Van Life | Loneliness & Relationships on the Road | Life Update
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2021
- Does it ever get lonely living on the road? Yeah. In this video I talk about the loneliness and solitude that can exist in van life. Also, relationships - and a life update that swings from forests to the sea on the Olympic Peninsula, and into the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Some rough patches, but also some really beautiful moments and views along the way. Thanks for being here ♡
In this video:
@MariahAlice @drewsimms @masonstrehl @nathanielwise
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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 31K miles*
#vanlife #loneliness #relationships
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That intro got me. Loving the new vlog style. Also so well said on loneliness. Oddly feeling most alone around big crowds. Glad to see I made the cut!
duhh you made the cut. let’s all get out on a hike when you get back 😊
Drew Simms! Hello!? I love the channel. Big fan my dude. Just watched your most recent video.
I don’t think it’s odd at all. The only time I ever feel lonely is in groups of people.
@@ChristianSchafferhi my name is Mike Horton and I love your video very much
"Being alone for a while is dangerous. It's addicting. Once you see how peaceful it is, you don't want to deal with people anymore." - Tom Hardly
Total bs
It's a great way to stay stagnant, and possibly spiral into destructive mindsets and habits. So unless you've got a super solid foundation, have fun with your isolation.
I mean not everyone is the same. This sounds like a form of punishment for extroverts lol
@@aaron___6014rather weak depending your own growth solely on other people to be honest.
At 43 years old, I did vanlife for 1/2 year, then lived off grid in a cabin for 1/2 year in the cold Canadian winter. The biggest lesson I learned is that solitude can quickly turn to isolation. It's a subtle shift when it happens, but has a profound impact on how you experience life. Solitude it great, as long as it's balanced with some companionship.
Yeah I could definitely see that happening at some point. It’s interesting how we all have such different thresholds
@@ChristianSchaffer Growing up as an only child, and being an infj, I always felt I had a high threshold. But my cabin experience really put it to the test. That said, I look forward to being back on the road with the van soon. :)
That is definitely an opinion, not a truth define companionship ? That can be in many forms as well
Great song by Emmett Franz recounting the life of Chris McCandless who slipped into the isolation you speak of: th-cam.com/video/PBLSzetYYWs/w-d-xo.html
Even though you disdain urban areas, much of your identity is derived from this source. Education, sense of your physical beauty, sources of income, and more. Now you have created a new identity, and your age and maturity makes you a natural. But your prior self is there. People have been capable travelers for a long time, not a new or original thing. Youre probably best off with people who don't really need you. But could you deal with that? Interesting thing, marketing a freestyle life. Is that ambiguous? How much is drama? Still, well shot and beautiful places, that stay with you as a pure experience. In your minds eye, not on video. The rawer (less comfort) the better you will feel connected. Sing in the woods, play a harmonica. Howl with wolves.
I'm an 80-year-old writer and editor who has always longed to live the life you're living. What a wonderful time I've just had watching to of your videos. You seem to be speaking directly to me, and your comments on this second video (the first was your half-our van tour) are so honest and vivid and perfect in the description of how it can be desperately lonely in a crowd and fantastically fulfilling to in solitude. I fell like, in spite of a nearly 50-year age difference, we could have many conversations as you and Mariah Alice did, about the things that matter, that pull us together, that help us reach out and touch each other in the ways that sustain and nourish. I've never subscribed to a TH-cam channel before, but I'm looking forward to what I'll find in your other videos, past and future. Thank you.
Me too! 61 years old.
Checking back in with you 8 months after your comment. Have you made any steps toward living this type of life? If not, you really should. 3 months, 6 months, heck 2 weeks. What writing content you'd collect! I so hope you do. Life is such an adventure. Please tell us all about it when you do.
That's beautiful!
Nature has so much to offer if we just stop, look, and listen. Everyday is a gift to cherish. A positive attitude, good health, and a simple smile can work wonders. They are priceless.
All the things that you listed that can work wonders is not from nature but from your own mind.
Loneliness is such a strange feeling, especially when you’re with people. That’s the worst kind of loneliness.
I know that feeling...
agreed 👏🏻
@@ChristianSchaffer Interesting share and much appreciated. Loneliness... personally, physically alone 24/7/365 not by choice, but due to life circumstances. I Lost my wife and twin flame to cancer on our 20th wedding anniversary 2019, my father six months later, my mother a year later.:( I Spent a good part of 7 years taking care of each of them. Blessed with two beautiful children that are 19 and 21 out of the home now. Forging their place in life. I'm literally in 4000 sq ft. empty villa and I'm alone physically , mentally, however , I am filled with their beautiful spirits. I am grateful I was given so much from them. Emotionally tied directly to them. Not alone but alone. Not ready to be alone. For now in a rare club, I am alone. Not planning or wanting to be alone. In unique company. Not able to relate because of it , I'm alone in a crowd . Strange however real. Their gifts they shared continues to light me up💕Eternal. Together. One . Alone , lone , not lonely.
@@egreens8512 I'm the opposite; so many people but always alone, 24/7 😥 I think I got used to it. I have no other option... I want a mobile home too 🚐 just to get lost of everything... Plus I love be around Mother Nature peacefully.
I feel the same. However once you accept that you are different than most of those people around you - and you are cool with that - it gets easier. We are all different - ultimately, which is probably a good thing. But reading comments like these here help you realise some people (albeit a minority) think the same, and this helps reduce any social pressures to conform to what is commonly perceived as 'normal', and allow you to be you.
“I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity.”
― Albert Einstein
He sounds like a smart man 😉
@@ChristianSchaffer now thats funny
@@ChristianSchaffer - He did the best with what he had
Yes, delicious is just the right word!
“Just because you’re in a house. With your friends and with your family and with your community. You can still be lonely.” Wow, this speaks to me so much. Thank you for this video, you are truly inspiring❤️
I have been alone since 20 years old. I am 40 now.
Loneliness is a gift. Stoicism is a virtue.
This is the first time I have ever left a comment on the internet...
I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your content. It's genuine and I appreciate you being willing to put yourself out there to share your experiences.
Me and my spouse met when we were 20. We are now in our 60's. Even though having time apart is important to recharge, understanding your partner better than they know them self is just as important. Those might not seem like similar concepts but without that understanding the time apart can push you apart rather than drive you together. The honey moon part of a relationship is the easiest. Leaving and returning might emulate that period but might delay moving towards that next level of understanding. Stepping away from a disagreement can be a short term resolution but never coming back to it can create a permanent void.
Appreciate your videos. I choose to be Alone or by myself instead of being lonely. I've been living in a shed behind a gas station for the past two and a half years. Before that i spent years living in my truck. I like solitude and try hard not to let isolation creep into my state of mind. You keep posting and I'll keep watching 🙏👍😎🐕🦺
"The loneliest moments in my adult life have all been in situations where I was surrounded by people" You're singing my song. same here.
I'm 53 and my friends sometimes don't understand my need to be alone. I too enjoy socializing and being around my friends. I enjoy trips alone, just me and a book, fresh air, a lake, woods. Being a extrovert/introvert to me is a blessing.
When you are in touch with yourself you’re never alone. But when you’re not in touch, then you’re truly alone. ✨☺️Beautiful pictures, music thoughts 🙏🏼
Ohhhh the exquisite pleasure of solitude. I too am an extroverted introvert. A gregarious introvert. I find myself accepting invitations to leave my mountain to attend an event...and then canceling when the anxiety of being in a group becomes overpowering. Lonely? Yeah, at times. But never as lonely as I was when I was in a relationship that wasn't right. Beauty often comes through despair.
Beautiful soul ✨ thank you for shining your light. Your videos are a perfect blend of realness and art. 💕
Thank you for the love 😭💕
Thank you amazing video of nature and sharing your adventure. I guess you need somebody to make you not lonely. I pray that the Lord will guide you with his wisdom.
There were so many incredible life lessons in this short video that I sent it to my 21-year old daughter who has now subscribed to your channel and instagram. There's something very unique and incredible about the way you combine video, photography and your own comments. Your explanation on how spending time alone made you feel less alone was so profound! So glad I came across your channel. It's a breath of fresh air and believe me, the world needs a lot of fresh air right now :) Safe travels!
Okay. You are a poet of film, photography, and word. You make the world a better place for all of us. Thank you.
Rosie and I met when we were eighteen at a glass factory and have been side by side ever since. That was 1968. We fell in love with travel early when the US Army would send me to various Forts to train troops. We travelled with everything we owned in a 1966 Mustang ( cue 66 Mustang written by me on Burlington Bill you tube). Since, we have travelled the country with two children then later repeated those travels with two grandchildren. Funny but I have never felt alone with Rosie by my side. We celebrated our 50th anniversary in a Walmart parking lot in Wagner, Oklahoma last year. Pulled out my guitar and played, Have to say I love you in a song for Rosie that evening. Here is hoping everything goes great for you guys. Enjoy life!
This video was very comforting to me. I thought I was the only one that loved being alone. And same thing, introverted extrovert! Friends always asked me “why are you alone all the time?” Or “why do you go out to eat alone”? Because it’s BLISSFUL when you enjoy and love your own company ❤️
agreed 💕
Sorry, we are not meant to be alone. We are born into the crucible of relationship. We are naturally tribal . Mental illness is often measure by one’s community contribution. Two hearts are better than one. We do need solitude in order to recharge but mindfully measured . Even nomadic tribes , travel together.
The person who has their “tent outside the tribe” is often considered someone who is an outcast. Why would you subject yourself to that as a lifestyle.
You are a true introvert. I agree that a career where you can achieve that measured solitude but still be part of a community sounds balanced.
You can still have relationships and friendships while having alone time. There can be a balance.
Every remote or nomadic arrangement requires actively dealing with loneliness and various kinds of isolation. It doesn't even require a road. Thank you for sharing.
Any relations to Charlie?!
We can't possess a person we love or be possessed by those who love us. I have been without a significant other for 16 years. It hasn't been that bad. I am binge watching your videos today.
The Extroverted Introvert. I get it. I built and led huge creative departments globally, and everyone I worked with would have told you that I was an extrovert. But I was exhausted at the end of the day. I needed my alone time. I could turn it on to get things done, and loved the controlled chaos that was the life of a builder of global teams and a creator of things the world had never seen, and I loved helping others build their careers. I spent 25 years go go going, in the worlds largest cities, but in the end, I moved to a small 9-acre homestead on the edge of the Olympic National Forest. Christian - pace yourself. And listen to your body. You're doing great. You are obviously a wonderfully talented young lady, and the best advice I can give you is that as much as we creatives love to create, we can burn ourselves out doing it. So take care of yourself along the way.
- Signed former creative leader, now forest ranger.
I’m an outgoing introvert in a converted ambo. 😍. Also from WA. I feel this so deep. It’s so hard to understand how majority of people don’t crave and love alone time.
There are so many ambiverts out there that just watched this and thought “damn that’s totally me!” You’ve touched many of your viewers/subscribers today with your candor and courage to share these vulnerabilities… it’s so much appreciated! For those of us with significant others that are not ambiverts, it’s important that they understand and support this side of you.
All I can say to this comment is: Yessssssss
🙋🏾♀️
INTJ too I bet.
I truly am an extroverted introvert. I have never felt lonely by myself. In fact I need lots of alone time to refresh. I’ve never understood people who need to be surrounded by people all the time.
I dream when I’m alone- with my thoughts, doing what I need.
I’ve been an RN for 23 years and after caring for patients, making sure they are safe, for 12 plus hours in a day, I CRAVE alone time.
As a bit of a lone wolf I enjoy following a handful of you tubers that I’m now emotionally invested in but don’t bug them with too many questions or comments.
I appreciate you being here 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Preach. This is the first video I've ever watched of yours. I started watching because I'm interested in doing either short or long-term boondocking. But I expected you to say you were lonely because you needed more people around you. You surprised me, and what you describe is exactly how I feel almost 100% of the time. I have to pick my moments with people, and admittedly they are few and far between. I'll keep watching your videos. Be well.
As a senior and having spent my entire life alone I can honestly say the loneliness disappeared when I invited God back into my life. Don't forget to make room for God in your life because at the end of the day, that's all we really have!
I’ll be honest and admit I was drawn to watch you because you are stunning, but I’m glad to stay because you back that up with intelligence, honesty and interesting content. I still haven’t started my UK van-life yet but I’m inspired by your posts. This one especially resonates with me, being alone in a crowd, even surrounded by friends, has always been the hardest part of socialising for me. I can small-talk a bit, but I’m a sheep, not a wolf, and do much better listening and responding rather than driving the discussion. I spend a lot of time alone here at home, so when I start travelling it won’t be much of a shock. And although I will still get lonely having people like you to draw inspiration and understanding from will be invaluable. Thank you for sharing your life with us ❤
You can feel lonely even when you are surrounded by friends and acquaintances. Very true. I just subscribed.
I am so glad i stumbled onto your channel after resarching Vanlife builds. No one has ever explained so well the way I feel about ME. It just gave me complete validation on how/who Iam. I love people, but can;t be around too many for too long. I love the wild, and solitude and my sould craves it. Thank you. So much.
seems like there are a lot of us who feel this way ☺️🤍 extroverted introverts unite 🏴☠️
Yay!!! 100,000 subscribers!!! Congratulations 🍾. This video is my favorite. I really feel that when you express yourself like this you will keep climbing. The people you touch and reach makes a HUGE difference. Some don’t understand why they feel the way they do and when you share, it helps them. Good job! Love ya, Mom
A story with all the ingredients. Second view a year later confirms a quality movie.
One day in the distant future, you'll look back and say you "captured life on the open road"... and did it so beautifully.
Please look after yourself Christian, I was sensing some sadness in your spirit. I hope you are okay. Remember if you are feeling lonely you are not alone, a vast majority of people feel the same way, but most people are good at faking it. I love your authenticity and your bravery to follow your truth, something our society needs more of. Sending you much love 💕💕.
Can’t decide what I like most. Your words or your videos. I feel myself seeing your video as if I’m you. Really takes me back to what is life all about. How do you live your dreams. Thanks for being such a good storyteller and visionary.
I thought I I was the only person who felt that way. When I’m in company with friends. I feel alone. I don’t like large crowds of people, I know. And I also have to have structure in my day. I love my alone time when I go cycling. The best time ever.
Well said. If you cannot enjoy being companied by yourself, you should not expect others to enjoy your company. You must be your own best friend first.
Realizing one's need for solitude - free of guilt and/or others' expectations - is one of the most poignant moments of self awareness we can have. Drive on!
The most lonely I have ever been in my life is when I have been in a close relationship with someone and struggle to find myself. I am comfortable being alone, sometimes I think too comfortable, believing (or perhaps programmed to believe) it is not healthy to live a solitary life. I do like people but I like them on my own terms and that is rarely what I get when I am around people, particularly the same people, all the time. I am very outgoing, quick witted, smart, a vast bank of trivial information, funny (and humble, LOL) so people do like to be around me but I can easily feel suffocated and need to rush to a safe place to spend some quality time with myself. So honestly, I do understand how you feel. I think the more we become in touch with ourselves, the less we want to be in a position to require the approval of others. Strangely, I do like living in the City, particularly now that I am in my 70s. I believe it is a convenience thing more than anything else but I like having my personal fortress within that City. Life is such a complex and layered thing and is so different for each individual. I think you have found your niche and I hope that you will always remember to be truest to yourself no matter how much greener the grass may look on the other side of the fence or no matter how much or in what ways you believe your decisions may impact others.
What a wonderful comment. You are truly incredible Sherry, you can feel the raw joy and peace in your words. Thank you for sharing a part of you here
I just started following you and I loved this video so much. I related on so many levels. I was the loneliest of my life when I was married. And now I live in the rural countryside and I never feel alone. Thank you for your amazing videos xx
❤️❤️
I'm exactly the same with regards to alone time. Really, just me, my dog, and nature is what regenerates me.
OH MY GOODNESS Christian! Hearing you describe how you feel regarding socializing and enjoying your solitude really hit home for me. I thought I was the only one on earth who felt this way. I believe more people feel this way but are afraid to admit it or like me, they feel they are different than everyone else. You are so awesome, love your channel.
same!! introverts unite! ..like, tomorrow or something 😝
And here I was thinking the exact same thing! I've always felt out of the loop for some reason, and this video really struck a chord with me. It's got me thinking about stuff in a different way now. I feel like I need a road trip away from everything and everyone.
Thank you Christian. The intimacy of your pictures and videos is amazing. So many of your photos seem like they should be in a gallery for viewing. The glimpses of your personal life and experiences also carry a feeling of intimacy in your honesty and willingness to share. 100k is very nice but I hope a mere shadow of things to come.
I so appreciate you 🙏🏻 Thank you for being here from the beginning!
the best part was at 8:12 where the music stopped, the cutscene from the van, the beach, to the forest, the stillness and just the sounds of nature, the "silence" was :)
I have to get better at recording natural audio like that. I tend to mess it up by coughing or saying something stupid 😅
Wow...You have pinpointed it best...As a young man I traveled this country extensively on a dime and a prayer & enjoyed/learned from every minute of it...When I felt like you are relating to, I just said screw it & hiked the Appalachian trail one summer...Absolutely recharged the batteries!!!...A few years later, I did the Pacific Crest & found the same inner peace....Fast forward to almost 50 years later, I have the yearning to do something similar....Bless your soul!!!!
Stay "strong" girl!!! I was absolutely alone during the ENTIRE pandemic without family and friends for over an entire year and I deal better without people due to the fact that a lot of people bring "unnecessary noise"....Kudos
I'm in my mid thirties and just kinda realizing this same thing about myself. I get along just fine in groups of people - when I want to be. But I really enjoy having time to myself and quiet. Terms like "homebody" and "introvert" always carried a somewhat negative connotation growing up and it took some time for me to understand that this is completely, totally okay.
Same, I always thought something was wrong with me growing up- and throughout all of my twenties. I wish I knew then that alone time was healthy and normal and some of us just need more than others 💁🏼♀️
It is totally okay. I'm 77, and in my mid-thirties, newly separated from my husband, because he told me he no longer wanted to be married to me, yet he refused to leave our home, and to stay in a house with someone you thought you knew, but who had become a cold stranger - was uniquely and agonizingly, lonely.
I had to learn to grieve for someone who was still alive, and the only way I was able to do it was to move out and learn to be alone, and, with counseling, learn that I enjoyed my own company. It took another marriage and another living death, and much counseling, meditation, walks, the healing hands of expert massage therapists, yoga, hugs from valued friends, to gain the wisdom of solitude, and the healing benefits of deep breathing. It helped that I lived in Kitsap County, Washington state for 18.5 years, where I took many a day or weekend round trip visit to Seattle, the North Cascade National Park, the Olympic Peninsula, Vancouver WA and BC, etc., sometimes alone, sometimes with my best friend, sometimes with my brother, who lived in Vancouver WA with his wife and two daughters. Then I moved to Mount Vernon, Skagit County where I spent the last eighteen months of my 21 years in WA State. I miss my heart-home, and am so glad to see it via the lens of Christian's cameras and her eyes and the lens and eyes of other gifted nomads.
It is not only okay to be alone and enjoy solitude, it is mentally, physically, and spiritually healthy. TO BE ALONE AND ENJOY SOLITUDE - IS MENTALLY, PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY HEALTHY! ~ Alice, the Sometimes Wise One, Sullivan. It would be sad to be 77.5 and not to have learned any life-affirming knowledge. "I'M OKAY, YOU'RE OKAY" is a good book, as is "SURVIVING THE LOSS OF A LOVE".
I lived in my 1991 Ford Bronco in Southern California for over 3 years while working full time circa 2004 (phones weren't what they are now and Myspace was just starting). One thing I always remembered was being alone on the weekends chasing surf and relaxing but not saying a single word aloud because I was by myself deep in my own thoughts. When it was time to go back to work on the Monday, I would almost stutter because of the lack of speaking throughout the weekend. I hear ya on what you mean by your own version of loneliness, and it made me think for a moment about how you flow. I'm an extrovert who also needs downtime, but your video gave me further insight in further understanding my wife who is an introvert. She often tells me she's not really shy in the literal sense, but she needs to recharge at home in silence while reading a book....while our two young boys fast asleep 😁
I was married.for 27 years and felt lonely and.alone the whole time.
Now.im.single and can be all alone for days. And be fine and happy.
So yes you're right.
I feel this in my soul! Feeling lonely around people when I haven’t had enough recharge time and connect with myself-always a delicate balance!
Some seriously nice visuals in there wowza
Resonates 100%. I always have difficulty with small talk and crave meaningful connections. This can be viewed as a negative by some.
I often think of a saying by Eckhart Tolle when asked by someone at a party if he was enjoying himself… he replied “That’s the only thing I’m enjoying”. 🌺🌈🌊
A person can feel alone while surrounded by many people. God is a great companion.
This video is so serene and calming and so full of absolutely lovely scenery, loved the chipmunk scene and the dog. Glad to know that I'm not alone thinking that the fire tower ranger is my dream job.
I can relate to so much in this video and the views are stunning. Being the front man in a band and not wanting to be the center of attention makes being alone so satisfying. Can’t waiting until my van is ready to get away and meet some souls like you all. Or maybe not. Haha. I really like following Mariah too. Congrats on 100k.
I would be too sad doing everything solo, but I admire people who can do it alone and be happy.
Thanks for sharing your van life with us while i am considering about having a van life in the future. YOU are really a beautiful person on both inside and appearance!!!!!
I can totally relate to the "need" for alone time. While I do enjoy a night out with close friends (preferably one at a time), I almost prefer solitude. I love going to the beach by myself so I can hear the ocean waves crashing along the shoreline, without the interruption of someone talking over them. I like to take life at my own pace and not have someone trying to hurry me up or slow me down.
I so look forward to seeing your videos. You are truly a source of inspiration. Thank you for all you show and tell us and for sharing your lifestyle with us. God bless.
Wow thank you 😌🙏🏻
Your authenticity and truthfulness is mind blowing and that's what I love most
You nailed the idea of being alone around groups. Thank you.
Thank you for your truthfulness and willingness to share. It is inspiring🌈
Thanks Jill 🙏🏻
You are very good at expressing yourself, talking about your thoughts and feelings. Very interesting! And your amazing intro with so many beautiful pictures/videos!
You’re really a gifted videographer and content creator. Thanks 🙏 for sharing such very thought provoking content
loneliness can be the worse thing people can go threw.
That's awesome that you and Mariah found each other! I wondered if you would, as you both have been wandering around the NW lately.
Safe Travels! ✌🏼😉
Thank you for sharing this truth! I have felt so misunderstood for so long with how much I enjoy being by myself. I, too never have found the boundary where I feel like I need people. I pray I find a guy who mirrors the beautiful relationship independence that you two have.
I've never felt lonely or alone while living in nature. Last summer, my best friend was a 3 or 4 year old black bear who'd join me for morning coffee almost every day. I feel more at peace when I'm alone with nature.
just stayed in a hotel for 14 days mandatory quarantine, your channel is great for me. thank you.
Can’t thank you enough for your honesty and authenticity. Feel exactly the same about loneliness. Love the “extroverted introvert”. That’s me for sure too. The nature videos and stills are absolutely stunning. Thanks for sharing your incredible talent on your channel. Stay safe and look forward to your next video.
yes, same for me...
Your photography is stunning, I love how you capture nature. Your thoughts on loneliness is spot on! Love your content!
Thanks so much Lauren 🙏🏻
Bula from Fiji. Full time mom of 4 who loves watching your videos. Stay safe and be blessed.
Hey.
I was a little taken aback, how you so completely summed up my thoughts.
I live mostly off grid on the Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania, Australia. At times I “Miss” people, but I don’t really ever feel alone.
My life has been one of working in festivals, events, and being around people. I gave that all up, and have felt free since.
Your statement about feeling alone at a party, rings true. New Years Eve…I was invited to a party….. sat there with 20+ people, and felt completely alone. I can talk and pretend I’m into it….but left feeling like I’d rather had been at home reading a book.
I’ve seen two of your posts, the other about the bad things about Vanlife. I appreciate your honesty. Very refreshing in this fake, fAke social media world.
New subscriber.
Rob, Tasmania, Australia 🇦🇺
Congrats on the milestone of 100K! Doesn't surprise me as your personality is very engaging and your photography skills are wonderful. Keep producing the wonderful content. Your honesty about your personal vision is refreshing.
Thanks for your support 😌🙏🏻
I feel most full emotionally full when I’m 20 out in the backcountry-no one around-no light pollution and myself with my thoughts.I like to cook for myself,and I really enjoy sitting down at my folding table after cooking a great healthy meal from the back of my 4 Runner,with the stars to look at.
Amen. Living the good life
even though this is an old vid, I have to say that your cinematography is off the charts. Truly a visual pleasure watching your content.
Keep it up !!!!
Same, every thinks I’m an extrovert because I like to party and have fun when I’m around people, but after a couple of hours I’m done, that’s enough for me. I’m actually an introvert and love having alone time. People get super weird when you like being alone, best to avoid those ones. Much love. Beautiful video’s btw.
I really appreciate your honesty and addressing what your audience is asking. Very intimate and vulnerable, thank you for sharing. I moved to California in 2018 and have felt that same loneliness that you describe. People, crowds and even the workplace is not the fit. I find joy and comfort in nature and the more I explore. Most of my friends and community is on the east coast and I find it harder to find that community as I age (47 SWM). I've been fantasizing about the van life. Hopefully soon I get to experience the ups and downs of that lifestyle. Your honesty is awesome, but please don't feel youtube pressure or stress to post something. We are here when you are ready. Safe travels, mentally, spiritually and physically.
I fully agree, big cities just stress me out. I'm leaning more and more towards doing van life... Being out in nature all the time!
Best episode yet !
I feel similarly. My wife understands me about it too. We're developing a similar plan. Thank you
Thank you Marc 🙏🏻 Happy to hear it resonates
Alone does not always mean lonely. I love my solitude, your videos as well as others have convinced me to give this lifestyle a try
The Pacific northwest is beautiful. Nice scenic spots. Solitude is good for grounding and inner peace. Nature is always my preferred place to strengthen the relationship to myself. Best to let go of control and go with the flow. 👍🤙😊
This was such a good video and so true. Loneliness is just about who's around you. It's good to see someone looking to strive for balance. I'm an introverted extrovert too. There are times where I need to be alone in my own thoughts and other times, I like to be around people in large crowds, it just depends. I love Mariah's videos too. You both give such honest perspectives of life on the road.
Based on the comments so far, sounds like there are quite a lot of us extroverted introverts 😊🙌🏻 It’s nice knowing we’re not alone in this otherwise extroverted world
@@ChristianSchaffer I identified myself with that part of the video and made me smile (like: "that's me!"). I love the views on this video! 🌅😍🏞 So peaceful... I'm in love with Mother Nature. Every time I get the chance I enjoy Mother Nature and use that moment to be with myself and think... I would like to have a mobile home too 🚐 and be able to travel US 🇺🇲; and beyond... 💖
Great comment - 'Loneliness is just about who's around you.' pretty much sums it up for me. Being alone outside intensifies the experience, and connection with the natural surroundings. Being with someone at that moment who 'gets it' is super special, however that is rare and more often than not, is not the case and that leaves one feeling lonely.
@@Mike-qz4pi The loneliest I've ever felt, were the times I tried to hold onto a relationship with someone who no longer wanted to be with me. Agonizing loneliness. The kind that sends me to counseling with someone qualified to help me learn and, hopefully, learn more about myself, and go back to loving life.
@@ChristianSchaffer I like that. "extraverted introvert" less disappointments that way!
Your vlogs Christian are a feast for the eyes. Whether it's a close up lupine or a distant sunset it's absolutely stunning!! Thank you for posting.
Welcome to my world. You share your experience in life in a beautiful way. It’s probably because your world is experienced in a different way than most others. Nature recharges (us)! 💫
I like how you explained your situation and how you recharge yourself. Be safe, be happy and be yourself.
My goodness, you articulated so well what I have felt about the loneliness of being in crowds and the societal expectations that you must feel at home in crowded events, yet I could never put into words myself, despite having a PhD. Pity you are not here in England.. I'd love to chat with someone like you who understands that introverts can be extroverts sometimes too. Great authentic video.
I'm a former extrovert (read all of this and you can claim bull on the former part - ROFL), beaten into outward introversion by society due to my brain damage, past stuttering and auditory memory issues making my communication dialogue skills for those who hate to think = zero (its not there!). And yeah, I do feel along in a crowd. No one gets me. I talk intelligent but then my brain snaps and adds rubbish because of the brain damage, the intelligent people run and join the idiots who hate to think. Don't blame them! I don't know what to say to people most of the time anyway. I did a 28 day solo camping trip and missed people, so would go into town to just see people. It taught me that 'the life wasn't for me' but....here I am, older, realizing I'll never have people IN my life where I have true comraderie, so why not do this vanlifing? I had Reactive Attachment Disorder and Austictic symptoms with the wrong food allergies so people run where I live - USA.
I'm here, researching and trying to find that reality check that makes me go 'nope, can not do this' while I can't wait to jump in and just go! I have Shaken Baby syndrome, high functioning, do drive, and have my Zevy for company (stuffed miyoni timberwolf). Will I bite the bullet after my dad moves into Nursing home? Probably. It means my sister goes homeless OR gets a roommate, because my townhome will be rented for $2000 with me paying the HOA fees. My stuff will go into storage, and I'll have my income going into a trust account so that I can actually afford reality with food allergies and an economy that cost more and more while my SSDI never keeps up with the true cost of living.
I also hope to get a CDL license so that maybe I can learn to tow a vehicle and drive a Class C so I get more luxuries. ROFL So, Van conversion on the cheap - Throw in a British camper's loo, fold-up table, fold-up mattress (save the lungs), sleeping bag, 7-day cooler, campers chair(s) and away you go! Take some foam poster board, glue misc. crap to it to make it look like a homeless dump to put in plan site, so that no one bothers rummaging your car and nicking thing. Fake security. ROFL (It doesn't really work though, because you'll have the cops breathing down your back depending on where you put the vehicle.)
Best Wishes from someone who wanted to get a Ph.D in Maths, Sociology, Quantum Physics-Maths-Computers but managed a BS in Social Sciences (brain randomly shows up, so I failed at all jobs.) I just wanted you to know my story for another perspective Extrovert to outward introvert. Thanks!
LOVE that message!! I always say " I'd rather be alone, than w/ someone & be so lonely " I love to just up & leave for a few days & stay w/ my Sister & hang out at the ocean all day, by myself ... She seems to know I need to just be " alone " & I feel sooooo much better after, but could never explain it & you did, perfect!!
Same here. I could never explain it, and Christian explained it on point. I will use her verbatim the next time I’m questioned about my time away
Always feels a little strange being so open (esp as an introvert), but comments like these make it so worth it. Happy to hear it resonates 🙏🏻
@@ChristianSchaffer It absolutely resonates (love that word) with me, and apparently to a bunch of other commenters. You do a super, courageous job. Please be well, be safe, be you.
Crazy thing is, I have totally said these exact things you say closer to the start of this video. The most lonely I have ever felt is when I was surrounded by people in a city I lived in. And the introverted exteovert is to a tee. I used to love being social and with people and I loved being involved but I needed my downtime because I would get burnt out/grumpy and needed my silent and alone time. After a weekend of socializing at a cabin on the lake I would usual go on a big solo to balance life out again. I found driving by myself or going on a big solo adventure was usually key for sure
If you enjoy your own company, you will never be alone. Truly, you have discovered a super-power inside of you. Love your life view videos.
I like the way you see things. Hadn’t thought of it as a kind of superpower 🦸🏼♀️
your videos are my favourite on TH-cam - 20 minutes of peace in nature, can't wait to experience North America one day like you :)
wow thank you 🙏🏻
It's so refreshing to know other introvert/extrovert ppl are among me , more than I realized ❤️
I just took a 16 + hr road trip adventure from NH to the Carolinas and back , I went with my bf. I could've just gone alone & I would've enjoyed my own company aswell. I admire your ability to be true to yourself & I truly understand your lifestyle 💜
I'd love to meet ya one-day ☺️
I had a funny moment while on my own rode adventure....I passed a van that looked so similar to yours and I thought 💭 I wonder if it was you lol
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@@ChristianSchaffer am linking you of course.
@@saraparker6894 h
Check out the Myers Briggs personality test. You sound like you may be an INFJ (or similar) personality. Makes perfect sense to need a little isolation to recharge. 💙
Close! I’m an INTP 🤓
Ha!! Close! I am an INFJ 😁🤗😉
INTJ checking in...
but not too closely
There's a big difference between being in a social setting where a certain behavior is expected of you and being an anonymous "observer" in a cafe/bar/restaurant. I'm a digital nomad, barely ever socialize, but I love going to work in a cafe where I can remain anonymous. Nothing is expected of me, but I still appreciate the social buzz.
Listening to what you said about needing alone time, I defo relate. I find it draining being around others too. I think because I’m an empath & a good listener. I find when I’m around people, they start opening up & telling me their life story (which is a good thing, if they need to talk about it) but I find that they’re the only one’s talking & I’m the only one listening. I find it really hard finding “people” who listen as long & as intently as I do 😆. I think the older I get, the less tolerant I’m becoming & the more alone time I prefer. So uk now thinking I’m some kind of introvert, who Is extroverted around others only when I need to be 😆. I’m certainly not shy in crowds or in groups. I usually end up rising to being treated by others as a leader, which is interesting to me. But I think it’s because when I’m in groups, I don’t follow the crowd, I’m my own person etc. I think people notice this. So yes I get drained when I’m around people for too long too.
Hey Christian, I can totally relate with the emotional roller coaster you describe. In my 46yrs of living, being the youngest of 10 children, I always felt alone surrounded by everyone and was always super happy and content sitting by myself with a drawing pad or just watching the river flow through the rocks and trees as the wind blew gently. My career choice to be a Marine was something that took me away from all that... and THAT was super hard for me. So, I've had to learn why at some moments I'm the life of the party and the center of attention but, other times I just can't be around anyone. And I learned I'm not so much of an Introvert or an Extrovert as much as I'm an Ambivert. With small bouts of being very out going and charismatic, I truly cherish my alone time to recharge and reflect. Loneliness doesn't hit as hard knowing when I need to be around people, and that's my new regulation. Also, I always wondered why I hated small talk and always looked at the deeper meaning of things. Thinking I was always an Alpha male, I never questioned myself; just bared through it. But, recently I have discovered the meaning of the Sigma male personality... and THAT is what I find myself to be to a "T"; Artistic, creative, thoughtful, and a focused lone wolf. My workouts keep me focused on my health while my mind wanders the concepts of my heart, and I fill the inbetween with meaningful habits. I love that you made this video... and hope this encourages (if not, inspires) you to make more. Look into Ambiverts and Sigma personalities where you seem to have some of the traits. Happy van lifing and stay amazing 👍
In my opinion, this is your best video so far. The beautiful footages along with your feelings and thoughts about vanlife make it very tasteful. Thanks for sharing 👍
Thank you 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Christian, you are truly a professional photographer! When I'm in a social gathering I' looking for the exit and counting the minutes! no good byes, I just vanish!
We all are different, some craving for solitude, some for large crowds. The thing is (and I surely am biased, since my inner setting is very close to yours) that I find people who appreciate solitude far more interesting and full. No small talks, no bs, usualy the conversation is richer and more "to the point" (whatever the point may be). I always had the feeling that people who can't stand being alone, at least for some time, don't know themselves. What are they really like, WHO are they. Enjoying the solitude requires being in peace with yourself. Seeing all good and bad of your inner self and live with that, trying to improve. In my personal experience the pilgrimage to Santiago and then to Finisterre/Muxia (Camino Frances, starting in France) was a great gift. One was able to be lonely when he wanted, but find very interesting company as soon as he needed the change. Yes, the pilgrimage was very special for far too many reasons, but the freedom to be lonely or in company, was fulfilling. I really like this video and narration, is sums very nicely the feeling, the urge, the calm. I am happy for you :)