My RV Life – Journal Excerpt #1

As I mentioned in my previous post, I don’t have a lot of content until I start traveling. However, I kept a journal over the last 3 years reflecting on my thoughts, fears and planning process. This writing helped me create a picture of goals and expectations for my Retired / RV Life. Keep in mind as you read this that it was written several years ago and my current thoughts may have evolved and changed as I went through the process. I hope you enjoy getting to know me better. Here is Excerpt #1:

April 2018: I’m at the 3 year mark.  The mark of when I hope to ‘retire’.  Retire to an RV of all things.  Although I hate that word ‘retire’ since I am planning everything but retiring.  Retiring from the corporate world maybe but certainly not from life. Or even the idea of working.  My new idea of working involves activity, enjoyment, fulfillment, learning and smiles.  A smile so big it hurts and makes permanent creases in my face.  A genuine, I’m happy to be here, smile.  A ‘there’s so much to experience smile’.  I guess I’m looking for Purpose.  It doesn’t have to be a ‘world peace, end all hunger’ purpose.  Just something that makes a difference somewhere.

But I digressed away from ‘the 3 year mark’.  I, the planner that I am, have lists.  Lists of budgets.  A current Sticks & Bricks budget. A future RV budget.  A comparison budget.  A how much can I reduce my cost of living budget. Then there are the Lists of Things.  Things To Do, things to buy, etc. before this new RV life can begin.  I have a timeline of when all of these activities should take place.  And the ‘what if it doesn’t work out’ contingency plan.

Some people have an idea and jump on it with exuberance.  Not considering the risks or potential pitfalls.  They are spontaneous and free, going where their heart takes them. Until it all goes wrong!   I am, above all, a planner.  It’s in my genes.  I’m not sure I could force myself not to plan.  Not to weigh the pros and cons.  Not to establish a plan, and a backup plan, and a backup to the backup.  It would take way less time that is for sure, but there would be no security in my decision.  No security that I am making the right decision.  I’m comfortable with my way of planning, thus the 3 year mark. Yes, 3 years.  Although that is primarily driven by economics and the need to work until I’m 60, it would likely take 2 years to complete all of the tasks I have added to my lists!  If my financial planner had her way, I’d retire when I’m 70.  But I might be dead by then, so why take the chance! 

Why?  Why would I take this crazy RV path?  Why not stay safe and sound in a home that never moves?  Where nothing ever changes?  Where no risks have to be taken?  The one thing I’ve learned from past travels is that being alone somewhere new, where you don’t know anyone, makes a person very self-reliant.  Self-reliance provides a deep down feeling of well-being and satisfaction.  Knowing that you, and you alone, are in charge and have control of your life.  Knowing that you have the ability to overcome obstacles big and small.  Knowing you don’t have the choice to step back and let someone else take control or make the decisions.  You must do what’s necessary whether that is learning to repair something broken, asking others for help (including God), or taking a risk on trying something new.  All of these things add to our own sense of self-worth.  No external validation needed!

Wanderlust!  Exploration!  Discovery!  They are a large part of this decision and so much harder to explain.  It is the feeling of being a grain of sand in a wide, endless desert.  The feeling of awe as the sun comes up or goes down with a glorious burst of color.  It’s being one with the trees and flowers in the mountains or the timeless flow of a river. It’s wondering at geological formations that have been in the making for a million years.  It’s needing to see what’s around that bend, or down that road, or over that hill.  Not just passing through but being part of it for a while.  The act of getting into the nooks and crannies. I’ve had a fascination with the Oregon Trail pioneers.  They had a destination in mind, a goal.  They were willing to take immense risks to reach that goal.  This was living life to the fullest, enduring hardship, rather than keeping oneself tucked away and safe living a partial life.  If we had to make that same arduous journey today, would any of us survive?  Do I have the same fortitude as those women so long ago?  I want to find out.  Find out deep down what I’m made of.