Ever since I packed all my belongings and moved into my RV home and then travelled down the Californian coast, most of the people I know and met seemed to like or even admire my lifestyle and the decision to live a simplified life exploring the country I love, see places that inspire me and find the much needed distance from the ‘big city’ life.

And I have to say, living in a 120 sqft home with just the very basics (food, water, bed, art stuff & books) is one of the best things I have ever done. 

I did have some major issues due to some mechanical problems with the RV which cost me money, nerves and even worse – time, but even the worst situations are forgotten when I can wake up in the middle of nowhere, the sun shining brightly through the little window on my bed, the birds singing, no cars, a fresh breeze, and with a good, hot morning coffee enjoying the crisp and chilly morning hours.

Life is a constant up and down for anyone, and if it isn’t for you I think you do’t live it to the fullest. J.K Rowling said it so nicely: “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.”

This trip, this way of living (which really is not a vacation, because I am working from coffee shops, friends apartments and public internet-friendly locations) brings out the best in me. Appreciating the warm bed that I have, a shelter from bad weather and low temperatures at night, the feeling to respect nature (using less water, saving power where I can and recycle, recycle, recycle!), and getting to know my basic needs and appreciating the little comforts that I get. A fresh pot of coffee, peace and quiet to reflect, and the friends I meet and are able to spend time with.

So what I want to say – most of the people I know and met seem to like or even admire this (temporary) lifestyle, but I did meet the one or other person who (graciously!) offered to share their place with me saying:

“Cloe, you don’t HAVE to live that way. You don’t HAVE to sleep in a cold, old RV floating around town, and not living a stable life. You don’t HAVE to be alone.”

First of all, I don’t mind being alone. It’s one of the biggest lessons that makes you the strongest and most self-secure person you can be. To know you are ok even if you are by yourself and feel lonely sometimes. And I do appreciate the few people that came into my life (or I into theirs haha) and shared some time with me so much!

Also, I find that right now I’m the most stable version of a person I have ever been – mentally. I finally know what I want, I go where I want to go, I can make other people happy, and don’t rely on anyone to make me happy.

On the other hand, with all the things that happened to the RV, when I was stuck and had to wait for the repairs, I know I was not very reliable.  But how could I if the one home I have, all possessions I currently have access to, are locked up in a shop? And I know that threw a few people off. If I could change one thing about this trip, being more reliable about the timeline and locations about this trip, that would be it.

I can’t make it perfect for everyone, and may disappoint a few people who seemed to rely on my presence, happiness or attitude, but after all everyone has to make themselves happy first before others. I know my true friends understand what I am going through, that I have the best intentions, trying to remain a positive attitude in all times, and just enjoy life as much as I can.

And I wish so do you.