Carol, I am you in so many ways. Perhaps there are even more of us, living in solitude though we love people, and preferring solitude though we crave connection. I'm glad you have your pup ❤️. Reach out if you need someone to talk to.
I can identity with your words. I am not living in a camper van I am still in my home, alone at 76 for the first time in my life. Contemplating my next step in the world. I am financially struggling to get by. What do I do? It is both a good and bad time and I don't know what I want. I have never had this freedom but my body is not cooperating. I am unable to do what I need to physically. I like my time alone but I miss my family. They are to busy with their own lives to help me.
Stay safe and enjoy your time in the desert. I enjoy reading about it all!
Being alone at 76 for the first time, must be daunting at times. But staying busy eliminates loneliness most of the time. I realize that there are days when we reflect back to our youth and wish we could turn back the hands of time. I know I wish for that, but today is what we have to work with. I'm busy working on keeping a simple life as much as possible in this day and time. I have to learn how to say a lot of no's!
When you compared the physical space to the emotional space, you had me. This is such a true statement. It is amazing how in a small space (like a van), everything has its place, and when anything is out of place, it can feel chaotic. But, here is where there is truth ... being on the road and/or living small expands your emotional space. That concept may be hard to understand for someone simply reading and not living it. I have lived it and totally get it. Thank you for expanding my emotional space with this writing.
Hi Carol, I’m so glad to read your writing here. I experience a kind of loneliness myself, even though I still have my husband and young adult daughter near me on and off, when they are not working or at school. I think we are living in a culture we did not evolve for-the kind of isolation many people experience, even in relation to other people, I think has to do with our lack of village life, where we all literally needed one another for survival in daily tasks-in hunting and gathering, in making the few things we needed to survive in the world, in keeping fire going, in cooking together. 200 or so years, isn’t enough time for our brains and bodies to evolve differently. And I think despite scientific thoughts on the subject, who doesn’t need a hug and a really good friend or 2 to share coffee with, to share one’s heart with? Especially in a small space. I’m in my van each day alone and I love just leaving my little room and getting a bon bon from the local chocolate shop, and chatting with the young person who works there. Wishing you well, and writing you back, in cure of loneliness, and with gratitude for your open hearted writing here! Warmly, Judi
I wouldn't say I'm a lonely person. Yes, I do get lonely sometimes in the afternoon, but it soon wears off. I don't get lonely at night like some people do. It's because I need a lot of sleep I think. IDK really the answer. But with so many options afforded us today, we have to learn how to love each other, help one another, and have a grateful attitude. This combats loneliness most of the time. Yes, the hunter gathers had to help each other in order to survive, unlike us today. With so many people in the world, being solo feels good to me most of the time. What about you?
I like my time alone. I do experience loneliness when I am here in America. I spend some time in Sicily each winter and have made several friends there in my small village. Life is different there. Slower, more communal. And people value friendship and family greatly. It is common for people to stop their cars in traffic just to speak to each other. I like your attitude about gratitude and learning to love each other in the ways in which we can. That is a thing that I practice every day. 🙂 It’s good to chat here on Substack. I hope you might read some of my writing one day as well. Judi
Hi Carol, I get thinking more about living in a small RV, van. I am not good with technology. Sorry about not sending funds for a subscription. I do not have a credit card. I pay with cashier checks. Do you have an address?
Not sure what my place would sell for. Or if it would be enough for a small RV/van and a couple acres. Need to have a home base.
Loneliness and "what if s" can eat you up. I have my two girls, Sunny and Pickles to keep me in reality.
Thank you Carol for your beautiful pictures and words. Thank you for making your journey visible. Your readers are with. Think of you often. Sending love from Australia as autumn starts here. ♥️
After spending 2 years in the Az. high desert I was renewed. That land emanates peace and tranquility. I lived in very small spaces and less is more! Enjoy!
These feel like the thoughts of someone in the 'quiet' chapter of life. That's what I am going to call it. After all the early years of childhood, working, mothering, fathering, doing...doing...doing. I think the retirement years let's call them, can be the quiet years of reflection, introspection, thoughtful fulfillment as we invest the time to just BE! That's what I am finding.
Sounds like you have a good plan for achieving and maintaining serenity.
Carol, I am you in so many ways. Perhaps there are even more of us, living in solitude though we love people, and preferring solitude though we crave connection. I'm glad you have your pup ❤️. Reach out if you need someone to talk to.
Thank you so much I will reach out.
Prayer and knowing Jesus is a tremendous source of comfort and peace for me.
Hi Jim,
I pray every day. Because I live by faith, which eliminates fear in my life in most cases.
Thanks for your response.
I can identity with your words. I am not living in a camper van I am still in my home, alone at 76 for the first time in my life. Contemplating my next step in the world. I am financially struggling to get by. What do I do? It is both a good and bad time and I don't know what I want. I have never had this freedom but my body is not cooperating. I am unable to do what I need to physically. I like my time alone but I miss my family. They are to busy with their own lives to help me.
Stay safe and enjoy your time in the desert. I enjoy reading about it all!
Hi Willena,
Being alone at 76 for the first time, must be daunting at times. But staying busy eliminates loneliness most of the time. I realize that there are days when we reflect back to our youth and wish we could turn back the hands of time. I know I wish for that, but today is what we have to work with. I'm busy working on keeping a simple life as much as possible in this day and time. I have to learn how to say a lot of no's!
When you compared the physical space to the emotional space, you had me. This is such a true statement. It is amazing how in a small space (like a van), everything has its place, and when anything is out of place, it can feel chaotic. But, here is where there is truth ... being on the road and/or living small expands your emotional space. That concept may be hard to understand for someone simply reading and not living it. I have lived it and totally get it. Thank you for expanding my emotional space with this writing.
You're welcome Patrick.
Hi Carol, I’m so glad to read your writing here. I experience a kind of loneliness myself, even though I still have my husband and young adult daughter near me on and off, when they are not working or at school. I think we are living in a culture we did not evolve for-the kind of isolation many people experience, even in relation to other people, I think has to do with our lack of village life, where we all literally needed one another for survival in daily tasks-in hunting and gathering, in making the few things we needed to survive in the world, in keeping fire going, in cooking together. 200 or so years, isn’t enough time for our brains and bodies to evolve differently. And I think despite scientific thoughts on the subject, who doesn’t need a hug and a really good friend or 2 to share coffee with, to share one’s heart with? Especially in a small space. I’m in my van each day alone and I love just leaving my little room and getting a bon bon from the local chocolate shop, and chatting with the young person who works there. Wishing you well, and writing you back, in cure of loneliness, and with gratitude for your open hearted writing here! Warmly, Judi
Hi Judi,
I wouldn't say I'm a lonely person. Yes, I do get lonely sometimes in the afternoon, but it soon wears off. I don't get lonely at night like some people do. It's because I need a lot of sleep I think. IDK really the answer. But with so many options afforded us today, we have to learn how to love each other, help one another, and have a grateful attitude. This combats loneliness most of the time. Yes, the hunter gathers had to help each other in order to survive, unlike us today. With so many people in the world, being solo feels good to me most of the time. What about you?
I like my time alone. I do experience loneliness when I am here in America. I spend some time in Sicily each winter and have made several friends there in my small village. Life is different there. Slower, more communal. And people value friendship and family greatly. It is common for people to stop their cars in traffic just to speak to each other. I like your attitude about gratitude and learning to love each other in the ways in which we can. That is a thing that I practice every day. 🙂 It’s good to chat here on Substack. I hope you might read some of my writing one day as well. Judi
Loved this and you gave me much to think about.
Jo, I'm glad I could help.
Have you gotten in touch with RVINGWOMEN? At least that would be a safe place with others.
Your desert pictures are awesome. Thank you. Take care. Dusty
Give Thumper a hug.
Ok I sure will D. No I haven't gotten in touch with Rving women yet. I've been thinking about it though.
Hi Carol, I get thinking more about living in a small RV, van. I am not good with technology. Sorry about not sending funds for a subscription. I do not have a credit card. I pay with cashier checks. Do you have an address?
Not sure what my place would sell for. Or if it would be enough for a small RV/van and a couple acres. Need to have a home base.
Loneliness and "what if s" can eat you up. I have my two girls, Sunny and Pickles to keep me in reality.
You take care. Dusty
Thank you Carol for your beautiful pictures and words. Thank you for making your journey visible. Your readers are with. Think of you often. Sending love from Australia as autumn starts here. ♥️
Having a dog makes all the difference, you are never alone
“Which is most important,” asked Big Panda, “the journey or the destination?”
“The company” said Tiny Dragon.
Sounds like you have two fine companions … your pet … and that “something” that can find wonder in loneliness
What a peaceful and contented life, Carol. Enjoy! I'm enjoying reading about you. XANTHE 💛
After spending 2 years in the Az. high desert I was renewed. That land emanates peace and tranquility. I lived in very small spaces and less is more! Enjoy!
These feel like the thoughts of someone in the 'quiet' chapter of life. That's what I am going to call it. After all the early years of childhood, working, mothering, fathering, doing...doing...doing. I think the retirement years let's call them, can be the quiet years of reflection, introspection, thoughtful fulfillment as we invest the time to just BE! That's what I am finding.