I bought a van instead of a house
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ต.ค. 2024
- 🚐✨ Getting To Know Me & My Van, Dragonfly! ✨🚐
Welcome to my channel!
After facing an extremely serious health crisis that changed my perspective on life, I made a bold decision to change my life and later buy my van, Dragonfly, instead of a house.
Join me on this incredible journey as a female vanlifer, where I travel the open road, spend quality time with loved ones, and savor delicious veggies, fruits, and amazing seafood! 🌱🦐
In this video, you'll discover:
What led me to vanlife
Why I chose vanlife over buying a home or renting
How I turned my life around and embraced a healthier lifestyle
How my life has changed
Be inspired by my story and see what vanlife is all about!
Remember to like, comment, and subscribe for more adventures with Dragonfly. 🦋✨
#VanLife #TinyHouse #FemaleVanLifer #TravelVlog #VanlifeAdventures #VanLifeCommunity #LivingOnTheRoad
Disclaimer: I am absolutely NOT a medical professional. This is my specific and unique experience that I have chosen to share.
Music: Trips by Topher Mohr and Alex Elena
1. Van life is NOT stress-free.
2. Stay STEALTH and Quiet..do not draw attention to yourself bc someone is ALWAYS watching.
3. Know the parking RULES for whatever CITY you choose to stay.
4. Share and say-LESS.
5. TRUST your instincts.
6.Find a COMMUNITY.
7.Get regular and recommended maintenance and repairs on your vehicle.
8. DON'T park at the same place or spot twice in a row, switch it up.
9. LOOK for safe parking programs to park at or if on the street look for RV's and Big trucks to park in between bc if someone hits a big rig then no harm to you (hopefully).
10. Keep some cash on hand or access to money in case of an emergency and you need to check into a motel.
Yes, yes, and yes! Thank you for the advice!
Great advise!!
I’m planning and doing my homework at this time, ty great advice!!
@@livingthebroml What part of Atlanta are you in? If you're near Gwinnett please say hi!
@@HOPE.TheresNoPlaceLikeHomeClub Yes, will have to do that.
I bought a van after I sold my house. 4 years ago. I love this lifestyle. With the money I didn’t spend on rent or mortgage or utilities, I bought 117 acres in Virginia to park on. My only regret is that I kept the contents of our house and have had a storage unit bill all this time. If someone out there is thinking about doing this, I hope you can let go of the past better than I have done. Van on!
You're a rockstar! 🤗 I plan to purchase land soon to park on as well. I got rid of everything in March. Had Salvation Army come and take it all with them and donated and trashed everything else.
Please rent out your land to car campers.. Maybe section for rv campers and a section to car and van campers. As soon as you get a little money, make sure you install water, then a bathroom. Do it gradually and you can make a lot of money. Allot a good chunk of that for yourself. Maybe you can grow a garden and hire a few workers. You can make money from that too.
@@livingthebroml You’re the rockstar letting go of your past and embracing your future with no baggage! Van on!
@@dellascott163 I’m thinking about listing on iOverlander. I would rather make friends than money in my life right now.
@ldygzlle1291 Yes, 100%! @@dellascott163
I'm a former teacher of 25 years as well. I'm a full-time urban vandweller in the North San Francisco Bay Area. I wish I would of done it sooner! 😆 🤣 😂 I just celebrated my 2 year Vannerversary on May the 3rd!
@Locd4life707 Happy belated Vannerversary! 🥳 That's awesome! Sweet! I haven't made it to San Francisco in my van yet! I look forward to it.
Love that new word!!! - Vanniversary!! ❤❤❤
Best Wishes to All!
Hey! I’m in the East Bay and thinking about van life, but I’m not ready yet. My big worry is finding a safe place to park at night. How do you handle that? Congrats on your two-year Vanniversary! Any tips for a newbie?
How do you store meds on your van, if you you are on meds.
I love that you are a mature TH-camr creating a adventurous channel and choosing to live your dreams. So encouraging.
@heartsconnecting2554 Thank you!
New to your channel. Great video. Thank you for sharing.
Your story is amazing. I am a retired nurse and know how serious your diagnosis is. Your faith and positive attitude got you through. I will subscribe.
Yes, absolutely! Thank you! I appreciate your support! 🤗
You just told my story...well my partial story. I wish I had listened about 20 years ago. I was told I should never buy a house because of my love for moving. Purchased a little over 10 years ago and I am losing my mind! I recently bought a 2013 Ford Transit Connect and I have been on a cloud ever since! So thank you so much for sharing. Looking forward to hearing more about your travels. Be safe!
@marylavetta8136 🥰 Awesome! I'm excited for your journey! You're welcome! Thank you!
What a testament to how stress can impact your health … best wishes on your journey😊
@psychdocdooley Yes! Thank you!
Isn’t God good to guide you into healing! I’m so proud of you for being brave enough to change from the health curses spoken over you to life! Safe travels🙏
Yes!!! Thank you. I appreciate you! 😊
@@livingthebroml God is so good all the time. Lift the glory to him and it’s such a great feeling when they lift the glory and they praise him.❤
🙌🏾
Since I started researching vanlife in earnest, I've never seen such an inspirational, genuinely positive community. Your story is awesome!
Wow, thank you so much. I truly appreciate that! 😊
Glad you fell into my feed. Your story is truly inspirational; thank you for your beautiful self!
Thank you so much! 😊
Even if it sometimes is not exactly stress free, you're expending that dealing-with-stress energy on something you love, something you chose.
Yes, exactly!!! 🤗
I love that you took on your diagnosis, made the changes you felt necessary and are living your best life! Very inspirational!!
Thank you. 🤗
4:03 you know, i applaud you. Because stress is literally becoming the one common thing around us as a community that we don’t really either take serious or talk about. I’m glad you and your son are living life!
Thank you. I appreciate that. Thank you for your support!
Thank you for not giving up and not giving in. You are truly an inspiration!
You are so welcome. 😊 I appreciate you!
Love this beautiful woman!
Thank you! 😊
I'm so glad your health improved! May your life continue to unfold in the best of ways!
Thank you!!! 🙌🏾
Your health is in our prayers!
Thank you!
I predict you are going to have great success with your channel.
Thank you. I appreciate that! 🤗
Your story is such an inspiration. Wishing you peace, love and joy on your "best" journey! ♥🌄♥
Thank you so much! 😊
Wow- YOU Recovered from ALL of THAT!!! 🙌🏾
Not a full recovery, but drastic improvements and I've been stable for over 10 years! 🤗
loved hearing your story! you rock
Thank you!! Appreciate you so much! You inspire me! 😊
Congratulations on your new home. Enjoy your journey and stay safe.
Thank you! Will do! 🙌🏾
Very happy to have discovered your new channel. I'm 66 and am exploring the idea of Van Life (part-time). Looking forward to learning from you and following you in your journey!
Awesome! Thank you! The best to in your journey! 🚐
I would love to hear how you changed your eating and how you eat now to maintain your health. I enjoyed your video!
Thank you! 😊 Awesome. Thank you for the topic. Video coming soon.
Happy to hear you're feeling better and stronger❤
Thank you! 😊
The smile on your face says it all! What an inspiration! Keep going! Stay safe and well. thanks for sharing your story! Subscribed!
Aww, thank you! I truly appreciate your encouragement and your support!
I love this for u. As soon as I get me a van or bus I will be ready to start my stress free journey. But until then I think I have followed the right van lifers thus far. ❤❤
You're welcome! I remember when this was just a thought and a dream. Be encouraged! 🤗
Disclaimer: My life is not completely stress free. We just design a life with less stressors and learn how to handle what we do face better. 🫶
This is amazing and I’m so glad I’m still sharing this earth with someone like you! The stress is no joke, I’m an elementary sped teacher, it’s rough out here!
Thank you and thank you so much for your service!!! 🫶
Denise, Welcome to the Travel World family! Your travel world is without boundaries, so travel forth, adapting to the personal travel adventures you seek.
In 2011, I retired to Fort Myers, Florida, and took off for full-time travels in 2016 after listening to my elders speak of the places they were going during the summer.
My travel mode has changed over the years, as yours will do.
ADVICE: Research solo black female digital nomads, remain aware of your weather daily and weekly, and follow nature's birds. Travel north or into the mountains during the summer and south during the winter.
Be patient and enjoy your journey.
Great advice. Thank you so much for it, your encouragement, and your well wishes! 😊
In Ft Myers myself building out a box-truck. My wife recently passed I was pretty much a caregiver now 61 I look around the apt. and all I see is stuff,
Sorry for your loss. It's great that you've such a productive way to transition into your new way of life. The best to you on your journey!
Inspired. Thank you!
You're welcome. Thank you for your support.
I love your channel and your vibe. im in the UK and have just bought my VAN today ready to start my adventures. i do have a brick home and my children live there. They are grown and youngest is going to be 18 in february ready to go to uni next year. i cant wait to do all my travelling while they at Uni. im a Nurse too and so i am very optimistic. Aslo divorced like you and in remission from auto immune issues. Thanks for your videos to show it is possible. You health improvements are impressive. God keep you healed.
Yay! Congratulations! What kind of van did you get? That's so exciting! The best to you in your journeys!
Congratulations on your children too! Great job.
Thank you. Yes, I'm grateful for every day and the joy that I live. 😊
Stay peaceful and adventurous! You are fabulous!
Thank you so much! 🤗
@@livingthebroml you are welcome.
God's given you one life, live it!! and ,along the way.Don't forget to touch somebody.and make a difference
Yes! Thank you for the inspiration! Be blessed! 🙌🏾
Stay safe and Thanks for sharing Live your life to the fullest
Thank you, I will. You do the same!
I loved hearing your story.
Yesss, looking forward to your next update on your travels around the USA. Good luck!
Thank you!! Next video coming soon! 🤗
I’m looking forward to the adventures you’ll be sharing with us.
Yay! Thank you for watching! 🤗
Such a beautiful testimony.
Thank you. I'm so grateful for getting past those stages and for what is come in the future! Thank you for your support.
What a lovely soul you seem! Love a soul who empowers herself forward no matter the circumstance. Glad I found your channel.
Thank you so much! Glad you are here. Thank you for your support! 😊
Your channel just popped up. You are such an inspiration!
Thank you. Thank you for your support!
You're an inspiration, I'm pleased you're living your best life. Love from Australia 🇦🇺
Hi! Thank you for your support and well wishes! Welcome!
Wow! Thank you for sharing your story! You are truly inspirational and I look forward to following your journey!
Thank you so much. I share my experience to help and inspire others. Thank you so much for your support!
What an amazing testimony. I just ran across your video today. So happy for you living the life that makes you happy! God bless you!
Thank you so much! 😊
@@livingthebroml You're very welcome!
Smart girl!
Thank you! Thank you for watching!
Your story is awesome! I'm a fellow NV200 DIY camper van owner, and I love it and love seeing others, like you, out there enjoying the travel life in this simple little van! Happiest of travels to you!
Hi! 🤗 Sweet. I love seeing fellow NV200 DIY camper van owners. Just subscribed to your channel! Thank you! Same to you! Sent you a DM on IG.
Go girl! Thank you for sharing your untraditional life, it’s inspiring ❤
Thanks. You're welcome. Thank you for watching and supporting! I appreciate it. 🤗
Looking forward to your videos! I am also struggling with the decision to purchase a home - again, or try van life. I've done all the things, looked at tiny homes, looked at land to put a small manufactured home, and van life just keeps coming up (since 2016!). I can't hardly bear the thought of another 30 year mortgage! I love watching solo females give it a go. It inspires me to try it!
I hear that! I do plan to purchase land and still live in my van at some point, but, I really love the interactions and experiencing the new places right now. I highly recommend following your spirit. The best to you in your decision and your journey! Thank you for your support! 🤗
Thank you for sharing your story here, I enjoyed listening and watching so much so I subscribed! Watching van life and Van life build is an occasional pleasure of mine. I’m glad this video of a sister living Van life came across my channel. Thank you for sharing your story!💃🏾💪🏾🌻🍀💖
Thank you! Welcome! Much appreciated.
Welcome to RV / Van life! I'm a 50+ Married Solo Van Lifer...You got this!
Hey, Tracey. Thank you! I'm in your FB group and donated those items back in March.
Thank you for sharing your brave story.
You're welcome. Thank you for your support.
That is so wonderful and it shows that you are so happy, and really enjoying your life 🥰
Thank you. I am and am so grateful! 🤗
God is truly good, this is the first video I have seen and I look forward to seeing more
Thank you! I appreciate you! 🙌🏾
Your story resonates with me deeply. So glad you were able to make the changes you made.
Thank you so much! I'm grateful and enjoy every single day! The best to you in everything! 🤗
enjoy very much your story --- here's to 1 million subscribers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you! I receive it! Appreciate you!
Hi fellow Georgians teacher. Congratulations on your decision. See you down the road.
Thank you!! I hear that! 🥳
What a lovely and inspiring lady. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome.
Thank you for your kind words. 😊
I love this lifestyle for you. I'm looking forward to resuming this lifestyle. I am planning on renting out my home and traveling while living in my SUV. I wish you nothing but many blessings. Enjoy the journey. I know I enjoyed it. When I did it for 6 weeks it was eye-opening. Humbling cozy I felt safe and I just wish you nothing but the best
I have been playing with the idea of van life when I retire. I am so inspired by you that i believe I will achieve my dream & travel van life style. ❤
You can do it! One step at a time. I watched a lot of videos to figure it out what was right for me before making the steps. Best to you!
God bless you, guide you and keep you safe. Thank you for sharing❤🙏
Thank you so much! God bless you too. My pleasure. I appreciate your support!
You go girl
Thank you! 😊
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story of HOPE, DERTERMINATION, AND a WILL to live your BEST LIFE in spit of what "life" has "delt" to you. You are an amazing inspiration to anyone, especially to those who struggle with life's trials! I truly believe THAT is why you have endured, and are able to live a full life! I had a dear friend, whom was like a 2nd mother to me for about 55 years. She too, was diagnosed with Scleroderma, and Raynaud's disease. She was diagnosed at about age 40, and lived to be about 85! Although she was told her life span would be shortened because of her disease she didn't let that stop her from living her life to the fullest! She, too had amazing attitude just like like you do, with HOPE and a determination to Keep on Keepin on!" Every time I would call her and ask her, "How are doing today?" Her standard answer was, "I'm doing just fine", with a "smile and determination in her voice"! I would retort with, Good! you know God isn't finished with you yet, and He knows I need you Too! She ate fairly healthy, and maintained a beautiful attitude just like you. I truly believe that, along with her trust in God, is what kept her going! I'm now 80 years old, and continue to be grateful for her loving example. I eat a healthy organic plant-based diet, drink "home-made" veggie juice for detoxing and added shots of nutrition everyday, eat no sugar, no processed food, which is usually full of unhealthy stuff. I haven't had a cold or the flu in over 25 years, and I take NO prescriptions! Again, thank you for sharing your beautiful, inspiring story, and I will continue to follow you and keep you in my prayers! Keep up the good work! Hugs, and Many Blessings to you!!! 🙏💞🥰
Thank you so much for sharing her story and yours with me. That is so inspiring and encouraging and I appreciate it so much! 😊
@@livingthebroml 💓
I am in the ATL area too and almost ready to retire and I plan to do the same thing as you! Thanks for putting your journey out here for me to follow and get knowledge and inspiration!
Best of luck!
You speak so well. I enjoyed hearing your story.
Awww Thank you!
Glad I found you! Can’t wait to see more of your videos.
Welcome! Glad you're here. More videos coming soon.
great. i lived in a motor home for about 2 yrs, travelled around the states, saw different places. and back then it was cheap to stay on a rv park. 5-10 bucks a day.. lots of fun.. Good luck to you. you are a trooper...
Sweet! It is fun and I am enjoying it. Thank you!
You are very inspiring! How you took control of your health and life and are creating the life you want!
Thank you! Every day! 😊
Glad that you're doing well literally years after a medical death sentence! Keep going and enjoying the time you have remaining here on earth.
Yes, and I am so grateful for each and every day! Thank you so much for your encouragement! 😊
Good luck!
Thank you! 😊
Me and my family are currently living in a small bunk house RV, my husband has a great job and we are saving up for our home. I ran into some health issues and since we are living below our means we have been able to afford to eat on the carnivore diet which has done a world of difference for my health issues. Literal miracles and a God send. Definitely something to look into on TH-cam. God bless you on your journey. 🙏 💕
That's awesome. It makes a difference when you chose to live with less and can make choices that improve your life. Thank you and God bless you on yours. 😊
I love your story, and now I’m here to stay.
Aww! Thank you! I appreciate you! 🤗
What a story ... I applaud you on acting with positive energy to "get it done". Just watched my first video with you ... am interesting in healthy eating, regular exercise, and following your dream. I'm with you ...
Awesome! Thank you. Yeesss, glad to have you along! 😊
New subscriber here 🥰 you’re brave, strong and amazing, I wish you a blessed journey with your tiny home on wheels, much love 💕
Welcome! Thank you so much!!!
Thank you for sharing ❤
My pleasure. Thank you for watching! 😊
Hello there Cali 🤗 🐕🐩🐕🐩🐕 I hope to see you on the road Cali 🤗
I hope so too! 🤗
That was super interesting, you are a strong determined woman, look forward to seeing more, lm a 80 Yr female, Lyn 💕
Thank you, Lyn! Sweet! Thank you for your support!
You are amazing, your story you should write down possible a books. Thank you for sharing you are an inspiration to others .one love🖤💚💛
Thank you. My pleasure. Thank yo gor your encouragement and support! 😊
You are 1 smart lady for sure. l get it all. l just took a long roadtrip in my new Bronco cross country solo all by myself....and l had a marvey time. God had my back roundtrip and now l'm home reflecting on my journey. So you go girl....enjoy your life and stay well.... l cheer you on
Thank you. Your trip sounds like it was loads of fun! Thank you for your encouragement and support! The best to you and your journeys too! 🤗
Thankful i found your channel. Love your energy! Thank you for sharing your story
Aww Thank you!!! I appreciate that. 😊
I can’t wait to see your travel adventures!
Thank you. More videos coming soon.
An inspiring story. Good for you, continue kicking butt out there! Safe travels.
Yes, every day! Thank you! 😊
I'm so happy that you were able to improve your health and most importantly, that you were able to be here to raise your son! You seem like such a positive person and I'm glad that you were able to get a van and now have the freedom to travel and enjoy your life. I love the name Dragonfly and look forward to seeing more. Blessings to you & hope you stay safe!😊
Thank you so much! 🤗 I appreciate your support!
Very inspiring, God blessed you and God bless you!
Thank you! Yes, I'm so grateful. God bless you!
Happy for you…amazing story and enjoy🙏❤️
Thank you! 🤗 Will do!
Blessings, peace, and grace to you as you live your dreams! So happy for you Beautiful Queen!💜
Thank you so much!
Hello Denise, so glad to meet you here on TH-cam. Your story brought tears to my eyes and hope to my spirits. Thank you for sharing your story here on TH-cam. I look forward to following you big hug and lots of love.🙏🪶🕯️💙🕊️
You are so welcome. Thank you so much! 🙌🏾
Blessings 🎉
Thank you! 🙌🏾 Much appreciated and same to you!
What a wonderful mom and strong positive person you are are I wish you continued health and happiness some people give up way to early which I can understand this will inspire so many and give them hope,👊😊 thanks for sharing best regards From James in uk🙏
Hi, James, you're welcome. It is my pleasure to share if I can encourage and inspire others. Thank you for your support.
I would LOVE to have your energy and insight!
You are a beautiful, inspiring lady! 😊❤
One day at a time! Thank you so much 🤗
Hi Denise! I am so inspired by you and your story. Your willingness and determination to make, what sounds like, monumental changes in your life, particularly since 2012, let me know that I, too, can make changes in my life. I wish you the best of health, safe travels, and happiness for many more years ahead. 🙏🏾❤️👍🏾
Thank you. I have a video coming soon sharing some of the shifts I made. 🙌🏾
so glad I found your channel you are so inspiring ! Looking forward to more of your videos. I daily vlog too and it's interesting to look back on our journey.
Awww Thank you. I appreciate your kind words. 😊Sweet! I look forward to seeing where I get to from my start. Just subscribed to your channel!
New sub from Melbourne Australia 🦘 what a beautiful story, will be watching your journey 🦟🦟🦟
Awesome. Welcome! Thank you! 🤗
Aww thank you for sharing ❤❤❤
You are so welcome. Thank you for watching! 😊
New subscriber today. I look forward to your journey. I can't start mine yet due to commitments. Owning a home when older and alone isn't what it's cracked up to be, especially an older home that needs alot of work. I look forward to traveling part-time in a van in a few years. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Lynda in California
Thank you, Lynda in California, for sharing and supporting my channel! Awesome, I look forward to when you are able to get on the road too! 🤗
I just found your channel and love listening to you. So glad you are doing better. Stress is never good. Very encouraging.
Thank you so much! 🤗 Nope, stress is not.
What a beautiful testimony.
Thank you! 😊
Looking forward to more vids. Best of luck and joy in your travels. ❤
@karenwood584 Thank you so much!!!
Good luck to you! I hope all works out for you. My husband and I were full time RVers for years and LOVED it.
Oh, that's great! Thank you! I appreciate you. 😊
Say something Jersey to and I'm about to start this journey so congrats to you keep going don't stop glad you didn't listen to the doctor this may God forever bless you and your family
Thank you! Sweet! Yes, do it! The best to you!
Interesting backstory and the best for you! Beside all the health issues we all encounter, a life of constantly signing a lot of forms and documents and your personal finances taking a detour will only pile on the stress. Being in debt and always owing creditors will only make you feel guilty all the time. Everyone be careful out there.
Thank you! Will do. You take care too!
I retired early from nursing after 23 yrs in the field. I saw that the patients that did not take the basket full of pills felt better and lived longer. That aside, I was drawn like a bee to honey by the title of your channel! Living fully and in the moment is what I am doing now. My tiny house arrives in two days! Who says getting older is the end? It is just the beginning. I traveled inwards after my husband passed. Now I too want to see more of the world and the people in it. Just subscribed! 😁😁😁🥳🥳🥳
Awww! Yes, I love it for you! That's awesome! Congratulations!!! 🎉 Please share how your journey is going. Welcome! Thank you for your support!
I didn't scroll the comments but I am sure I am not the only one who isn't surprised that one of her stressors was an XY. You're going to be just fine !!!!
Yes, I will! Thank you for your support!