you want to share with us. Keep going Carolyn!

[@shelleytomlinson3947]

Thank you so deeply Carolyn, my life has been brutal, everything you say i so hear, know, and deeply totally relate to. You are so healing, so strengthening and right now at 51 feeling and being very alone agin in extreme circumstances in my life you are a major strength and help, amazing i found your videos now. You are so real, deep, aware, intelligent, honest, caring understanding and lots more and wise. I wont get to see much more of you much as pushed out early on the road, but will try as i can and right now soaking in all I can get. Thank you again so much carolyn, know what you do how you share with us deeply helps so many like me.

[@WendyWilliamsLiving]

You've touched a chord with your Friendlies, Carolyn. Very heartwarming (and exciting!) to know so many of us are gaining courage, through your inspiration, to get out there and do it - no more excuses!

[@MadnomadM]

Very well said. Thank you Carolyn. It seems the closer I get to following my dreams, leaving the big money behind (along with the stress a positive), the more doubt seeps in. I am able to snap out of it but I guess that part is just natural. Prior to elder care responsibilities10 years ago, I would take off on my own with my dog, small tent, basic camping gear and just drive north or west in the state (WI) until I found a campground l liked with a relatively secluded site and loved it. I camped a lot earlier in my adult life also, across the states...but whatever boyfriend I had at the time, so camping wasn't something new. When I think back to those times and how I felt once I took off on my own, that good feeling comes back and helps me move forward. I do also have an end goal of finding land to build a straw bale home (and some other 'dream plans' after that) but in any case the things holding me back is that my 84 yr old mother is still living and on a waiting list for a independent senior living complex where she could also move to assisted live. I think she will be upset knowing I won't be close by but I think once she's there, she will have a community of helpers. I also have a single Aunt and I am her HPOA. She's in her early 70's right now and I know she will also be disappointed that I won't be able to fulfill that responsibility. Those are the main reasons but just getting out of here is overwhelming as well. I have been on my own for the past 15 years, and have lived in the same relatively small home since '94, with a lot to clear out of the house, put stuff I want to keep in storage (there's a lot of stuff I want to sell via eBay so would take with to try to do from the road unless I have time to get it done before). Get the house staged and put up for sale... buy the RV I want (used but only a couple years old) and leave debt free, not to mention another issue going on, one that has caused me to spend thousands redoing my back yard (due to wicked neighbors). I'm a bit overwhelmed and this yard thing is a big set back timing wise as that money is partly what I would live on before hitting 59-1/2 when I can start pulling retirement funds. I'll get through it, just need to keep my work stress level down (A personality syndrome) compartmentalize the work with the house into smaller chunks, I think, and it will all work itself out. Expectations of following a plan, timing wise, can be paralyzing and depressing when life gets in the way. I guess we need to let go and go with the flow, keeping our goal in mind and keep the faith that it will happen. Do research in the mean time, to learn as much as we can from wonderful people like you, to keep us motivated! Thanks again!

[@audreynims4940]

From the first of your youtube channel I stumbled onto, I've felt so drawn to this spirit of freedom, adventure and inspiration you talk about, and suspected you have found how to thrive beyond recovery. Just today I started on your John Muir journey. You are speaking to my heart; you are speaking of my heart. You share courage, inspiration, kindness, your self, candid and honestly. I'm not at the jumping-off point into the next chapter of life just yet, but planning for a balance somewhere between simpler living and seasonal nomad. You are mastering your art, serving the purposes you stated, and I thank you.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Audrey, what a beautiful comment. I suspect you are a writer too.. Thank you very much for your kindness and understanding of my work and my journey!!! I am very glad you're here. Thank YOU! - Carolyn

[@DanaCoffey]

Girl, you make me feel seen, understood, and validated. I'm very grateful for you.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Oh wow! That's one of the nicest things a viewer has ever said to me. Thank you!!! And I'm so glad you feel that way.

[@LadyPenelope]

Lovely video, Carolyn.. Since I made that comment, I've been actively pursuing the purchase of an RV. Almost bought one yesterday, but it got snatched up before I could get it. I'm not one to share my innermost thoughts on an open forum, but let's just say your comment about sitting with the glass of wine, dreaming about another life struck a deep chord. I have college age children and a husband that loves me very much, yet is supportive of my dream to go out into the world and wander...just not too far for too long. Life is so complex, there's no way to express my heart in a comment, but I'm closer to living a dream than I've ever been in my life. Part of that is thanks to you, to Bob, and all the other joy filled nomads out there. I didn't even know I wanted an RV before you all...seriously, when I started watching the videos it was like a big part of me jumped up and yelled YES YES this is what I want to do...of course, there is so much more to my story and maybe someday we'll share a bottle of wine and our stories, by the campfire...I would love that so much...you are an inspiration, and I can't begin to thank you...

[@LadyPenelope]

...and everytime I walk around my rambling house, I look for things to give away or chuck out! I think about how I"d feel if I had almost none of it, and I also think of the Buddhist philosophy of attachment and how it is the root of all suffering. One step at a time...

[@cindyn628]

I'm not sure how to start this, so let me first say that I love your videos, Carolyn. You are so kind, caring and authentic. I have PTSD from childhood experiences, am a recovering perfectionist (among other things!) and it took decades to figure out who I really am. I was a young single parent, and I wanted to be a better parent to my daughter than the parenting I received. I worked hard at it, it was tough and I made it. And I would do it all over again if I had the chance. I always felt like being a mom saved my life in so many ways.I had always wanted to go back to school for a graduate degree, but waited until my daughter was out on her own. In my mid-40s I went back to school. It was the first thing I'd ever really done for me. Only to end up with both my finances and health decimated! Fast forward to today, I'm in my late 50s and working at a higher education institution (where I worked prior to grad school) in order to take advantage of a particular student loan repayment plan. I have 4 years to go and am hoping and praying the program will survive the current political regime so that my loan will be forgiven. At that point I will be in my early 60s, which is close to an early retirement age for me. That is what I'm working towards. Luckily, I love my coworkers and we all get along well. My boss has already said that I can work part-time either prior to, or after retirement. That said, I'm tired of working. But going down to part time now doesn't make sense. I want to get closer to my goal as soon as I can. I really just want freedom. To escape. To be in nature. To have a couple of dogs (have one now). To camp. And to be creative. For quite a while, I thought I wanted to live off the grid, in either a cob-style or straw bale house. I've never bought a house. I was talking about it with a friend who is 20 years older than me. She owns her house, has always been single and has several rentals. She told me that if she were do it over again, she would have bought an RV instead of houses and property, and would be down at Slab City. That really got me thinking! And thanks to youtube and blogs, I realize there are others like me and my friend! While I'd still like to have a garden and homestead, the need to hit the open road is stronger. When my finances bottomed out, I couldn't afford to fix my vehicle and gave it up. I live very simply in a 336 sq foot cottage. It doesn't really make sense for me to live any other way, and it has helped me pay down debt and realize who I am and what is truly important. I'm currently in the researching and planning stage, which I love! I'm still trying to decide which direction to go as far as the type of campmobile to get. I may be ready to buy as early as this summer, and am really looking forward to having something, the last few years I've felt really trapped not having a vehicle. So for decades my reasons were responsibility and lack of money. My reasons now, I guess, are similar but in different ways - I'm a work in progress and making great progress. Which feels good and sometimes it is hard to be patient! I have a little too much stuff for my cottage, but usually don't have a problem letting go of things. The hard part, will be driving away from my daughter and granddaughter, whom live in the same small city I live in. I moved back here to be near them. Makes me tear up thinking about it!

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Thank you Cindy for sharing your story with me. Aren't we all works in progress? Glad to hear you are making progress on your dreams! Take care of yourself and keep on striving for your dreams!

[@cindyn628]

Jean, we are soul sisters!

[@frogcreekherbs9342]

Thanks for the videos. This one struck a nerve. I have a 16 yr old still living at home. He is my excuse. I have 2 years to save money and gain courage. My entire adult life my husband drove anytime we traveled. I am terrified of setting out on my own. But it has been a dream I cannot shake. I am saving for the van I want and in the meantime will do practice runs in my minivan in the local area to see what I can and cannot live without. Thanks for being vulnerable and the encouragement you give.

[@ripley2009]

"The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation." --Henry David Thoreau (He forgot to mention the women!) The nomadic life is not for me. I had a career, am retired now, happily being a 'Homebody', playing guitar and getting together with friends. But I'm fascinated with the nomadic lifestyle and enjoy watching videos about the rigs people have set up for themselves. I find your videos interesting, educational, and inspiring and admire your spunk and your kindness. And gee, you're just very likeable. And it's comforting to know that if inflation were to make my retirement income insufficient to maintain my current lifestyle.... well there are alternatives! So keep up the inspirational videos and keep on being the wonderful, kind, sharing person that you are.

[@jskline0]

As a musician myself, I plan on meeting up with other musicians out "in the wild". You just never know what comes out of that. :) I'm looking forward to this life when I retire officially.

[@tierneycreates]

I may never live in an RV but I enjoy listening to a strong, brave and adventurous woman!

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Awwww.. I am so glad you're here on this journey with me. thank you so much. *hugs

[@Mindy56743]

I dream of running away! I have checked out rv's life all the way to homeless. I have 2 kids that I have to get through school and that is just another 2 1/2 years. I am working on getting my back fixed so that it will not be a problem for me. I plan to disappear. This is my plan and I just have to make it until I can go! I have already started cleaning out my closet and have it down to about 12 inches of closet space and two drawers. I have gotten rid of so much stuff in the kitchen that you would not believe because I did not use it but once a year. My life is getting streamlined. I have not told anyone what I am doing. I just do it a bit at a time. Planning has saved my life because I was so unhappy that I wanted to die. Now I have hope and people like you and bob have helped me so much. Thank you for what you have done. Now I look at days as just something to make it through so I can live my dream. It is there just on the horizon, I will get there

[@terrycrane6468]

Ariminda comas I feel your words...just making it through each day and over the last few years have just wanted out of this body and off the earth many times. Whenever I think of my dreams...I will send energy for yours to come true too.

[@Mindy56743]

terry crane I know I will get there! I have too believe that I will. I am still making plans and I know I will have hard times getting there but I believe that it will make it better! I will send positive energy your way and hope we both make it to a point where we can be happy

[@debramac208]

I have watched a few of your videos. I am an OTR truck driver and live a very similar life style but get paid to do it. I'm 61, husband got cancer, lost my job, then lost my home of 45years. I even lost my beloved dog...Now, I know I can handle off grid. I'm going to learn everything I can from your videos and buy a camper. Then take off winter's from driving truck and go RVin...for three months each year till I can retire for good. Thank you for sharing your heart!

[@tinaperez9756]

Wow Debra. So sorry for all your losses. The only one I can recently relate too though is losing my dog! 3 years ago now. Still miss that puppy. Good for you for still dreamin the dream.

[@tamalla73]

It was 4 months ago my husband and I decided to go full time in an RV. The house and career isn't us and we want to be more minimalist and enjoy nature more. Hiking with our dogs, playing guitar, having the freedom of time to do what we want and seeing the country. We choose experiences over stuff! Once I am done with school we are selling everything we own and hitting the road to start the next phase of our life. I will be 44 and my husband 55. I honestly think to make a drastic change you have to want it bad enough to get over the obstacles and keep pushing until the dreams become reality. For us its time to work harder to make more money to do this as well as me finishing my degree in alternative medicine school. My dream on the road would be to be a health coach for full time RVers and to be able to play guitar again. :).

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Yay!! So proud of you.. How wonderful you have someone who shares your dream. so many would love to find a partner - and that's what prevents many. Your life sound idyllic. Good for you. and thank you for sharing !!

[@samaralaliaabzu2837]

Carolyn, you are the sister I wish I could have grown up with. So much more I could say about this...not for public consumption. I have always had to be my own cheerleader. I feel like you have taken that on for me and I don't feel so alone as I line up all my Ducks for the nomadic journey I am preparing for. Funny how the Universe is pushing me...it sent me all sorts of 'special' which recently included a stalker at work, an abusive supervisor, management that doesn't care how disingenuous their 'compassionate' excuses are, and now I am on short term disability from all the intentional triggering of my long battle with PTSD. YA! Time to go! Fortunately, my tax refunds were enough to pay off all my little debts. Today I went to test drive my dream truck so I can pull my dream trailer (to be found at the RV show in 2 weeks). I am scared shitless AND the momentum to get things started is happening! I love this feeling! You help me keep the pilot lit. Thank you, Dream Sister, for lending us all your fire! Miigwech!

[@Maraaha55]

Samara Lalia Abzu how awful, how exciting, how scary, how aweful! you're on the brink of a new life, the edge of the cliff. oh, I see you step over the crumbling edge of your old life, into the wind, and I see you spread your arms and fly ! Best wishes to you, and joy

[@carolynnunes3922]

Carolyn to Carolyn: "Had I the heaven's embroidered cloths, enwrought with golden and silver light, the blue and the dim and the datk cloths, Of night and light and the half-light; I would spread the cloths under your feet: but I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams." YB Yates. If only the brain dead and heartless trolls could learn to tread lightly...if only...keep sharing, Carolyn. You are loved, admired, and inspiring! You help others, the highest calling there is, bar none. God bless you, and keep you safe👍🏾😇🙉🙊🙈

[@Angel-yl1ck]

Hi Carolyn. Thank you for this one. BTW - I'm 68 and concerned about boondocking alone, like you. Even with a Mossberg shotgun and a Rotweiller. I did some research, and for those women who don't want to be a lone camper, there are groups. One is rvingwomen.org. Just ask Google. Thank you Carolyn for inspiring so many!

[@mindylinsdau6072]

I know this is an old post but I just came upon it. I just wanted to say thank you. My husband and I have both had major bumps in the road of life. I had four children when we got married and we were blessed with another daughter when I was 42. Fast forward, all five kids are grown and are happy and successful in their careers and we are in the process of getting rid of our “stuff” and hitting the road as full timers. Even though my situation is different than some of the people who posted comments, I still have a lot of the same fears and apprehensions. Your videos have shown me that I can overcome those fears and live free. I know you probably won’t see this comment but wanted to get my two-cents in.😊

[@chitza3270]

Thank you, Carolyn, for opening this discussion. I have had this dream since I was a kid and read Jean Craighead George's book, "My Side of the Mountain", about a teenage boy who ran away from home and lived in the Catskills. I suppose I am genetically predisposed to the life because my great great grandfather came to America as a stow away from France. He was Romani(or gypsy). I spent my youth being tagged as different, weird, black sheep, the wild child. Funny, I never got in trouble, hmmm. I lived the mini-van 2 kids and white picket fence for awhile and then found myself a single mom raising two smart, resilient and beautiful daughters who are now gone and very independent. We are emotionally close even though they live far away. I have always been drawn to nature and the simple life, dreaming of living in a tiny house and creating things. As a kid I dreamed of living in a converted bus. My abilities to live small keeps getting smaller. From tiny house to bus to RV, van and my Jeep, in small doses. Last summer I took a 28 day trip from my home in Alabama to Alaska on my motorcycle, camping and cooking from 48 liters of storage for my necessities. I'm not sure I could make that work full time, (I have a beloved dog that won't sit still on my passenger seat lol), but it did prove I can be happy and comfortable with very little. I am fortunate to have a career that will let me earn a VERY good wage on 3 month travel assignments while living in "alternate" housing. I can work three months, choosing almost any location I want to be, and then have enough money to live very comfortable for the rest of the year. I watch your videos, and others, for the information on how to make this work and to determine what I do and do not need for my particular journey. I don't have a timeline. I feel pretty certain it will reveal itself when it's time. And for anyone who believes this life is mostly introverts, I am so much an extrovert! I value my time alone, but too much of it and I begin to whither! Watching your videos, and others, gives me some of that social connection that keeps me going. Thank you for letting us in!

[@sarahs5340]

Chitza: I love your comment. Thanks for sharing.

[@billopad9625]

Chitza ditto and I'd love to know what the well paid three month job is! I might try it for the next 5 years and then retire! Ha ha! 😂

[@chitza3270]

Billo Pad, I am an occupational therapist. Travel companies hire therapists and contract us to hard to staff locations, to cover maternity or sick leave for regular full time employees. Many health professions have the same option. I've been happy enough in my profession for 35 years, but the changing climate in healthcare has left me disillusioned. I'm just too old to change professions now. Especially when I can work prn(as needed) or a 3 month travel assignment and therefore maintain "vocational autonomy" hahaha

[@lauraliekarels4059]

I love that book and could not remember the title. Finally got a new copy and loved it just as much as I did as a kid!

[@DuTubeable]

Dreams? Started on a journey after losing my job in NYC at the end of July '16. Got rid of most of my belongings and left NYC... did some seasonal work in Utah, then to NorCal to pet sit then back to NYC for more pet sitting and visits for the holidays. Overall plan is to do more seasonal work that offers housing (great way to see the country and get paid) and then next on the list is to buy a vehicle. I haven't owned a car in more than 10 years and still don't have enough $$ for a decent used vehicle. Would love to do some road trippin' in between jobs and see more of the country. I'm thinking down the road, a lightweight trailer would be a better option for me. So what is my excuse? Don't have enough money yet for a vehicle, let alone a trailer and still paying off one last credit card. It's taken me years to reduce my debt but I'm almost there!

[@yknowles163]

Dream: Travel in an off grid rig to see all of the Western U.S., living a minimalist lifestyle. Excuses: I am the caretaker of my 82 year old MIL and I cannot leave until she is gone. I am not wishing her away, but that is a reality. I have 85 yr old parents who are in good health now, but I realize the 85 - 95 years old age range is when a lot of people fail. I will be the one who takes care of the doctors appts, house, etc. I have two kids - one still at home (and who had major health problems this past year) and another in college. I have to get them both through college. Two years ago I told my husband that we should have a ten year plan - to get out on the road in ten years, something fun to plan for and look forward to. I'd hoped that 10 years would put us through all of the responsibilities above. He said 'I will never do that, so never talk to me about it again.' I am 54 like the woman who wrote you the letter. I am trapped and have no skills. I have devoted the last 27 years to my family. But I really need to move on, find the real 'me' and live a life I dream about. So, I continue to dream of traveling (I traveled a LOT before I got married!) and I will work towards my now 8 year plan, alone. My husband has said he'll be here when I get back from traveling. (He has also had health issues, and I am the caretaker, the one who makes the appts, gets the medicine, etc. etc.) I have grown very weary of being the caretaker of everyone. My plan begins with taking better care of myself, so that I can still be healthy enough to travel when I get to be 62. I watch videos etc. and take notes. Your videos are a bright spot in a dreary life. Thanks for letting me vent and for giving me hope that one day, I may actually get free of these responsibilities and actually get to live the life I dream about. Safe travels.

[@b33398]

Y Knowles My husband sounds very similar to yours. If I can get it all worked out, I'll go without him

[@Lindsay-uo2rp]

"E-Mail time", every once in awhile gather a few heart touching emails and share with us... I loved this video! I think watching you read us the emails made this video and all its awesomeness! This is my "America" people being genuine and simple, to themselves and each other. This video pulled a tear that was long over due to fall, a smile appeared from my mind exploding up with laughter ( capone almost dropping camera). I'm a single mom, RN, two kids 17 & 18 and almost 40.... as a new chapter is around corner for me with kids fly'n the nest I hope to start a similar adventure. I have been planning and have a goal two years away. This is me on a Friday night after 3 12hr hospital night shifts. I am an introvert as well so 1st night off is recharge and catching up on the videos I have missed while working! Thanks you for being vulnerable and putting yourself and ur life on display for us friendlies. Your an absolute treat!

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Lindsay - yes, I thought I might do that.. I love the "This is my America" idea!! very smart and poignant. Love your genuine and kind message. I could feel your warmth and heavy heart (about our America" coming through.. i wish you the best. TY so much for being a part of my journey.

[@UtahTenkara]

My dream has always been fly fishing. I am 50 now and ever since I was in my 20's I've had a passion to fly fish. Wanted to be a guide and live the mountain life, instead I got an Electrical Engineering degree and went to work. Then got married and had kids later in life. I always did what society expected me to do and to this day I can't shake that. Too many responsibilities to wife and kids, but I do it gladly and have a nice life. I have tried to find a balance between responsibility and passion. Then about 2 years ago I found Tenkara ... like the way you are living a simple life in an RV, Tenkara is a simple way of fly fishing from Japan that has no real or fly line. I knew it was for me the second I saw it. I travel all around my local area of Northern Utah and Tenkara fly fish and post the videos to Utah Tenkara. My passion is being realized and for the past two years I have been making videos and showing the world the incredible natural beauty and fly fishing paradise that can be found in Utah. I love it. After watching cheaprvliving and your channel, I am converting my Honda Pilot into a microcamper and heading out to make videos of even cooler trout fishing places in Utah and surrounding states ... not full time but about once every two weeks. The answer to your question is I have to find balance between responsibilities to wife and kids and my passion of Tenkara fly fishing.

[@ari.4536]

Utah Tenkara Your life isn't over yet....still plenty of time😀

[@countryfrau8328]

Yes! If we had known we had options....I loved hearing the emails that those ladies sent to you.

[@kloejames]

Thank you so much for this video! I recently bought a 93/94 Vacationaire Camper and I am in the process of remodeling it and hopefully soon I can live in it full time and live a happy free life. I'm so grateful I found your channel months ago and I do believe your courage and passion helped me so much!

[@SusanFlowers_]

Thank you Carolyn for being so open. Your words do soothe the soul and lift a heavy load off many folks.

[@Milesco]

Yes, indeed!

[@sherylgreen2750]

Okay, I have a desire or maybe it's a dream to travel on my Harley from east to west and back again. Bring a few things and go site seeing across country. What holds me back is marriage, mostly. My dream isn't his. Like you said in your video here, sometimes we make choices for ourselves because that's what society tells us is the right thing. I've been married 32 years, we just had our anniversary, neither of us even acknowledged it. Just speaking from the heart, and sharing a little bit of my experience. I'm older now and I can say that life has been good, for the most part. We have four daughters and 10 grandchildren. All that is good, but I feel like I have never given myself a chance. Never have had the courage I guess to make myself important. Thank you Carolyn for being an open book. This KZbin channel helps me to realize that I'm not alone in my struggles, we all have them.

[@terrycrane6468]

Great video. I dream of living in a tiny home in a small community of tiny homes. Friday night campfires and good conversation on any and all topics without judgement. We garden and share food. I would love to have much money to secretly help anyone in need. If they don't know where it came from...there is no obligation. I want to go to a book club to discuss nonfiction books. I need to be surrounded by free thinkers and healers and mentors. I want to live in a world of random acts of kindness, pay it forward, unbelieveable compassion, where what country you come from is useless information because we all have the same needs. No fences, borders, passports or flags. I want to see the art and creativeness of others. When I was in elementary school in the early 60's all my teachers wrote on the report card that Terry is a dreamer and does not pay attention. What if that had been nurtured...where would I be today. At 62 I also feel like the first woman whose letter you read...I too bought into the brainwashing of marriage, family, serve everyone and drop into bed at night to do it all again in 8 hours. Out of those 4 kids only one talks to me now...a dear angel in my life. 3 others are full of that judgement and self centeredness that I also was guilty of in my 20's, 30's and 40's. Karma is a bitch sometimes. I watch your channel because you give me hope and courage to go after what I want. Now that my husband''s heart attack and procedures are over and we are retired we will move. Got delayed for an IRS issue where they wanted us to pay 30,000.00 on taxes for retirement money we were scammed out of. We won but it cost 5000.00 for the lawyer and fees, but it is considered a win. Next is fixing the house up to sell amid all the talk of doom and gloom of the housing market...I speak with higher authorities than earth beings and so I know it can all work in my favor. I am reading Judith Orloff's "Emotional Freedom" and so far perfect for me right now. I send you my love and say be who you are cause I think your a great work in progress....kisses to Capone.

[@meikle_mixed_art8941]

Keep sharing yourself, your life and your story with us Carolyn. Those who need to hear it will do so and will find something they needed to hear. They will find that little bit of connection that can make the biggest difference for them; and by doing so you may find it too.

[@auteur-theory]

I feel like you were speaking to Me directly. I will be following your adventures. I bought on Friday Night my first RV, 1989 Ford Econline Spirit 28'. The layout is near identical to your rig. I am going to come up with a name for my rig. Thank you for sharing your adventures and particularly this webisode. My son graduates HS in in less than 2 years, and I want to go find myself, in my new rig. Coming along will be my baby girl Australian cattle dog. Thank you again. Very profound to find this video from you. #fear #shame #selfdoubt

[@letliveing3630]

Shame in my case is other's perspective of me - which took a long time for me to not fuel or give power to. You see, I was on a path of working to 65 with the 401k , homes,4/5 weeks vacation a year. Married 20 yrs with children and the future was a story book ending of growing old with my best friend. My X found excitement with another and everything changed. I have healed and now the future is wide open?? I have a commitment to my two children in middle school. So my excuse is to not walk out on my girls and be a strong dad until they graduate high school. I watch your videos and find myself planning and learning. It is exciting to plan my future and learn how many unconventional ways there is to live. You and Bob have provided me a future, that did disappear for a period of time. Thank you and until my dream starts, I will enjoy yours. If you don't mind ,lol

[@chrisczerwinski4830]

Carolyn, What holds me back is fear and some type of self-loathing. I so glad to have run across your ramblings. Please don't stop because there are people out there that you can and are helping. I've got a 6 to 15 month time frame to start on my own adventure. Be sake and keep sharing.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Chris and thank you for sharing your fears with me. I hope you can find a way to love yourself.. Trust me, there are enough people on this earth to do the loathing for you.. in the end you have only #1. So be kind to YOU!! Ok>

[@pennef7302]

Hi Carolyn, Let me start by saying - you rock! Been following you a couple months now and really enjoyed this video. I am working towards either a van or truck/trailer set up. Back in '06, I did a small contract job for a map company where I did some scouting, "boots on the ground" type travel. It was a game changer for me. Just a tick under 10K miles in 3 weeks and almost all back roads. A lot has changed in 11 years, except for my desire to keep exploring the back roads of America. I'm 54 and a 5 year pancreatic cancer survivor. I really understand the desire to live life to the fullest and follow your dreams. I have a love for photography and just want to go with my cameras, see cool things and meet cool people. Stuff is just stuff. My "excuse" so to speak, is my animals. I have 2 dogs and 1 cat. One of the dogs and the cat cannot share a close environment. So until nature sorts things out (the cat is 12 and one dog is almost 10) I do hope to at least be able to be a part timer. I absolutely won't give up my 4 legged kids. I'm in my grandparents house and in the 'hood I grew up in. I love where I am and that connection is strong. I've left before, but I keep coming back because I love the small town life. It can be conflicting. My theme song is "I Want It All" by Queen. 'Nuff said :) Keep doing what you're doing. As a side note, it's awesome to hear how you maintain your vegan type diet. I want to be able to maintain a whole food/plant based diet on the road. Glad to see it's very doable!!

[@cindyp.9030]

I have always dreamed of living in an RV and traveling around to see this beautiful country of ours. But first I needed to raise my daughter, then I was able to retire at a younger age and planned on doing it at that time. But my elderly parents needed me to take care of them. They have both passed, my dad in 2015 and my mother in October 2023. I am currently arranging to sell their home and searching for my RV so that I can finally live my dream. You have encouraged me not to give up on that dream and to keep moving forward. I hope that in the near future I will be able to meet you in person during my own wanderings.

[@GongGypsy]

Thank You for being You. I am a van dweller sharing my passion the meditation music I share. I will share you and your you tubes with others who also want to Live this nomadic free life... Blessings

[@lelabowden2897]

I only dream that I could live off the grid . In nature.....I am 68 and my kids are to busy for me....I am a older woman,but I would love to live away from people and live a life calm and close to nature....I watch you because you make it where I could make it possible.....I have dreamed of the life off the grid for probable 25 yrs.....I feel like there may be a way I could do this .....I want to travel and see beautiful places that God created..I have always had a spirit of the unknown......thank you for all your wonderful information.....

[@jmadsen6118]

I am, along with my husband, actively working toward building a mobile income so we can buy an RV and hit the road. We are close to social security but realize we'll need more. We've got the frugal living thing down and find great pleasure in simple things. We've already done the personal work and now we're working on the practical side of things...thanks for asking! You have inspired me greatly...keep up the good work!

[@cherylseefeldt1952]

Love you Carolyn. You are such a beautiful soul and an inspiration. Love your videos. What's holding me back??? I'm 64 year young woman and am a caregiver to my 87 year old father, but when I can finally get on Medicare , my dream is get my class b+ and hit the road for as long as I can. I can't wait to boondock in the desert and your videos help me to be less fearful and more hopeful.

[@destinationnowhere2319]

Exactly the message I needed to hear today. I have flooded my brain with excuses. I have taken a plunge and am renovating my rv as of now. I should have been done long ago, and been out there amongst the happy nomads. I fear most that financially this choice of mine will ruin me, but I still have this hope that it will ultimately save me. I live you dear and wish you only the best. I hope to see you out on the road someday. Perhaps the next rtr.

[@Sewspcl]

I lost both parents 10 weeks of each other and I was the caregiver. Now I am free to make choices in my daily life. I want to travel. Now take care of my grandson and feel guilty if I want to live my own life. Thank you for your inspirational message. Getting a camper soon and I can't wait. Hope to see you on the road soon. I want to live a stainable life on the road.

[@bettybaker-rodela6692]

Right now I am kinda where I want to be in life. Me and my husband plan on traveling when he retires. He has to travel a lot now for work and I stay home because I have to take care of my brother that is really sick from having throat cancer. Last year I lost my sister to breast cancer and I have just recently started getting my life back together from losing her and I lost my poodle of 12 /2 years as well. We are buying a travel trailer in a few months and this summer plan on taking some trips but later we are going to put our things in storage and travel for a long time and who knows we may do that until we are just not able to do that. After that we want to get a place away from everything and have a lot of land and grow old together. I watch your videos because you inspire me to do more and just like you I am a introvert and love being by myself and you just make me feel better. I was also abused as a young girl and went through domestic abuse also but I now have a wonderful husband. I also drank a lot but I have been sober for almost 3 years now and a non smoker for 4 years. Thanks for all your videos and looking forward to the ones you are going to post about your day to day. Hugs

[@calicojunctionisclosed]

I'm afraid I will not be able to remove all the barricades before I'm too old . Materialism has held me captive why to long. Obligations still hold me down. I have started my plan to escape even if it's for short times. Lack of work has made it a very long slow struggle the last 4 yrs. My debts are slowly getting under control and I can see a small light at the end of the long dark tunnel. I loved your information on sites that provide temp jobs for vagabonds. I feel the freedom and joy I once knew boiling feverishly inside. I have to fill my bucket list and meet interesting and wonderful people once more. I called myself Virginia Rover years ago. I traveled many countries including the America's. My salvation is the contacts of many people I, once share this insatiable bug with. We are a breed who understand each other and savor all that we once shared. Sadly family and the material world has trapped most of us. Some have passed still only dreaming and wishing to do it all once again. I don't want to have that as my end. When my final curtain comes, I need to be filled with colorful and wonderful memories and have heart with peace and joy knowing I have done what God intended. He made this beautiful diverse world for us to explore and savor. I don't want to waste it.

[@janetshenefield1590]

i appreciate your honesty and enjoy your videos.

[@countryfrau8328]

Besides just admiring you and finding you charming and thoughtful, the main reason I follow you is that I have found through life that I need to be exposed to new ideas and new ways of doing things before I can consider them for myself. Ideas have to percolate a while for me. For example, I met a woman years ago who had homeschooled her kids. I don't even know if I had kids at the time but years later I ended up homeschooling them. I've got so many examples like that--it's all about being exposed to POSSIBILITY. And that's what I hope one of my biggest contribution to my own kids and to other people is--to expose them to POSSIBILITY. For example, I don't get mad that my kids aren't into the farming life like I am or that they don't can food, etc. because I know that they are at least getting exposed to the POSSIBILITY. Who knows? Maybe it'll take 40 years on their part or maybe it won't even be them but instead their kids or other relatives who do something DIFFERENT because of being exposed to the POSSIBILITY, even if it is just by hearing about little old me in family lore.

[@blborto5989]

Carolyn, you're just the best! Even if I don't need certain information, I listen because I just love listening to you! Yes, you are living the dream I have. No, I cannot right now because of obligations :-( You seem free and unencumbered. I am happy for you! I am realizing that my one biggest complaint about being married is not being able to make my own space, my own!! Have to consult and agree about everything. It's hard! Any rate, love your vids and your talks and anything you care to throw our way. Thank you so much!

[@JimBobJJonesJr]

I've always been the nomadic type but, with one (1 1/2 year) exception, it's been pretty much limited to moving from one house or apartment to another in different states. I can't wait for the day when I get a camper, and hit the road permanently. The only thing holding me back is having the money to buy a camper. I'm waiting on back pay from S. S. Disability, and the very day I receive it, I'll be out shopping for my new home. I've been following your channel, Bob's, and a few others, for both inspiration and to learn all I can, in general, so I'll be fully prepared, when that day comes. I hope to meet you, and the others, at the RTR next year, if not sooner. I love your videos. Keep on keepin' on :)

[@thomas194907]

i do short trips...i am the only one responsible for taking care of my mom, she's going to be 95 in a couple months with dementia...my scary issue is that i'm getting old myself and can't get away for maybe a couple months, then back to my travel trailer at my 'home base' in a small marina. i would like to do full time on the road and travel all across b.c. and canada (i'm canadian) and 5-6 months down south annually to experience your beautiful country before i can't, but until mom doesn't know me anymore i want to be there for her, i love her. one day it will happen and at the same time i live by this : " Look well of today, for it is the Life of Life...for yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow a vision. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope..."

[@terrycrane6468]

Billyt Your a good man and an amazing son.

[@WaterSelkie2000]

Your vlog/blog came along right about the same time I decided what my plan was for my retirement. I realized that I could not keep my house even though I love it.. (mostly love the land) and fulfill my desire to travel. I know myself, I'm a gypsy, a vagabond, a hermit! I would not be content living my retirement years watching TV, reading the next novel and watching the water flow by. I need to go. Your blog (and Bob's) came along about the same time I was considering my options. You both helped me reach my decison on what my retirement could look like! I only have about a year and a half to go!.. I bought my motor home (24 ft 2003 BT Cruiser) a few weeks ago. I listened, Carolyn. So far you've helped me realize I'd probably not be completely alone, I'd probably break down a time or two and I'd survive, and I called AAA and upped my current membership to RV status! So.. you are helping. You are helping me realize my dreams of freedom, new horizons and new adventures! Thank you!

[@TheNoonie50]

I made a decision to leave a simple farm life in Kentucky in a town of 800, to move to a city of 800,000 to be closer to my grown children, HOWEVER, there is a cargo van in my parking spot, that I just finished insulating, that my husband is wiring for solar electric, that should be ready to roll in March on my own part time nomadic journey. YOU have been an enormous inspiration to me! Words don't even.....(sober 33 years) ;)

[@joandesmond8579]

Ohh ever since I listened to your videos, yes, I drift off very often. I was very excited these last few weeks that I made a decision that this way of life is really what I want. Today, thought I was shot down. Told it was a rich person's hobby. Now, I am back in my day to day life. I have raised my three kids, I am taking care of my elderly parents and I think when they are gone, why is it not my time to do what I want. Why is it that I must wait until I am elderly to be able to do what I want. Guess I will have to think alot more.

[@lindsaysutton4840]

I have never wanted to live in a RV but I still love your videos. I'm 37, was in a abusive relationship for ten years. To be honest didn't realize it was so bad till I went to a group for abused women. That's when I realized my normal was messed up and refused to continue down that path. I'm very happy now with my little condo, my dog and boyfriend (maybe a cottage down the road ). Your thoughts make me feel like I'm not the only one who chooses to be me and not what other people think I should be. Would love you to keep up the vids.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Holy cow, can I relate to the statement, "My normal was messed up". I am so proud of you for getting out of that bad relationship and finding yourself. I know how hard that it. I hope you recognize your strength and courage! Glad you're happy and I hope someday you get your little cottage. Thank you so much for being a part of my journey..

[@lisarichards1956]

I'm really not sure why I'm so drawn to all the RV living videos. I'm a widow and have social security now, so I could swing this lifestyle if I really wanted to. I suspect that, even as an introvert, I would find life on the road too empty. As a mother and grandmother life wouldn't be full without my kids and grandkids. Having said that, my kids all live in different states, so I probably will have to do some traveling to see them. I think I'm gathering courage for the road trips. Also, as an introvert, I think I love to watch how people of all types live without intruding on them too much. I figure I'm invited if they posted a video! :) I also watch tons of videos of people living in tiny houses and other alternative housing, so I think my real area of interest is living smaller, with less stuff. I don't regret decisions I've made in the past. I figure if I had made different choices I wouldn't have my children, and they've been a huge blessing to me every step of the way. I know everyone doesn't have that. I just find this a very intriguing community to keep up with. I'm one of those Trump supporters, but I'm rooting for you. I pray he'll be good for the whole country.

[@ronaldrollins5657]

I am retired military and disabled. I used that as an excuse. Then it was money. I had a house to pay for. now we found that this dream is a nightmare. We are going to downsize and sell the house. we have an RV. I also tried to use medical issues. I just had my 5th major back surgery. But the wife and I have decided it is time. We are still relatively young. I am 48 wife is 49. We need to go now or never. thank you for what you do.

[@AnnBellinger]

This video truly touched my heart. I have waisted so much of my life trying to fit into other people's ideas of how I should live my life. I can not be contained in that box. It has never worked. Now I am trying to rebuild my life. It is a long story so I won't try to tell it here. But instead I will thank you for sharing your story and your life on video. My goal is still to live a similar nomadic lifestyle. I enjoy being away from people and surrounded by nature. Sadly it's been many years since I was able to get away and into nature. I do have some hurdles to break through but I know it can be done. You are inspirational.

[@ArtisticImpressionsbyBobRouth]

great video, I am just starting my journey. Our retirement dream was to travel. After 36 years of planning , my wife past away. I've decided to follow the dream with my dog Cricket. I would like to travel at will without a destination. I fell into a motorhome deal I couldn't pass up, saw my chance and its white line fever from now on. It is not going to be easy. It has been 1 year since she passed and now I need to move on or join her. I hope someday to cross paths with you, until then you are my motivation to keep going..... no pressure! You are an excellent speaker. thank you, I'm paying $150 hr for therapy and I get more motivation from you in 20 minutes. Bob

[@Goodgrief7811]

Bob Routh sounds like you truly love your wife! Sounds like a long loving marriage.Im sorry this happened, death of a love one sucks.What would she want you to do? I'm reminded of a movie called " Up",Disney film but wonderful story of a loving couple and adventure.

[@bradleypfendler234]

I love your show . I have driven a truck over the road for 32 years. I have always said that I want to do this without the the truck. Last year they retired me . I have COPD pretty bad. I live in Pa. The cold is very bad for me. The humidity is also terrible. I just got a van. It's a 98 dodge 350 with low miles on it.. I'm going to buy a trailer to put my 4 wheeler and my motorcycle in . I'M GOING TO SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE, RIDING AND CAMPING. It feels like I have been waiting for this my hole life. I hope to meet you sometime. You take care of yourself. I'll see you soon.

[@herbrevestir]

Great vid Carolyn, I am now retired from living a semi-nomadic life a a cross country trucker.No it's not easy living on the road.After driving over 2 million + miles. I look forward to doing nothing when I got home. Thanks for pointing out the pros and cons of living on the road.When I retired I gladly gave up my CDL and they(DMV) gladly gave me my motorcycle license. I've been following you for 8 months now, keep up the good work. I like the part of you driving in San Francisco financial . district, reminded me when I got lost in SF driving my semi

[@conesville65]

Within 5 min. of your video I was crying my eyes out as I have so wanted to be out in Nature where the only thing I can hear are the birds singing, the frogs croaking, the cricket doing their thing, listening to the wind, watching the trees sway & smelling the smells of Nature! As a child I grew up in a small village of about 350 people in Central Ohio. One of our near farmers had a field in back of our 1 acre yard and there was no fence to keep me out. I use to sneak out at night go out in that field, lay on my back to watch the stars & smell that wonderful black dirt (I love the smell of good old Ohio dirt). I miss that a lot since I moved to the Northwest Florida Panhandle 41 1/2 years ago. I love Florida & would love to live way back in the backwoods by myself, no near neighbors, where I can not hear or see anyone except nature! But since I am living off of a very very small SS check, (I can't even afford a car, insurance or the upkeep) I will keep on living through you & your adventures. I do have a wonderful 1 bedroom apt. in a nice, quiet, safe neighborhood that I am so thankful for. I am divorced & my son only lives close by (I can walk to his place in 15 min.) so life is better now than it has ever been, so I thank God for my many blessings! But if you don't mind I will continue to live through you & your adventures! May God continue to Bless you and I am so happy that life has gotten so much better for you & I will keep you in my prayers!

[@camillesummons1767]

Carolyn, you are certainly a unique person. How many women hike the John Muir Trail alone like you did. I have one friend who did the same... but she was in the process of a psychotic break at the time... I am amazed at the bravery and strength you show by RV living. You have amazing presence of mind. I have always fantasized about living in an RV on the road may not be the life for me... however, I suspect it wouldn't work for me on a full time basis. I may buy an RV and take short trips with friends or family or even alone someday. I remember traveling alone for two and a half weeks in England, France and Scotland years ago. By the end of the 2nd week I was ready to swim the Atlantic to NY and fly home to Cali! I get homesick... I think you are inspirational. Maybe I will meet you someday! I don't think I have a dream... unless I am living it! I will think about it though. Camille

[@Elissa-Ellen]

Thank you Carolyn for your video! I feel like I'm not living my genuine life and with your inspiring words has triggered some major soul-searching and of course prayer for a new chapter for my life! Thank you! ❤

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Elizabeth - yay!!! Love to read that! Good luck to you on your soul-searching. IMHO, that is the beginning of true peace and happiness!!! xx- carolyn

[@Brad1237202]

Love your channel Carolyn!! Thank you very much for taking us along on your life''s journeys!!! Forget the trolls that are negative on your channel. We love you!!!!

[@tijuanagringo]

Obligation. Obligations. I have them. That is more than an excuse. It is a promise I made and which I must fulfill -- I believe -- before I go out on the road.

[@sharonkiel8140]

Bravo! Well said! Thanks for sharing your heart!

[@ellensas6371]

dear carolyn it's ellen again... this was one of your best videos ever! ! Im a single mother and I've always dreamed of living in a quiet and small city but it's so hard for me to make that dream come true. I can't go anywhere I want because I'm self employed and jn a big city I can't make ends meet, my son depends on me. Thank you for living part of that dream for me! By watching you I can picture myself where you are and have hope for a better future. Thank you so much for sharing your life and soothing my heart!

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Thank you for the comment Ellen!! I understand,,keep dreaming, you just never know where life may take you. and in the meantime, I'll do my best to keep bringing you along with me on my adventures!!

[@CharlesLangSamuel]

I'm about to go full-time in an RV and I relate to you because I view myself as a 'castaway' from 'the system', like you, and I was also in sort of 'California elites'; I graduated from UCLA and spent 7 years in a PhD program at UC Davis. I appreciate your videos a lot both because I find the full-time RV community exciting and because you've helped give me courage/fortitude facing a difficult and even scary situation. On the one hand, living in a tiny house is sort of fashionable now, but on the other hand moving into an RV can seem like becoming homeless and has been depressing to me sometimes. . . More about me is I gave notice on my apartment for 2/24/17, which is just over three weeks from now, and I have a 1980 14-foot travel trailer that I bought a couple of months ago and I've been getting it into shape so that it's almost ready to go (I fixed two big roof leaks, and removed a nest of wasps from the furnace, to name a couple of things). I pull it with a 99 Subaru Impreza with 350k miles on it (but it had a partial rebuild). My nomad or tiny house life will be centered around Sacramento, because I play live piano once each week at a restaurant (Vince's, Tuesday evenings). I can't afford an RV park (I only make 250 a month and have just about stopped paying my credit cards etc . . ) and plan to park on streets and maybe BLM land and National Forest. I might start doing vlogs/videos.

[@Franaflyby]

Charles Lang Good luck. Don't fear being a Nomad. More and more people are taking on this lifestyle by choice because the system has got you as a slave getting nowhere or behind real fast. Fear...is Faulse Evidence Appearing Real... most people let fear stop them from trying something new.

[@SusanFlowers_]

Charles Lang It's great you are starting to pursue another avenue in life. But please try to be honorable to your debts. There are organizations who can help you cut the interests and pay it off faster. You will feel better about yourself. I am trying to finish paying off my debts, and I have some new medical bills, but I am determined and will get out there. Best wishes.

[@CharlesLangSamuel]

@Techgo Gadget Gal Hit and run, and I haven't even had my first day on the road!

[@CharlesLangSamuel]

@Olivia Baca Thank you

[@Cindy-bee]

Carolyn you have inspired me to do things I always wanted to do but kept putting off or making excuses. You live life the way you wish to no matter what anyone else thinks or says. Thank you.

[@jeanpell]

You have helped me better understand myself. I have been living in campers for over 20 years. I am an introvert. Thanks so much for being you!

[@WoolPearls]

Hi Carolyn, Thank you for the inspiration! I've been watching quite a few RV videos lately. My husband and I just decided not to put our lives on hold any longer and purchased a fifth wheeler to get us out on the road. I spent 26 years as a corporate slave and was devastated when I lost my 6 figure job during the recession in 2009. I quickly discovered the liberation that came from not having to work within the confines of a structured job. My last eight years have been spent establishing myself as a multimedia artist here in Maine and all the way to Key West where I am a Sunset Artist at the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square! My passion is selling my work as a street artist but I do events as well. I am fortunate to have a true soulmate in my husband. After being my and logistics guy for three years, he branched out into making duct tape wallets and is enjoying his own success now! For the last seven years we've been spending half our time in Maine and half our time in Key West purveying our artwork. When we are in the Keys we live in a 220 sq ft. apartment with our 10 year old German Shepherd, Hazel, so committing ourselves to a fifth wheeler was not a hard thing to do. We just needed to find the money to do it. That's when we had an epiphany and decided to raid our retirement fund to buy a used RV. So our 2012 Cougar fifth wheel is now sitting in the driveway being prepared for all the adventures we hope to enjoy and making our way around the country selling our handicrafts at different markets and events. So much more to share! I've subscribed and hope to learn and share adventures!

[@dalekundtz4603]

I used to travel on vacation with my wife and two kids. That life changed. The kids are married and the wife and I divorced. That was when my body told me my past life took its toll. Police, firefighter/paramedic and nursing led to a lot of stress. As a result, I have had a heart attack, three strokes, COPD and am in a manual wheelchair at age 65. I have checked out your site and Bob's but have never seen people in wheelchairs. Thank you for letting me live vicariously through your site.

[@rhesahaylee5824]

Hiya Dale K.!!! My name is Rhesa as of 9:30am on March 25, 2019!!!! That was a huge milestone for me to legally change my name. I saw your comment to Carolyn about being in a wheelchair and I wanted to share something with you. First, I know of at least two people- I know it isn't that many but it only takes one to open the floodgates-in wheelchairs who are nomads. Unfortunately neither of them have social media channels. I am not presently in a wheel chair but I did have a stroke in my spinal chord which rendered me paralyzed and unable to walk nine years ago. They told me I would never walk again. Dale, I learned how to walk again and only need a walker. I don't have proper feeling in my lower half and still struggle with other consequences of the stroke but a walker is all I use. In one month's time I will be finally- oh my goodness I cannot wait- purchasing a school bus to convert into a skoolie. My autistic almost 19 year old son and I will be doing the majority of the conversion ourselves and then we are ditching sticks and bricks for lives on the road as nomads. It is cliche but they are very true but 2 things::1. If I can do all that, why can't you??? 2. If you want something bad enough you will find a way. Dale, I forgot to mention I am on 4 liters of oxygen 24/7. When you are ready suddenly your health will no longer be a reason why you can't. Saying I can is more powerful than people realize. That was what I started to say and suddenly everything started falling into place, money was suddenly appearing, solar panels, wind turbines facebook marketplace, like dominoes falling all the ducks lined up and faced forward. What does your heart say?? What is your dream?? Maybe your dream isn't an RV lifestyle criss crossing America but going to Australia is. Listen when the world is quiet and you will hear it calling.

[@SuzesCarnivoreLifeAfterBypass]

Hi Carolyn. You are such an inspiration to me! I bought a 1992 Ford Econoline van and officially moved into it May 23rd so almost 2 weeks. I love it!!! My KZbin channel is Suze's Full-time Van Life and boy is that a learning, getting out of my comfort zone experience. My house was literally falling apart so thankfully the bank just let me sign it back over to them. No hit on my credit yay! I'm staying in Mn through fall to get my van up to traveling and solar-powered up. Did I mention I only paid $550 for it! It's in really good shape and no leaks! I'm planning on being at RTR in January and then go from there. I have an Australian Shepherd Sam who is with me and his daddy Mick is with my 36yr old son who inspired me to do this and who also recently moved into his own van. I'm 57. I will turn 58 during RTR so I really want to make it there! I can relate with everything you talk about. I hope I can inspire people like you are doing. I also have always danced to the beat of my own drum. Keep all the great videos coming and I hope to meet you and Capone someday!

[@nikhilsukumar23]

I wish you could do a letter or mail episode once in a while. When these powerful stories are uploaded I feel you have changed their lives for the better. Humbled and inspired. Thank you.

[@MotivatingInspiration]

Yep. I know shame, fear, feeling like your not good enough. Stay Free Carolyn. Keep sharing. Is beautiful.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

thank you very much Rick..

[@pippad531]

hey from England, only just found your channel, ive lived on the road, lived in yurts, buses and trailers, at present I'm recovering from a breakdown so am static in a tiny village living in a small house. finding another similar aged woman who is out there living life how you want too, is inspiring and brings me hope for my future plans. fingers crossed I continue to heal in the way I need. thankyou for being so honest, sending love x

[@gooddollie]

I am an artist at heart. I love watercolor and mixed media. That's my dream. To get up and paint, go for walks, have a cup of tea and just watch the world go by on my terms!

[@Chasing70]

I am traveling through Florida now. Here is my email to the woman who is 54, whose husband died. I am 52 in a few days. I was pushed wothout choice to marry at age 18. He was an alcoholic the entire 33 years. Our kids turned out abusive towards me. I decided that l don't want that life anymore also. I have been on the road since Christmas eve. I love this life on the road.

[@chuck3813]

This is heart breaking. I am sure your children learned this behavior from their father but that doesn't make it right. Never understood how people could abuse the people they love or should love. Good luck and happy travels.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Lisa, you are very kind to give your email. I am nervous that it's here in the open for everyone... but I will pass it along. You are so strong and brave. Congrats on making a choice to change!!! good luck!

[@Chasing70]

Carolyn's RV Life k. I will delete the email. Thanks!

[@valerie4286]

The only thing holding me back for the moment is for the lack of money for a vehicle that I can pay cash for and still have an emergency fund.....I had to delete my facebook page because of haters in my personal scope telling me I can never do it, that I'm making a terrible mistake giving up my apartment..I am encouraged to hear you and your other friendlies who tell their stories and I so identify with all you said and the letter you shared. My children have promised I will never have access to my grandchildren born and unborn because I dream to travel away from noises of planes trains and automobiles....the city is drowning out the ability to hear my own inner voice. And I am not giving up. I've already put my things in the apartment up for sale, if I have to start pulling a trailer behind my little motorcycle (which I'm told I'm too old to keep riding. You have responded and encouraged me on two separate occasions - I will not give up no matter what my haters think. For the lady who wrote in, I am a little older than you and I refuse to let what my past has done dictate who I was meant to be. I get a small pension currently but I will find a way. God Bless you Carolyn and God Bless your friendlies - I will be in AZ in mid Sept. for an undetermined time.....I hope to connect with you or Bob or some of the others I follow on here. My desire is to buy a van while I'm out there and start modifying it as soon as I purchase it. Wishing you well......PLEASE keep doing what you are doing.

[@b33398]

Valerie Hi Valerie, my situation is similar. I'm proud that you're making the move toward your dreams. I've not found my way yet. Hope you've gotten a van by now and enjoying the nomad life.

[@tomdowning3709]

Carolyn, I enjoy your candid, real, truthful videos. I retire in 30 days after working for 50 years. My wife and love camping. We have camped together for 35 years. Currently we have a 34 foot travel trailer. We live Illinois near St. Louis, and my dream is to travel through the Southwest, and Northwestern states. I dream of seeing the great Redwood Trees in Northern California. Please keep the videos coming. Enjoy each day, be safe, and happy. Sincerely,

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Enjoy the Big Trees Tom!!! Thank you

[@sarahs5340]

Tom Downing: I live fairly close to the coastal Redwood forest in N California. It is a spiritual experience visiting the groves and the Smith River is unbelievable too. Worth it!

[@taurus-astrobike104]

I'm Just like U in Many Ways! Except I've lived my life since 9yrs old , for lazy & abusive family members!! then lost myself Giving Some one else Everything , Only for them to leave me For No Reason Given after over a 30 yr. relationship!! I'm Now 60! I've given away & sold & thrown away ,most of my belongings over the past 2yrs..An was going to down size to an apartment!! & THEN I'D STUMBLED ONTO BOB WELLS & YOU!!! I'M NOW ABOUT TO SELL MY HOUSE, AN LIVE MY YEARS LEFT, ENJOYING AMERICA !!!! I'M LOOKING FOR A MAXY VAN FIRST!! THEN A CLASS (B)!! I Maybe on my Journey by this spring!!:-):-):-) U Guys Really Inspired Many ! KEEP IT UP !!! :-):-)

[@patriciamartin5959]

Taurus- Astrobike Great story. Good luck on your journey.

[@taurus-astrobike104]

Patricia Martin Thankyou Patricia.... I Do have some first time fears.. But am blessed with Much Information..I'll be in touch... & Ur my very FIRST reply!!! THANKYOU SOO VERY MUCH

[@patriciamartin5959]

Wipe all your fears away and go enjoy the ride. You know we only go around once. And please start a vlog. I would love to follow your journey.

[@knightryder5292]

You asked so here is my answer to someone that has no desire to live in an RV . I come from corporate America but always questioned that lifestyle. I saw people spend money in most cases more than they made. And also most of these good people had odd marriages , you could tell they were not secure. I new this could not last forever and there would be a down fall sooner than later. I did live that life too but I kept my limitations to what I could afford which was not easy at all. I could not go on vacation or buy nice things without getting myself in debt with credit cards. So looked to other ways to be more financially stable. You and most if not all RV people are an example of that lifestyle. Not to be judgmental but down the road you were going to hit a brick wall. And I new it even tried to talk to people about the reality but most if not all would not care to listen. So this is why I watch you to see the effects after people hit that wake-up wall. It must sound bad but that's not my intention at all but a true reality in life.

[@looking4peace1]

Connected, inspired...all of it. Yes, you have that gift. Thank you.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

thank you looking4peace1!

[@susannahwilliams7805]

My sister died last year at 46 years old. That's when I took a good look at what the world offered and decided the American Dream is a Nightmare, invented by people to enslave the masses until their deaths. I got out of my situation, downsized my stuff to almost nothing, and moved into an extended stay...a year ago. I didn't know what I was going to do exactly, but I had to escape the LIE, and get closer to nature because that is where I can hear myself think. I intended to go to Alaska last year just to break out of the mold but I am a nurse and my license didn't go through in time for the season. Anyway, I found your channel, a woman who was going it alone, and I was so inspired by your courage! I am currently looking for an inexpensive cargo van to fix up, and I fully intend to meet you at an RTR one day and shake your hand! Until then, I'll just have to settle for living vicariously through you...😀

[@gypsypants6847]

We got an RV, Carolyn!! It needs a lot of work...I will make a video when its a little warmer outside...lol....Montana is cold!!!

[@mr.marknola867]

Disabled vet, in wheelchair 60 years old. No family just my dog. I'm retired and pursuing my dream to travel. May not be conventional, in a rv, ,more of a bus with wheelchairs lifts. Just getting started. Lived on a boat for many years. By myself. Travel everywhere sailing. Now it's time to see America.

[@kathrynkenyon785]

WOW! GREAT VIDEO! When I left my abusive relationship 14 months ago it was my 2nd time going across the country in my van by myself, kitty in tow. It was SUCH A FREEING FEELING I just knew that was the life for me! I had bought a brand new Ford Transit Cargo Van initially so that I would NEVER become homeless, but then it morphed into the idea of going off grid. Since arriving in WA I have found it difficult, and as yet impossible to get free from my obligations in caring for my aging mother. Even though my life has been destitute and wounded because of her, I just haven't been able to justify walking out knowing she needs me. So, I've continued to work on my van, getting things I need. I packed up 2 months ago with plans to travel to VA, but she fell right before I was to leave, then my health took a nose dive, then I had to get new caregiver, blah, blah, blah. Needless to say, I am just about ready. I'm heading to Yellowstone first because I've always wanted to go. Not sure when...or if...I'll ever return here. My initial trip to TX from WA helped me get over that "fear" that many women talk about. My biggest draw back, Carolyn, is how to keep up with the many medications I take on a daily basis. Still trying to figure that one out. Maybe I'll visit slab city next winter. :-) We shall see what becomes of me.

[@tinaperez9756]

I too fantasize about this life of Carolyn's of being free and seeing the country. I won't retire until next year so I have a little time left. I also worry about my mother and often fear her becoming ill right before I'm about to get my true freedom in my life of retirement and travel. I believe there are some videos out of how people get their meds while traveling. Hang in there Kathryn. You're doing the right thing taking care of your mother. You'd never enjoy yourself if you left knowing your mother needed you. I really don't want to do the RV thing alone. I'm renting one 2 different times in the next couple of months to see how I like it. I also want to get a class "C". Making a decision on which one is daunting. Don't give up on your dream!

[@b33398]

Tina Perez Tina, my mom has Alzheimer's and is now living in a nursing facility. She's kept me from going for the last few years but hoping I can make peace with leaving soon

[@tamalla73]

The letters you got were absolutely amazing. People are amazing by sharing from their souls. You are really touching a lot of people and it is truly the opportunity of a lifetime to be able to help so many.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

[@vespermartini2556]

I've traveled to Europe several times, so I'm done with that. I never got married and had no children, never wanted to be tied down to anything or anyone. I own my condo and it's paid in full, I'm waiting for property values to go up once again so I can sell it and buy a new RV, don't want any problems if it breaks down. No health issues, as of now. I'm donating personal items that are taking up space and might be of use to someone. I want to travel the country, which I have not seem much of, only a couple of states. It's now or never. Follow your dreams, at whatever age.

[@blissfuljoy6049]

Honestly I think modern society has given us many gifts BUT the key to happiness is to be grateful for what you do have before you seek more/different things and not compare yourself to others. I love living in South Florida but yes is expensive. It's worth it to me so long as I am not horribly stressed out and able to pay for it. I am also not worried about living in the most expensive areas ( although the beach would be nice! haha) so long as the area I live in safe. I would love to travel more and but not be nomadic until kids are grown. I did not always live in this area and am very glad I moved from where I lived and am very glad to be a parent so I am happy where I am for now :).

[@vickimartin2215]

I think that u r one AWESOME woman. Wish I had have been lucky enough to wake up sooner. now I am 64 being a caregiver to my 88 year old mother. But I am planning on buying a RV to live and travel around in one day. saving up for it now. Please keep on keeping on. Don't stop ur videos. I look forward to each video I watch.

[@yogarobyn12]

I usually motivate others but Carolyn, you motive me! I've been a single Mom for the last 17 yrs and raised 4 children to become awesome adults. My children value living simply and have not bought into consumerism or even the American Dream. One son bought land in Utah and built a tiny home and now he can work when he wants to ( or not) and travel with his wife because they have NO debt! It is my dream to buy a van and travel to visit family and friends and maybe meet someone special who wants to share this lifestyle with me. At the moment I'm still working but will start some adeventures on the weekends in my SUV. I'm still wondering how I can support myself in the future.

[@karenschell9822]

I’m nearing retirement age, turning 59 next year, and I don’t want to work this job I’m doing, for another 5 years! I never pursued any creative things I’ve wanted to do, painting is one. I’m in the corporate world, and I basically loathe the job. So I’m inspired watching you, and hearing about your life on the road. I think you’re very brave. I’m ready for a change, no husband, just adult children and grandkids who really don’t need me anymore. That was my identity, raising my children.

[@johnacord5664]

At age 71, I still have a desire for a cross country bike trip. It is something I always wanted to do since I learned to ride a bike.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

THAT would be awesome! It's never too late. I hope you get to do it!! :-)

[@janettechapman9681]

John Acord Get in shape and go for it JOHN. I have ridden over 100k miles cross country still ride my bike as primary transportation. I'm 63. On my first trip in 1976 I met a Wisconsin dairy farmer we were going from Oregon coast to New York at 70 years old he told me it's not the speed it's the determination.

[@ChrissyD22472]

I am right where i want to be in my life.. The choices ive made along the way led me to here.. I think if you really want something out of life you can do it.. find a way cause there is always a way.. The biggest problem ive found when listening to ppl piss and moan about their lives is themselves, most ppl are their biggest enemy and they stand in their own way to happiness.. So my advice to someone who complains about their life is GET THE HELL OUTTA YOUR OWN WAY and take action cause only you can change it..

[@NoProGoPronto]

In 2007 I bought a small vacation home in the woods of Pennsylvania to get away from NYC on the weekends. The plan was to keep the house for 5 years then sell. Well we know what happened to the housing market in 2007. BOOM! Haven't been able to sell that house for 5 years. I just got a one month heating bill for $435. I can't go anywhere or do anything until the gun pointed at my head called a mortgage is gone. 😪🔫

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Oh no... I understand. The same thing happened to me in 2009. : The house was supposed to be our starter home - an investment in our future.. and then BAM it was gone.. :-( So sorry. Sometimes, walking away - or running- is the only option.. I wish you the best..