My Favourite Books: Our Life Off The Grid - An Urban Couple Goes Feral by J. David Cox

[@jayduncan9315]

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma-which is living with the results of other people's thinking." Steve Jobs

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

I love that! ❤️🙏🏼

[@brigittecrawley1872]

Hi Adelina, I so agree with you. Last year I finally took the leap of faith that you described and unburdened my self of the things that were holding me back. My dream has always been to live a simple but free life. All the trappings of our society mean nothing to me and do not bring me peace or happiness. I have still not fully achieved but I know I am heading I. The right direction. My family and friends think I am crazy but in their hearts I know they feel that they had the courage to live their lives in a more simple way and enjoy their time while they still can. You are right that the decisions were not made over night but many years of second guessing my thoughts until the time was right. Love your posts and maybe will see you when I visit the island again.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks. Take care ☺️.

[@louiselarios116]

In Paulo Coelho's words, "Some people around you will not understand your journey. They don't need to; it's not for them."

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Those are beautiful words ❤️.

[@pennymiller9175]

I love that concept. Maybe too many of us try to make others happy by our decisions and actions when designing our lives. In fact, we truly need to make ourselves happy. Thanks for sharing those words of wisdom.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

☺️

[@allieh2686]

Well said Adelina! The dream is the first step of Many. We become the architect of our creations. Thank You for sharing your knowledge.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Exactly. Take care 😊

[@RED-cy7ig]

Thank you for the inspiration. Take care of yourself.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊

[@marium1866]

I love all you said and can resonate completely.... Thank you for inspiring us all and giving us confidence to listen to the little voice.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thank you ☺️.

[@sandralnwebster3204]

Adelina ,you really researched your change of lifestyle! You took it on a test drive and worked out all the kinks first! Some people want a change;do it and are terribly disapp_ ointed because it's not what they expected! It's so important to taste the change of living differently before you take that big leap! More kudos to you,Adelina!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊

[@shananpickett6046]

Thank you Adelina! I just added this to my GoodReads list!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

☺️

[@beverlysyferd379]

I throughly understand everything you stated. It is very well said. Bless you

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thank you 😊

[@dsstewbaby9]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

😁

[@CindyCaVANas]

Interesting coffee chat! This was so much for me! Thank you! 🙋‍♀🥰

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

You're welcome Cindy ☺️.

[@elainemeyer3076]

Thank you for sharing Adelina. Two years ago we leaped. After years of climbing the career ladder , buying our dream house and living where we thought we would retire, I still felt dissatisfied. We moved back to where we started to be closer to our grandchildren. I did not want us to only see them on vacations. Missing out on them growing up and us not being an active part of their lives. It was the best decision we made. I made a major career change and have so much more flexibility to do what feels right. I see my grandkids every week and when I don’t, they call and ask when I am coming over. This is true happiness to me❤

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

That's fantastic!! Good for you ☺️.

[@dianelauren1559]

"The more your life reveals your dreams, the more your face reveals your light" Victoria Moran, also vegan, from her book Lit from Within.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

I love that ❤️😊.

[@deborahoakey3560]

Nice thoughts...thank you.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

😊

[@tammypasour9587]

Adelina your timing on this video is perfect. 2 years ago I left my home of 40 years and downsized. I’ve traveled in an rv and am about to move part time into my tiny home. My kids are not supportive and I am still moving forward. Maybe one day they will understand. Thank you for your videos, your time, and your encouragement.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Good for you! That's exciting 😊

[@yayaglass]

Early on in my New Life plan, I shared a bit with my adult children. I was amazed, surprised and hurt at their lack of support. After all, I thought, by my actions over their upbringing, I had taught them to be understanding, caring and supportive. Something I read, much later, helped me to understand their reaction. By making the decision to change my lifestyle and focus, I was inevitably changing our relationship in ways they were not prepared for. One minute I was Mom (daughter, sister, with my other unsupportive relations, etc) and the next, it seemed, I was an independent individual, with new habits, goals and the resultant new focus with my time and energy. That didn't change how I felt about each of them, still willing to help and support them if it was needed, but to them it was as if I was abandoning them, to some degree. It didn't matter that they were successful adults with their own families, careers, or that I was seldom called on to offer any kind of advice or other help. There was a concern for my health and safety. Ultimately, as this quote said, what seemed like an impulsive and hasty decision on my part, was, in actuality, a long time coming. Since I've shared my plans with them, over time and as they've matured more and more, they've begun to understand, though none are as supportive as Adelina's children yet. I am confident that there will come the day when they get to know and respect the new me. Remember, it takes maturity, hard won and long term, to let our children fly the nest with any sort of confidence that they will survive 'out there'. Sending support and much hand clapping and fist pumping from one Mom to another!

[@tammypasour9587]

@@yayaglass thank you!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks for sharing your story. We each hope that our family and friends will understand and support us but ultimately it's our journey and doesn't depend on anyone else's approval. Good for you! ❤️😁

[@elaineshea121]

‘I must create a system or else be enslaved by another man’s’…William Blake the English poet and visionary wrote this in the early nineteenth century and it has been one of my favourite quotes for as long as I can remember

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Love it! 😁

[@goodtogo3]

drink the darn coffee.....thx for the food for thought

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

😂😂😂

[@ruthanneflear3122]

Thank you for your posts. I am in the planning stage and downsizing my space. Making huge progress in that respect. I want to make this year the year I sign papers for the building of my tiny home.

[@shesthebethest]

It really hit me when you said that you read things like this to inspire you or help you plan the next step. I never thought to read to inspire me to do the next thing, just to fix the current issues are challenges or to escape. Thanks for making videos like these, you help more than you know!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thank you! ❤️🙏🏼☺️

[@esthermarcen7587]

one of the best pieces of advice I got was "ignore what people say about you or whatever you do at least they pay your bills", you need to follow your ideas and dreams and find your own way, and look for your own happiness in a positive way. love from Finland Adelina 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙 a lot of snow here, self-caring myself here!!!!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Great advice. Stay warm!

[@TheNintendoWiiGamer]

your thoughts and insight are fascinating and ring true...I myself am creating a small homestead which is exciting but totally different from my life to this point...the planning and creating of the dream that you have is exciting and rewarding as your dream becomes a reality...of course there are rough spots along the way and I have had my share of nay sayers however I am of the thought that you only have one life and why not choose a life well lived

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

I totally agree. Succeed or fail, at least I lived my life my way ☺️.

[@yvonnecrosbie]

Thank you this is so true, I have found this. Take care and love yourself ❤ we should all learn this at an early age but we mostly don’t. 🙏☕️😊🌸 x

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Take care 😊

[@LifeinLancashire]

My major changes in life have not been thought about beforehand, but on an impulsive decision. These changes all worked out ok. I do think that sometimes, if you procrastinate and dither on a change to your life, you may eventually give up and never make that change. Then, years down the line, you possibly regret not having taken that leap of faith. However, we're all different, and some people do have to think long and hard before making any changes to their life. Though, that's all wasted time, as far as I'm concerned.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

It's different for each person. The key is that final/eventual leap of faith/first step. 😊

[@victoriajohnson3034]

Agreed! That little voice screams at me now in my 40s! I left the road map behind 5 years ago. Doing it all the crazy hard way has been a great adventure! Good and bad! Ignore the world and embrace the voice!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Exactly!!!! Good for you! 😁❤️

[@valeriebelmonte9556]

Yep I’m at that beginning faze but I so want to complete the leap!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

☺️❤️

[@Donna-vs2iq]

Self preservation. That is part of being kind and brave.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

So true ☺️

[@jerigale]

YES!!! I have been dreaming and planning and researching for a life in the country in a tiny home with farm animals nearby. I have refined my goals over the years - what I really love and want - from the deepest part of me. I know what I need when I see people living in a way that "speaks" to me and I cry because it is so clear. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

You're so welcome ☺️. Good luck!!! ❤️

[@myrnaedmisten599]

Glad you’re back. Take care. ❤️

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

☺️

[@lauraautry3525]

I have been planning a tiny home life since the mid 2000’s. I’m only 1 1/2 years away to my retirement and have been researching and planning and watching your videos for years. People think I’m crazy but I am more determined than ever and can see it coming. Have even picked out a builder. I know what you mean about this not being a sudden decision. When I finally sell my house and find my community to live in it will be a 20 year plan fulfilled. I have had set backs, currently was hit by a car and have 4 broken ribs and off work. But my goal will be fulfilled. Thanks for your encouragement Angelina!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Ouch! I hope you're healing well❤️. I'm so very excited for you!!!

[@thewovenknotcrochetthehand4721]

Thanks for sharing that powerful quote! Resonates deeply 😊

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

☺️

[@watchout694]

The book sounds like something right up my alley. Going to see if I can find it. Yup, I'm doing the unconventional. Yup, opinions are there. Yup, it wasn't fast, well it only took 9-10 months...maybe to some that's fast. Yup, a niggling, this isn't what I want for the future. The way I tried to understand it was through all the videos I watched of single women, my age getting out on the road. It wasn't impossible and frankly I was late to the party. Plenty of others were already out there. Radical, yes. Yes, the beginning of another process. Adventure. Planning, research, engagement. I'm diving into the world of seasonal work...3, 4, 5 months at national parks or otherwise. I'll come home after a stint and then take off somewhere else. Yup, the status quo is certainly not for me. I've always been swimming upstream...a late in life stay at home mom, non career oriented person, filled my dreams in my 20s through major travel, walked the Camino on my own and now testing out this new chapter. You certainly hit the nail on the head! And I DO have a homebase/ hubby when I decide to return 😉😎

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Wow, good for you! Who says you're late to the party? As Gandalf says in The Lord Of The Rings: ' A wizard is never late, he arrives precisely when he is meant to'. 😁

[@anniecochrane3359]

Every word mirrors my process for the past few years!!! every word! I have decided to take the leap of faith, and hearing what you have communicated about it has eased the fear and allowed the sense of freedom and joy to burst forth. Tiny home living here I come!!! Thank you Adelina for your always thoughtful and interesting videos.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Yay!!! You go! ❤️☺️

[@dianegoss7181]

Glad to see you! Self care IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Good on you. Thanks for you uplifting chat.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks for your email earlier Diane. checking to see if I'm ok. It's all ok now thank goodness. Take care 😊.

[@ayela562]

I know exactly what you are saying ! We still live in our traditional sticks and bricks with our traditional jobs. But we are probably on year five of dreaming and researching and waiting for things to fall into place. We still don’t know exactly what the plan looks like but we do know it doesn’t look like being tied to a big mortgage and therefore our jobs. And it doesn’t look like staying in one place and not seeing this beautiful continent. So when it happens it will shock some people I’m sure, but they won’t know what a long slow process of awakening it really was.❤

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Exactly!! Good for you!

[@annsmith7207]

Adelina: I know your decision to move to "tiny and off grid" was and continues to be a process -- it certainly was not impulsive but rather very well planned, well researched and thoroughly managed ... every step of the way. The life you have now is the goal and vision you had for yourself and was manifested. What differentiates you is that you actually followed through ...no matter how frightened you were with the next step. It has been an honor to witness your transformation! Hope Miss Sophie is all cuddled up! ✨✨🌞🌞✨✨

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thank you Ann ☺️.

[@jemma50]

Very interesting perspective, Adelina. I really admire you for following your dream and wanting to challenge yourself. For me, I don't care for challenges and I love easy. LOL I thought I wanted to live in a tiny house, so I have watched a myriad videos on tiny houses, mostly tours. Having watched your videos and seeing your process has opened my eyes to the fact that I am not really up for the challenge. Also, I don't have the money, either, being a renter and not having a home to sell. What I do want, though, is to live in a smaller space than my current 700 sq. ft. apt.; one which is designed LIKE a tiny house to have maximum storage, etc. I would like about 400 sq. ft. of well-designed living space. Not sure how to make this dream come true and I am 72 yrs. old, but I am reasonably content where I am now and holding my dream in my heart. It is really lovely to see how you and others have made your dreams come true. Thank you so much for sharing your life and your stories. ♥♥♥

[@brigittecrawley1872]

Hi Jemma, I read your post to Adelina and totally understand your position. I too am 72 and thought that I could live in a 400 square foot place but once in it I realized that I do like more space to to be able to move around. Keep looking and you will find your happy place.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Hello Jemma. We all have different dreams and it's certainly ok to change your mind. That's where the research comes in before making taking the leap. I know you'll find exactly what you want and need. Take care 😊❤️.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

😊

[@jemma50]

@@brigittecrawley1872 Thank you so much, Brigitte, for your encouraging words. I will keep the faith and prepare to take that leap! ♥

[@jemma50]

@@myBIGtinyhouselife Thank you, Adelina. I appreciate your encouragement. ♥

[@LilaVert-FR]

Watching you video, I kept on thinking "a goal without a plan is just a dream" and bam... You showed this old video at the end 😃 Very good video, and very encouraging too.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Love that! Thanks.

[@darlene9154]

So true, it doesn’t matter what others think, it’s not their life. 🤗❤️

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

😊

[@ianbarr4716]

I'm fairly sure I'm one of the few viewers here that has actually read Mr Cox's book. It was inspirational and down right scary. Too much courage for my taste but still a fantastic and inspirational book. Adelina, your channel continues to get better and better. We love your "fire side chats" . Cheers.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thank you Ian. I agree, his story has so many challenges that I find myself asking 'would I have kept going?' Fascinating though 😊.

[@cristinaseguro2165]

This video is so on point! We need to do what makes us happy. If living in a tiny home, off grid, away from the stresses of family or a big city, then we should do it. Not everyone will want to do it. That shouldn’t stop us from living our life to the fullest. Happy family day to you!! 😊

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Exactly! Happy Family Day to you too ☺️

[@noemirivera9906]

Adelina I always look forward to your videos. I am a Virgo too and have always planned my tomorrows. As a single parent for many years it was the best way for me to function. Now 62 years old and this August 63 and I’m trying to figure out retirement. I don’t like my job anymore so exploring all my options. Also, this June grandma for first time a little miracle boy. Thank you for being a positive person.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Congratulations! I can't wait to be a grandmama ❤️😁

[@stevenboutilier7281]

Nothing worthwhile is ever easy Nothing easy is ever worthwhile

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Exactly! 😁

[@animalrescuegeek]

I loved this video. I am ordering this book for myself and my son.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

😊❤️

[@susananderson1071]

I'll have to check out that book. Self care is important.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

😊

[@marirose19]

I meant to write this when I watched this great vid. There’s a saying that, “Every overnight success took ten years to get there.” How true, right? Even w/tiny homes. Another to brighten your day abt your subscribers’ #s & viewership #s is that it takes 10 times at least for someone to hear your name and/or business name before you breakthrough the tipping point. You’ll get there. You ARE getting there. Take good care. Always thinking of you.~Marirose 🌀🌟💙

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks so much! 😊❤️

[@lynnloehr1566]

You are so right!! We moved across country and downsized a lot, and simplified. I would love to be off grid and even less dependent on mainstream stuff. We thought about it for years too!! I am getting ready to start a book about a family that moves to the middle of nowhere in Alaska.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

😁

[@nancysantamaria3924]

That quote definitely resonates with me too!! I have always lived a more unconventional life-sometimes o purpose and other times not, lol. My dream is a work in progress and gets revised the more I learn about living that lifestyle-that’s why I subscribed to your channel. Thank you Adelina! Wishing you a wonderful week 😻❤️🙏

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

You too Nancy ☺️.

[@tinacolecampbell]

I love this so much!! Living tiny and off grid is a dream of mine! ❤

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

☺️

[@tracyvetter7468]

Loved today's video. Your right its not really a leap of faith when you spend years planning for the "What If's" I have always tried to practice the seven P's Planning perfect practice prevents piss poor performance.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

😂😂😂😂😂! ❤️

[@LiveFree123]

I loved this ❤

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

😊❤️

[@barbarab202]

I'm in my 40s and currently going through a bunch of life changes. The downtown grins isn't working for me anymore and I look forward to one day moving back to the town I grew up in. I've really come to enjoy your channel - you're so calm, and it's like listening to a conversation with a friend. ... Also love your sweater! Are you able to share where you got it? Greetings from Calgary.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Hi. I got it at Winners a few years ago. I'm glad you're enjoying the channel 😊.

[@theroadhome_Liz_Summers]

A lot of great insights! But I will say that I land on the impulsive no plan side of things. I have in fact benefited from my "no plan" plan! I really dislike planning and it has worked for me. BUT, I have been mostly single and no children so I do get that makes my situation different. And ultimately I do not care about any opinion from other family or friends ... to quote Popeye: "I am what I am!". I have little interest in any sort of "security" ... in fact I don't think there is such a thing. That alone is immensely freeing. A favorite book of mine is Alan Watt's "The wisdom of insecurity". I have been self-employed, work from home, programmer for hire for almost 38 years. I have moved from Los Angeles, CA to NW Montana and this year will likely move more rural and/or into my motorhome. My security and my grounding is in myself vs a job or a retirement plan ... but that is me. The key I think is to be true to yourself and understand what it is that you need and want. Whether you get there by research and planning or just doing it (me) is immaterial. If you feel that you need to justify or explain ... YIKES!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Good for you! You're being true to you nature by being spontaneous. Popeye! love it!

[@menotme5560]

Totally off topic but I’m obsessed with the color of your kitchen Aid. 💙

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

LOL, me too! 😁

[@tracyvetter7468]

I missed the Wednesday video, I figured you deserved some Valentine's Day time off.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

😊

[@yayaglass]

Another wonderful, thought provoking video. I'm coming very close to that point where I can 'take flight'. It has been a few years of learning and planning and I'm beginning to put my plans into action now. Its exciting to see the product of the preparations begin to fall into place. Thank you for sharing this! K

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

You can do it!

[@belieftransformation]

I understand & love how you’ve put it into words! Most major decisions I’ve made in my life are ‘unusual’ but faith has got me through! Thanks for sharing 🤗💕

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

You're welcome ☺️

[@SuperRiverQueen]

Yes we do need some downtime for self care! I’ve been running domino tourneys for 10 years online and once I took a month off and now I have taken 3 months off... I will see if its time to give it up but I do enjoy the interaction with the people most of the time! You are an inspiration and please do take care so you can continue sharing❣️ Have a lovely day 😍🌺

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊.

[@LeahWriter]

Your explanation of your process that led you to where you are now has inspired me to break down my own goals into doable steps. I think you just made it real for me, instead of my reading about how to do it. Thanks🙂

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

I'm so glad! Good luck!!❤️😊

[@elvamajors3497]

WOW did I need this. Getting rid of stuff. I may not get my tiny house but I’m moving from here. Thanks

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Good luck! 😊

[@sue9252]

I definitely need to read that book. Thanks for this Adelina. Good to see you on screen again and I do miss getting a glimpse of Sophie. Happy Family Day too! 😊🐈

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@sue9252]

@@myBIGtinyhouselife Thanks 🙏🏻

[@kariwick-InnerPeaceCoaching]

Love reading books like this, especially ones that ask/make me think about the big (and small) things. Do you get snow on your part of the island? I ask because we may get some this week🥶 Kari❄️

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

No snow yet but I hear we may get some this week 😩😁

[@colleen1872]

Hey I'm a Virgo too. I'm proud of you following through with your dreams.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

♍️ 😁❤️

[@mavahuth5044]

Everybody needs to take care of themselves. This may sound terrible. You and few other people, have not posted stuff like they normally do. Because I am having to deal with a lot of things all at same time. Mostly not pleasant things. I don't feel like I missed out on anything. By you not postings anything. But I was telling my daughter that, you are one of my favorite people on U tube. Have a good week.😊

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Oh! Thank you so much for saying that ❤️. I hope that you're taking the time for self care and that things get better for you soon 🙏🏼☺️.

[@timphillips4072]

seems like you ade enjoying life

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Life is good 😊

[@timphillips4072]

are

[@chasingthemoonrv]

Another thought provoking video Adelina! My brother often laments, “Here she goes again, throwing herself into the abyss!”, but it isn’t true. Well maybe occasionally, but I researched tiny homes and van life for at least five years before I felt ready to take a leap of faith! Was it scary, yup, but oh so worth it! 🚐🇨🇦❤

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Exactly! You're living the life you started envisioning and planning years ago. ❤️☺️