This Was Not The Plan
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ค. 2022
- Here’s the truth about my life right now…Thank you to Storyblocks for sponsoring this video △ storyblocks.com/christianscha...
It’s kind of weird putting your life out there on the internet, but it also feels strange pretending like things are fine when they aren’t…
In this video I open up about what’s really been going the past couple of months, and some of the struggles I’ve been running into out here on the road. I also might maybe definitely have found a place I’d love to call home someday… hope you like this one ♡
01:00 putting your life on the internet is weird
02:56 we broke up
04:20 leaving utah for oregon
05:54 trusting the madness
06:53 learning to be alone again
08:44 my electrical system melted
09:08 chipmunks in my engine
10:45 i’m stressed out
12:13 would this kind of life make me happier?
13:25 realizations and dirt roads
15:05 it’s beautiful here
17:08 here’s the truth
Links to ALL my favorite photography, road life & camping essentials 🛒 I get a small kickback when you purchase using these links, thanks for your support :) christianschaffer.art/faq-gear
Come say hi over on Instagram ♡ / christianschaffer
Business Inquiries: info(at)christianschaffer.art
Website: christianschaffer.art/
Twitter: / christianschafr
Facebook: / christianschaffer.art
Spotify Playlist: spoti.fi/3TNHVoX
Hey :) I’m Christian Schaffer, and I’ve lived on the road full-time since May 2018. This journey began in 2013 when I left the corporate world to build my career as an outdoor adventure & travel photographer. As a semi-minimalist, I eventually decided to donate/sell most of my belongings and move into my 4x4 Nissan Xterra. After 14 months of SUV living and falling madly in love with the open road - I bought a van and hired a team to build it out. Van life enables me to experience and document the beauty of our natural world on a whole new level, all while having my home and office nearby. My hope is that by sharing my own personal highs and lows along this (sometimes) wild journey, you might be inspired to hit the road or spend more time outdoors. Maybe one day I'll see you out on that open road 🚐
*My van is a 2019 Ram ProMaster 1500 High Roof, 136" WB with 41K miles*
#offgrid #solofemaletravel #vanlife #Storyblocks
I started watching your videos for the "Van Life" content. Now I watch them for your incredible artistic vision and story telling. Keep it up, you are an amazing person!
I appreciate you 🥲
Exactly... Those views are incredible and the messages behind them emotional.
Yes!
Aspects you can carry into content beyond van life, I might add.
The same for me...
Been divorced, twice. Never gets any easier. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. People who never grieve never love. Keep up the great work.
Wishing you the best in your recovery Christian! It's definitely a slow and mysterious process. You go into a "black hole" for months but when the dust settles, you come out a completely different and changed person. Just keep taking it one day at a time!
And if it's any consolation... and I think I speak for many fans of this channel... but the last few "episodes" have been some of the most moving and beautiful content I've seen on TH-cam. Thanks for doing what you do and letting us along for the ride!
thank you 🥹🙏🏻
well said man! nailed it. Christian, I live in Austin, if you need a ride from the airport, just let me know.
Could not agree more! Keep up the Fantastic work Christian! Your videography/photography is beautiful, powerful and SO inspirational.
What you said about being in a black hole and then coming out a completely different and changed person really resonated with me. I too have been through some truly dark times in my life and sometimes I emerge with a newly filtered view of the world, sometimes it's a good filter, sometimes not, but I think this is the actual meaning of our own individual life paths. How we grow, learn adapt and change brings more meaning to our lives and therein also lies our depth of character and how our experiences can also hopefully help others, thereby enriching not just only ourselves but those we meet as well. Happy traveling everyone.
@@ChristianSchaffer have you tried catching a rainbow in the middle of the Rainbow Meadow?
Came for the visuals but stayed for the almost poetic and heartfelt narration.
I’m coming up on being 3 years divorced after 20 years together. The first year, I really did nothing but grieve and heal and figure out who I was by myself. It turns out I actually really like who I am separate from that relationship. In the first few months everything seemed to happen at once (I fell and hurt my back, slipped on ice and ended up with a concussion (separate incidents 😐) and then the pandemic started. It literally felt like the world imploded all at once. But you find a way to keep going, you take time for yourself, you reflect on what you want going forward. You heal. I did. So will you ❤️
When I divorced after almost 30 years I needed to learn to be by myself. So I went to Europe and ended up staying for three months. 30 days in Croatia were amazing! Then a month on my way to walk the Way of Saint James. The walk took another 30 days but was so enlightening. I've learned to be comfortable with myself and I'm perfectly fine not being in a relationship. Sometimes I'll miss it but not the drama and misery of the past one. We all heal in our own way! I prefer to travel and get out in nature!
@@rickchollett How were you able to go to Europe For three months? Do you not own a home or maybe you live in an apartment and it’s easy to take off or do you not have a job? Just curious how someone can just take off like that and if you have responsibilities at home how do you deal with that?
@@JSBowling2011 I retired at 52. Rented out the house and had paid off everything else. I've got a plan to go again. But I need to head to Asia as well.
@@rickchollett Sounds like you had a good life To enable you to do what you're doing now
@@JSBowling2011 27 years in the military gave me a decent pension! And a few aches and pains to go with it!
Very courageous for you to share. This was very humanizing. Here's to trying to feel better!
thank you Steve 🥲🙏🏻
@@ChristianSchaffer I agree
"Learn to trust the madness and let it guide you to someplace new."
Profound!! 🙏🏾💯
"Little by little, you learn to trust the madness and let it guide you someplace new." Love it! it is not easy, when things are uncertain. I'm kind of in the same spot. Thanks for sharing that!
We love you Christian. You’re an inspiration.
I think you are truly a modern day philosopher. Thank you for taking us along on your van life journey.
Thanks for watching 🥲🙏🏻
So true
Fantastic storytelling and cinematography as always! I'm in my late 20s and can relate to the feeling that life has been chaotic and messy lately. I have a very cheesey "keep on truckin" magnet on my fridge, and I think it carries a valuable message. No matter how poorly my day goes, I try to sleep it off and rise with a clear head and a clean slate every morning. Good luck on your journey!
My families 300+ year old home in the Blue Mountains at 4,000 ft in Jamaica burned to the ground taking with it all of the echoes of these memories that popped in your mind whenever we were there and we were devastated. There was no electricity, and the water came from a spring on the property -- one can see the milky way at night - all that was left were these two chimneys. One day my sister took a picture of the place where the house used to be, and what I saw was all of this amazing green foliage, and the mountains in the background -- my whole point for that story is -- time will allow one to see the beauty that still exists in our lives once we are ready to see it. Your channel and your videography and pictures help me personally to see and appreciate those things around me every day and I hope you continue to see those things and share when you are ready.
I’m so sorry that happened to you and your family 😢 but also what a beautiful way to look at loss. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏻
You’ve got this! Keep creating and find yourself…
🤍
Thank you for sharing such a difficult time in your life. It is a good reminder that life is not always rainbows and sunshine. There are many chapters and each one comes with a lesson. I love your content. Looking forward to seeing more in the future. All the best!
thank you Lauren 🤍
I've loved watching your videos over the past year or so. I can definitely relate to the feeling of trying to learn to live alone again, and to how it can be difficult to find that creative motivation during that transition. I certainly appreciate the effort you put into these, not just for the amazing cinematography but also the stories and sharing. Thank you for all you do, you make the world a better place.
Hugs, Christian, you'll get through this. Thanks for another stunningly beautiful video filled with inspiration!
The strange irony of our society is that sometimes it is easier to share with those who may not necessarily know us personally. Honest, emotional vulnerability is a beautiful thing and takes a lot of courage to express. Thank you for sharing :)
The way you tell your story, makes me feel like you're telling mine. Thank you for making us viewers feel seen through your art Christian. ♥
Hi Lyss! Funny, I was thinking how yalls 2 stories are similar and here you are! Make more good memories!
I’ve often felt exactly the same way watching your videos. Pure poetry ❤️
Always a stunning video! Thanks for being so raw! ♥️
Absolutely love your videos...mostly for the visual aesthetics you put together but also enjoy warm personality....hoping everything in your life turns more toward happiness very soon!
I’m at a loss for words after watching your video today. I love your introspection and depth that you have. I’m sure you already know this but your videos are gold to some of us because we not only subscribe to your channel but we relate so well with you. Thank You for being the beautiful artist and person that you are!
Take care!
thank you so much for watching 🥲🙏🏻
Christian, tears are in my eyes . Lying here in the rain close to Trondheim Norway, long way from home, you made me both feel happy but also sad. Happy because of my van life freedom, but sad because I feel with you in your loss of relationship. Better times will come and soon the sun will shine on you again. Totally love the way you tell your story. You are a big inspiration.
Waa?
you aren't alone here in this strange country. I'm in Oslo and can be here to help you with questions about Norway. Otherwise, just know... someone here is thinking of you
Thanks for the journey and the vibe you give with all of your videos!!
Very often I get carried away by the story and get lost in the plot like a movie and then snap back to realise this is someone's reality... Your story telling is commendable. Well done!
I was sorry to hear that you've been having some challenging times recently. And dealing with a breakup, even if it's the right course to take, is still a difficult proposition. The sense of loss and loneliness that sets in can be very painful and makes you question yourself. But I have no doubt that you will come out stronger for it as you have proven yourself to be incredibly capable, independent, and resilient. Sending positive energy your way.
This was incredible. Thank you for your art even in a dark place. I found yoru videos through falling down a rabbit hole on TH-cam, but I watch yours because of the stories and art of it all.
Your visual content and storytelling are always so beautiful. I appreciate how you share both the good and the bad of life - it isn't always roses and puppies!
Your last couple of videos have brought tears to my eyes every single time. Thank you for letting me live vicariously through you on the road.
thank you for watching 🥲🙏🏻
Thank you for your incredible ability to share your thoughts and emotions in the most beautiful way possible. ✨
Thanks Will 🥲
Some of the most amazing shots I’ve ever seen! Keep up the great work and
enjoy the adventure!
Just wanted to say how much I enjoy watching your authentic, visually rich videos, they are inspiring. Also wanted to say how sad it was to see your pain, but also wonderful to see the glimmer of joy again towards the end.
You’re videos are absolutely addictive my amazing Christian. I DO NOT follow any other vlogs because they’re honestly quite boring and feel vain and empty. Your vlog is so real and inspiring. Keep doing what you’re doing. Whether it’s in your van life or another. You’re truly gifted and have a light that needs to continue to shine for yourself first and everyone it touches second.
🥹 thank you Jillian
Your videos are like flicking through a national geographic photo competition, but the images are moving and there's a story and soul to follow. From the beginning to the end I completely captivated - it's wonderful and very inspiring.
Thanks for sharing this! Love the genuine story telling. We know life isn't a linear road and we all have our ups and down even when we are living our dreams. Hope your days get better :)
thank you for being you and sharing so beautifully! You are such an amazing artist in storytelling. Wishing you the very best always!
I appreciate your courage to share real emotions, struggles and successes, Christian. You continue to inspire me with your ability to seek, stop, and reflect! Of course, love your art as well! Thank you.
Don't give up girl!!
As I told you before, your videos are inspirational, therapeutic and unique!
TH-cam is full of wanna be's “vanlifers”, “backpackers”, “advguys” and all that stuff… but only few if any have the quality of your videos, created with feelings, with good editing, with good framing, with good music selection … with truth!!
So like I said, don't give up even if, some days, you don't feel creative!
All the best Chris
Kisses from Portugal 🇵🇹
Thanks Chris 🥲
Your creative images in this (and other) videos are amazing. "Overlooked moments of life" is a wonderful expression. Thank you. I needed this today as my life has been in upheaval for the past few weeks as well.
I really enjoy your honesty, vulnerability and creativity it is so very refreshing. Thanks for taking us along.
Thanks for always being honest regardless and remember, when you're going through hard times it's easy to see the dark and think that's all it will be, but if you look at your life from high above you see that there have been good times and bad times throughout and the bad times never lasted. Here's hoping for a long run of good times to come ❤
Brilliant authentic story telling and cinematography as always. Hold fast to your creativity!
I watch lots of travel channels and I have to say your videos are unique and very thoughtful….you really can tell the work you put in for your different shots! Thanks for putting in that effort it shows! Clear talent
Sitting in my studio. Just watched your video. I can relate to so much here. Living an artists life is not for the faint of heart, and takes so much heart. You help a lot of people that you may not ever realize or know Christian. Much love to you, and thank you for your courage and generosity.
One step, one hour, one day at a time. As you said “trust the madness”.
Christian you have a beautiful smile, you can tell that it comes from your heart!
I freaking love your authenticity, it feels like a mirror of the soul. Thank you for sharing…. Even when it’s hard to do so
As always, thanks for sharing those gorgeous panoramic views, the creativity, and the feelings that go into your videos.
I have done a lot of soul searching lately. I’ve just come to the conclusion that I always do after each life events, that this was my choice. My life, the events, the experience, it’s all my choice. The outcome and events are all designed to make me who I am suppose to be. It’s hard to fully understand that when life greets these conditions, but I always walk away thinking I love my experiences and I love my life. I’ve chosen it so experience every emotion and lesson with compassion and live in the moment. Transition is the eternal motion. Everything in you and around you is constantly in a state of transition. So I grab onto every moment knowing it’s just a small window in time and it too will be gone. You’re doing well, you’re in tune with your creative nature and that will guide you through your experiences. You see that there is beauty in transition and life is beautiful. Your experiences are beautiful in every aspect. Take your time with the transitions in life. Listen to you, because this is who you are, life is all around you calling.
If I was a van lifer, one of the things I would do is search the web for different seminars, conventions, tradeshows, etc. covering topics that interested me. Then I'd scan the exhibitor and sponsor lists in search of potential sponsors for my social media posts. And if I set up a meeting with one, they might even offer to leave a ticket/badge for me at will call! And afterwards, I'd tour the show floor in search of interesting goods and services -- and people! And maybe even photograph and film different booths and vendors for my social media posts.
What the heck? Because the absolute worst that can happen is I learned something new. AND met someone new! 😉
I like this idea better than attending meetups and rallies... because I prefer it when the socializing is optional instead of mandatory.
I love you girl! You're the best on the internet. The recent pain you have experienced has turned into levels of beauty that are almost incomprehensible
Poignant. Beautifully made. I've been walking through the shadow a little, myself. It has stopped pouring, but grief takes it's own time. Thank you for making this. It helps.
Blown away by your work, work ethic and ability to share your life.
Post traumatic GROWTH is a thing. Having gone thru a similar experience the pain is real, the hurt is real, and the good times when they come (and they will) are very real. Thanks for sharing your life and journey.
I am very sorry to hear about this painful transition in your life. Sending well wishes your way. Thank you for your channel. It has really blessed me as I seriously contemplate buying a van and becoming a full time van lifer. Learned so much from you.
I love your work so much! Totally inspirational and grounding. Thank you so much for sharing and please keep doing so! Your photography is off the hook! xxxx
Loving how these videos continue to feel more and more authentic. It's really hard to be vulnerable in front of the camera and put it out there, but you do it in such a beautifully creative way.
Sending so much love and light your way, Christian. The grace in which you always share your truth is so inspiring. Looking forward to all the beautiful adventures you have to come! 💛💛💛
Thank you Annie 🥲🤍
Thank you for capturing such beautiful views! Hang in there, better days ahead 💚💚💚
Sending positive vibes your way!
You're doing great! Thanks for the transparency on all subjects especially van life, for after watching you so gracefully transition from condition to condition, I do not believe it is the life for me. Thank you sincerely for all you share and how beautifully even the struggle is portrayed.
As someone who really likes being alone in the wilderness, yet find myself wanting to share the experience with others- I’m left to accept the paradox of the human condition. I can only imagine the highs and lows that you experience with van life given how long you are on the road. I also find creating (videos for you- music for me) is one of the best activities to explore how I am feeling. Sometimes I don’t have words- but words aren’t always necessary and the art reveals something in me. I suppose all we can do is stay curious, keep creating, and enjoy the journey. Cheers.
Beautiful Christian. I love how you speak so beautifully from your heart, share exactly what you want to share in a way that we fully understand and can resonate with, and do so with breathtaking imagery that sets the mood of the your video and message. Hopefully soon we can camp together instead of just talking about it. Of course it would also help if I stayed put longer than 2 seconds in one state. lol Love ya girl!
Aw thank you Amber 🥹❤️ I can’t wait to reunite with you and Lily again, sending you love and a big hug
Just found you tonight on here. This is the first vid I saw and certainly relate to being alone. I miss being with someone. It's been 14 yrs. Anyway, I loved this video and your story. I'm subscribed and will be going back to watch your other videos and will certainly watch all the next chapters in your life. It will be amazing and we'll all be here living vicariously through you! I wish I was so brave to do van life! I really admire you for it. Thank you so much for sharing!!
Learning the art of letting go is indeed a beautiful and healing process, and it's dynamic nature never ends. The chipmunks must be evolving! Thank you for sharing your journey, may you be well!
They’re becoming quite crafty indeed 😅🐿
@@ChristianSchaffer I think it is a systemic issue everywhere with them haha, at least here in Utah. Much like how many rattlesnakes are losing their rattles, which is concerning.
Praying for you, as one season ends and another begins for you. I'm looking forward to watching your new adventure play out and the excitement that comes with it. I love how you leverage your talents and storytelling ability in these short stories. Thanks for being real.
As always, a lovely video and story. Thank you for sharing your days. They are inspiring!
Wow Christian! I'm so sorry to hear all you've been going through. Makes me want to give you a big hug and tell you it will all be alright. You're too smart, too resilient and have too good an eye for beautiful footage for it to be anything but. Your videos usually touch me with the beauty in nature that you show us. This one did for the way you share your story with us. Best wishes for better times being ahead shortly. Thank you, as always, for posting.
Love your honesty and transparency ❤️
Your vulnerability mixed with impeccable audio & visuals wow 👏 👏 👏 . All the feels
🥲🙏🏻
Just beautiful. Love your storytelling. Life is a rollercoaster ride. We all have ups and downs. Thanks for sharing yours. You are not alone!
Love the photography and videos. Hang in there, you are never alone!
Oh Christian.... so many feels on this one. You're a beautiful soul.
thanks for watching 🥲
I’ve been a loner all my life and I find more comfort in it now then ever. Originally from Europe, I moved across the ocean 3 times.. alone. Barely spoke any English or knew anyone but I had my dog and that was all I needed. Maybe adopting a pup who needs it will add not only purpose to your life but you’ll never ever feel alone again :). Ps: feed the chipmunks nuts! They are so adorable and they can eat out of your hand.
I can't wait for the next video. I rarely leave town but I am looking forward to a road trip now. What an inspiration and talent.
Your images are always stunning, as well as the soundtrack. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, when you can. Let your experiences make you stronger, and look forward to the openness of your future.
Regardless of whether it is a happy one or a sad one, I love how you tell a story. Thank you, Christian.
thank you Gary 🙏🏻
Amazing video!! I love the editing and the music! I'm learning from you :) Everything happen for a reason...remember that! 💚
🥲🙏🏻
Thank you SO MUCH for sharing the real sides of you and van life and just life in general 🤍
I don't think I can ever express how much I love your videos and the realness, and rawness of it. I really enjoy it. I enjoy the way you capture the environment and even the way you tell a story. It's admiring, and I would love to capture some of your style into my own video creating and film making.
I just love all your videos, you are so talented. Thanks for sharing the highs and lows.
‘Trust the madness’ - I instantly thought after reading / hearing that: Tolerating grief. (How much and how long can one person withstand all the life things encountered - (without having someone to share in some part of the day to day activities - like dealing with animals chewing on “Wire Loom Split Tubing - Auto Wire Conduit”, located under your van hood). Be nice to have all lifestyle types co-exist at the same time. Happier days ahead wished. Like these deeper thought videos. Enough superficial media on the net, it is *faking-it* overloaded.
Beautiful video Christian…❤️I’ve never had chipmunks in my engine tho😭😂 like whattt!? Also, I completely get the difficulty of routine, being in one place would make life so much less scattered, but after constant travel, life might seem too similar every day and become difficult in a different way :/ it’s tricky.
@Matthew Rivers-Davis Haha, You're not wrong. 😀
Thank you Ame 🥲 and yeah, you’re absolutely right about potentially just trading one difficulty for another - there are still so many things to love (and that I would definitely miss) about the open road ❤️
Lovely video. Thanks for sharing so much of your feelings with us. Glad to see you are in a better place at the end.
I just did my first van trip, in a partial build just to get me out there to explore this world. Lots of miles, lots of smiles and amazing photo ops. There's something very liberating about being solo in a small space and knowing self reliance is in full force. Your videography skills are truly an art, I subscribe just for the art because your work is so polished. Hope you figure out your path and enjoy the time you've been blessed with.
Of all the van life content out there... this is the only one that feels like the real and raw convos I have with my closest friends. Thank you 🙏🏽🙏🏽😊
That was beautiful, Christian. I'm glad you're still creating and sharing videos. Also... those Fn chipmunks and squirrels! 😆
they were relentless 😅
Thankful for your transparent, thorough willingness to share real life as it may not always be ideal. Not anywhere as skilled at bringing a spotlight to my own endeavors, but yours and a few TH-camrs give insight and great examples of confronting an audience candidly. Look forward to another episode of non-rushed interesting travel-vlog, and I hopoe things simplify and self processing rewards you for your efforts. All the best Christian!
Ive been staying away from being too much on here for awhile now. I got back and my heart is happy to see you. I've been and can proudly say that I've been here since the first wee days you started. And it always makes me happy to see updates of your van and of you; from photography to your life and just everything in between. I see a bit of sunshine out in the horizon and seeing you bounce back to chase that sun (and chipmunks 😂✌️) is all I need to chase my own. :) Glad to see you again, Christian! Cheering for you. 📣
Thank you for sharing with us-strangers yet friends. You are a blessing.
🙏🏻🙏🏻
One of your best! I personally get alot out of your videos when you take that authentic journey down thru the layers. Grief..thank you for sharing yours as a reminder our timing may be different but we all relate to the mirroring of life's most difficult moments as much as the most beautiful moments. I have been facing alot of my fears lately and the overarching solution seems to be getting my team together, both professional and social as support network. Then when I walk through the fears as opposed to not going there at all...or speeding up..i come out the other side. Even tho there are those awkwardly wobbly moments in the process..the other side of the comfort zone has taken me to the next level.
The authenticity and honesty of your videos is refreshing and admirable. Your cinematography is amazing. Thank you for your candid insights.
I really love & appreciate you being raw & real about life & van life!
Thank you so much!
Sending you positive vibes & love!💚💙💜💜💙💚
I just discovered you while down the VanLife YT rabbit hole @ 3am.
I love your realness & not just asthetic.
I'm really struggling to decide to take the leap to van life, & your videos are extremely helpful.
Thank you so much!
Christian, thank you for sharing the dark and the light! It shows just how relatable and human you are to all of us. I wish you nothing but the best moving forward. I”ll be here to support you how I can. Know how much I and we all appreciate you and your spirit💕
Your videos are the best kind of art! I appreciate your candid-ness and the way you articulate your journey. Pls keep making these amazing videos!
Thank you for sharing your life and your deep feelings with us and me. I'm not a trained counselor, just someone with a lot of years, but something about your experiences jumps out at me. Obviously, the breakup of a significant relationship is tough thing to get through. For most people there are usually other people around who can commiserate and share your grief but you are trying to do that alone. So, naturally it is much harder on you and should expect that and try to deal with it the best you can alone. Thus, the best thing for you might be to be around other people for a while to get you to think about other things -- and jury duty might turn out to be just the ticket needed. Good luck and get back to normal as soon as you can.
Inspiring on so many levels - the way you articulate your feelings, your command of language as well as of video production - wonderful! Stay strong and thank you for what you do xxx
I really enjoy your videos and this one hit close to home. I’m still going through a hard break up that happen about a month and half ago. Helped me reflect on my goals and Ive made major changes. Moved out of my house and put it up for rent. Gave and sold most everything I have to minimize things. Rent a room from a best friend now and planning my van life soon. Time to move on and start fulfilling a dream. Your videos inspire and make me think. Sorry your going through tough times. Please keep it up with your work. You always add a special moment in my day and thank you.
Another heartfelt video. I understand exactly that feeling. Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable with your personal story and take care.
Just found your channel through this video and I am speechless. You have such a gift to convey feelings through your videography and I immediately subscribed! 🖤
I love your videos....you share so much of yourself and the reality of life on the road. Thanks so much.
Thank you 🙏 for continuing to inspire us your editing and content is amazing. Hope your road ahead is bright and filled with joy and peace of mind and body.