Loneliness, Isolation, & Fear | Solo Female Van Life | Q&A
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
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We are Linnea and Akela. Through the van build, I used my stubbornness and drive to show individuals that they, too, can convert a campervan by themselves and on a budget, with a lot of learning, rolling up the sleeves, and getting to work.
Our goal is to inspire individuals to chase their dreams... to break from societal limitations and live the life they truly desire.
SUBSCRIBE for solo travel, all things outdoors, and the in's & out's of van life with a big german shepherd.
Follow on Instagram: @linnea.and.akela
I came to Idaho in the fall of 2020 to visit may son who was living in his SUV. I was worried about him and how he was going to make it through the winter. He took me to a spot on BLM land overlooking a special valley. We tailgated, had great BBQ and watched the sun set. When he drove me up, off the highway, to the road, up the gulley and then to the view, I experienced an incredible feeling of letting go. It was beautiful and I could sense this peace my son was experiencing and my concerns shifted. We were a family that grew up camping and hiking and exploring the west. I came home to the midwest and made a decision to build a van for myself. Thank you for your inspiring van videos and for your honesty and being present.
Love that
Happy for you Betsy
A similar story here...my son moved to Colorado several years ago. Although he does live in a small home, he camps and we camp when I visit. I am taking tiny steps to getting a van or something to experience nature and adventure. How are you with your van build?
@@purplehippy62 54 year old stay at home mom here who never built anything and I'm about two weeks away from finishing my van with heat, shower, AC and all the comforts. It isn't rocket science. You just have to read the instruction manual and ask the employees at the hardware store how to do things....really!
@@juliawhenthegirlsrule7937 Hey there! Wanted to tell you I went out in my Subaru last Saturday night. Great fun! Didn't have a mattress so it ws quite uncomfortable but still loads of fun! Had planned on taking my adult daughter last night but it rained. I'd love to connect and see your build photos!
As an old man I would say you are wise beyond your years and Akela is awesome my dog too was very protective like a big white wolf as Mark Twain would say the more I get to know people the more I like my dog LOL 👍😉🤠😁🐝
“You get to weed out the fear that isn’t doing you any good” -very well said!!
You’re one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever seen. Thank you for sharing your story
You are brilliant Linnea! Having the wherewithal to get to know who YOU ARE at such a young age will undoubtedly save you from a lifetime of doubt, guilt, and missed opportunities.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
I think being comfortable being alone is a beautiful thing . I actually prefer to be alone most of the time . For me nature is where I feel most comfortable …sometimes it seems like a Spiritual place . I have been judged many times for liking to be alone . I am glad you are putting that out there that we are all different . Some of us need our time alone .
Love these thoughts.
I work with customers every day, and I flatter myself that I'm engaging, chatty and entertaining... It wasn't until Covid hit New Zealand, and we had our first lock down in March 2020, that I had time to introspect and do various personality tests (preparing for a potential job loss). It was then that I discovered that I was an introvert. I can't begin to explain what a revelation this was.... Suddenly, after half a century on this rock, things made sense!!! I am never lonely, and I love walking under starlight with my dog (I'd often ramble alone on the moors and fells when I was young). I find the chatty engaging side of me - at work- is basically an act of deflection - focusing all the attention onto the customer (which is why I'm good at sales) - it's like speed-dating- but all focused on the customer and their needs. ;)
This observation about your inner, introverted personality learning about how you use the chatty you to let your customers guide you to where you can help them get what they want is excellent. You really don't want it to be about you, you want it to be about your customers. Best of everything to you. Susie from Port Washington WI
Most alone I have ever been was in the middle of a lot of people. I love being alone, it's a totally different thing to being lonely.
U live alone?
@@christinelee8812 Not at this point but lived alone many years.
@@AtHomeInTurkey u dont feel panic living alone.
@@christinelee8812 No. But offcourse you have bad days. But let's face it, you have bad days when your not alone too.
@@AtHomeInTurkey who u live wif now?
Having a pet as companion on the road got to help one from feeling lonely, at least to some degree? And as you said a dog makes one feel safer too, though a bow would certainly scare most of the rest.
You did answer some tough questions today, and did a good job with it to. Stay safe and continue to live life the way you want to.
Thank You, You described perfectly the feeling I have tried to explain to people when they ask if I don’t get lonely when traveling with just my dog. I enjoy the solitude and zen of nature.
Every time I watch one of your videos, I think to myself how PROUD your mom must be of you. I love how you are so very in tune with yourself. How you seem to find the beauty in things despite everything else. Even questions people ask that are so very personal, you answer them with such poise. Beautiful video once again!
"...and when I get sick of them, I drive away!" Girl, yes. This is literally why I want to start this new lifestyle.
Very well said! Great video. I wish I had your sense of adventure and common sense when I was your age. Enjoy!
Hello. This is the first time I have watched a video of yours. Very impressed. I am a 73 year old woman and on the road alone. Not quite at your level. I have a 25' Motorhome, no slide outs, and I tow a Jeep Wrangler. We are on the same page about travel and being alone. About the Garmin Mini...I got mine because....what if I fell and couldn't walk to a road and there was no service for a phone. The question about a man in your life was such a perfect answer. Because I am older I get that question a lot. My life is pretty perfect someone always around would have to really want to do what I am doing. Stay safe and keep following those instincts 😊
You inspire me to do this myself. I am getting my RV within the next week and I’ll be ready to take my first trip out on my own. I’m nervous and a little scared but you have given me faith in myself. Thank you! And keep your chin up! You are and inspiration to us! ❤️
I tell you a few things about loneliness or isolation. I lost my wife in May from a stroke. We were married 41 years. Life does seem a bit pointless. Loneliness is leaving people, but when they leave you.
The scars on my body are the road map of my life. Each was an event along the way. For me the outdoors is my buffer between the stress of my work and my absolute calm space. My friends are my anchor. Oh, and paper cuts ARE the worst! Cheers from Canader eh!
Sounds like you have a healthy perspective. People don't realize that we live in a fear based society. I lived in a city with 2 million people. I didn't like how it changed me. I had become urban hostile, always looking over my shoulder. That was 11 years ago. I now live in a remote canyon in Colorado. My nearest neighbor is a half mile away. No cars, no traffic and no neighbors in sight. Alone for over a decade and I'm happy and healthy because of it. Not everyone is a brainwashed consumer. I MTB and hike with my Dogs. I can go weeks with out seeing anyone. I love the solitude.
Hey I look forward to all your vlogs and wish they would come more often. However, I am glad to hear your live life your way. Be safe and be happy.
Me too wish there would come out more often
I love how you present your experience, I might have a specific question about a piece of gear or about a place, but I feel no need to ask you anything about how you experience your life. I see it and feel it through how you choose to share. Grateful you are out there living.
If I had a son or daughter, I would so much want them to watch this video.
Very thoughtful, and articulate answers, and explanations, on so many areas of life in general, not just "vanlife".
Thank you for puting all this into words, I really enjoy your channel, have fun, and keep doing you.
Yes! I've been sharing with my children. I have 8.
I am so grateful to you for sharing yourself on CZcams. Seeing you build and hearing how you handle van life means so much.🤗
Your life seems perfectly balanced. I admire you for having created this situation for yourself. Also your videos bring me peace... Thank you
Loved this video. And agreed, alone time is pure gold
I wish I would of tried this life style when I got out of the Army instead of the hustle and bustle of life. I feel I didn’t go anywhere in life. Love to watch your beautiful location you and Akela find. It’s as though I am there. Thanks!
Your videos gave us the confidence to buy a van and convert it, thank you!
That's incredible! Good luck with this amazing journey :)
Hell yea I’m ready to get a bow and arrow too!! Lol
Fear of breaking down, especially in an isolated area, is what is keeping me from using my van.
I would advise to maybe not go to isolated areas until you feel more comfortable, take your time to build up the confidence. I live in Australia and when I finish my bus build I really wanted to go to WA first (haven't been there) however, it's very remote most of the way and I wasn't comfortable with that, so I have flipped it and will go up the east coast as its built up more and I know that way much better etc. By the time I head down through WA I will be a well seasoned traveler. All the best Shannon :)
I look forward to your videos every week! Love catching this one early. Much love!
Im sure lots of us appreciate a better insight of who you are! We love the both of you and im sure this video helped someone who may be struggling or just needed a quick boost to revive their spirit! Thank you 💪🤙🤟
I have been watching your channel for about two weeks now, getting caught up and it is wonderful! I want my comment to be one of those that makes you feel good and encouraged. I love how connected you are to your family and especially your connection with Akela. So many folks that view your channel might not appreciate the bond, love and companionship that our dogs provide and your and Akela's example of that is one of the best I've seen. So hats off to Akela! What a exemplary pack you are! (I also know how your pack grows in the future from this point and am equally amazed at the two of you in that regard as well!)
I loved your answer about knowing when you need to be alone in solitude. It's something I had to learn to. It took me a long time before I was able do that. You need to be able to recharge.
I was feeling the partner talk - not looking for anyone at the moment, and just focusing on having a good time with friends and taking care of myself, providing all the happiness I need in my life. I see you're def on the same path. So happy for you! Also, pretty much on the same spectrum, half introvert and half extrovert, so time alone in the van and outdoors are amazing too, as well as with friends or strangers I meet on the road.
This was very helpful. Loneliness is my biggest fear going fulltime in two months. I feel better because I’m ok with solitude. Thanks for the clarification!
I am 55 yrs old and I really enjoy your honesty and sense of humor. You always make me smile and I really think you are wise beyond your years. Enjoy your travels and keep making great memories!!!
ps. As a mom, I think you need to get the GPS satellite phone :)
You’re good, Linnea! Stay grounded and keep on being you!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Shooting a bow is one of the most stress relief I have had one in awhile. Wish I had one like yours.
thank you for being so open and forward. I know how hard that can be. but also how cathartic and freeing as well. watching through some of your videos this evening has been a perfect inspiration / escape from my build.
You captured the essence and purpose of solitude in such a thoughtful way... inspiring, personal and always growing.
That was just the right amount of you regarding fear, solitude & suggestions. Like making a meal and you nailed the right amt of measurements & every spices to make a perfect meal. Thank you.
Wow what a great and insightful video! I loved how you articulated yourself when answering some of those tough questions. Good job and keep filling your cup with happiness and contentness 🤗❤️🤗❤️
Been binge watching your videos. I simple like the ideas of creating and experiencing life. Thank you Ms. Linnea and Akela 😊❤
It always a big joy when a video from u show up! Thanks for u honesty and good content!
I have the highest respect for you. With so many years of social psychology education and many years of practicing, you are one of the most grounded persons I've ever had the pleasure of hearing how you deal with life
I LOVE watching your videos. I LOVE that you're so transparent about being SOLO (NOT ALONE)! I used to be the biggest social butterfly ever but as I got older I became an extreme introvert & I LOVE BEING WITH JUST ME! For so long people thought I was depressed & I even believed that but I wasn't. I just get burnt out, drained, exhausted being around people. I have been a very happy introvert for a long time now & I am NOT LONELY AT ALL. In fact that's the LAST thing I am. When I need my "dose of people" I get it but it's not often. Once a year with my brother & his family is enough for me & the occasional texts suits me just fine. I am active but active without people. I'm active with my plants & nature. I love that when you say you love nature & being outdoors you're not one of these vanlifers that has one succulent in your van & eats vegan & that's what defines you as a nature lover. I love that you fish, hunt, hike, build a fire, shower outside etc. These other solo "one with nature" vanlifers I've watched even know how to fetch their own wood much less build a fire. Not knocking them but there's a HUGE difference! Don't pay any attention to anyone questioning your "loneliness" or mental health. I believe 100% if you can be content with JUST YOU & not have that NEED for someone else to fill that hole then you are & will forever be complete with being JUST YOU WITH YOU! LOVE YOUR content & never change!
Your comment is appreciated as I gave been both a depressed introvert as well as a happy introvert and your comment is a good reminder that for some of us enjoying time alone is not necessarily a measure of one's mental health. 😊
Thank you for taking time to share with us. I appreciate your openness.
Your candor and genuineness is so refreshing. With so much on social media being about always having to be “doing something” it is refreshing to hear someone speak about solitude versus loneliness.
I have just started to look into van life seriously. I ran across your video and wanted to say thank you for your honesty in answering these questions and your view point on living with healthy fear
I love your videos Linnea you are a massive role model for me. I started my own van build in July and have loved watching your videos for tips and advice so thank you so much for making them! You are an absolute beast
that had to be the healthiest response to mental health questions I've ever heard. I absolutely love your freedom and the way you share it. thank you for your nuggets of truth and wisdom.
Linnea you have no idea how much you’ve inspired me and continue to inspire me. Thank you SO much seriously
Thank you for making this video, I appreciate your thoughtful responses and your perspectives, this is a good share. May you continue to have peaceful & joyous experiences 🌼
I so appreciate your authenticity. Your are so inspiring! This said from a MUCH older woman! Thank you !
Linnea, you are a Rockstar!! I love how you are managing your life!! Hugs girl!
Such a good video. Thank you so much for sharing. Heading out solo vanlife in a years time and your experiences and perspective is so helpful xx
So many good thoughts in this video! Especially differentiating between healthy fear and unhealthy and then learning to acknowledge it and not let it consume you. Traveling can be hard, its not always butterflies and rainbows, but it all creates growth and it changes you so much!!! I love seeing you inspire others to push themselves and change their perspective on life.
You share some very insightful viewpoints. I really liked what you said on challenging yourself with discomfort. Going off on that tangent was exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve stayed inside all summer because of the heat. Just get out there and get used to it. Live it, love it, sweat it out!
you are absoluteiy amazing. i will be 80 in Jan I am learning so much about life from you
Thanks for that! I appreciate you addressing the real stuff and who you are!
Stay safe and have a nice trip. It's good that you have Akela with you 🤗
I'm so grateful I stumbled upon your van build series. Thanks for being so genuine. :)
Thank you for sharing. We learned more about you. Stay safe and look forward in seeing your next video. Praying for safe travels.
I can’t help but feel that you youngins are more likely to tussle with loneliness than us old farts. But it can be really hard at times I remember going into the military, it was a BOOGER! But after a while I had a better life than on the outside. You have a really good perspective on many of these things. All the best and many happy trails to you kiddo.
I look forward to all your updates. You are so inspiring. I enjoy solitude as well but alas, I have to be a mom right now 😛 and girlfriend. One day, I will have solo adventures again. Thank you, Linnea for letting me live vicariously through you.
And... Thank you for taking on just the intelligent questions... You are always so refreshing... and spot on...
For such a young woman, you are very confident in yourself. Sounds like you are very happy and well adjusted. Good for you
Thank you so much for this. You should be aware of the positive impact sharing your experiences and thoughts have on others (even those who couldn’t be in more different stages of life than you are now). I am a 61 year old woman coming (I feel) out of a five year grieving period after losing my daughter who was about your age. Listening to your thoughts on dealing with anxiety and fears helps to both understand her decisions and deal with my own. I come away from watching each video with feelings of admiration and peace. 🌻
Hey Respect! I’m 55 and you inspire me, you have a great look on things and I’m sure you have your moments like we all do so keep it up. I hope to be out on the road in a year and your definitely inspiring. God bless.
You are such an amazing woman for your age! I've watched other solo women vanlifers and they are not as grounded in life like you are. You are wise beyond your years Linnea and I'm guessing it has much to do with those that raised you. Have seen you share some of your adventures with your mom and brothers and you all share a love of nature and a peaceful existence in this world. Happy travels and stay safe young lady.
Honesty and integrity are rare qualities and you display both with such quiet dignity. Your pathway to this point has clearly had its problems and fears but you're able to empathise with others and recognise their struggles might come from a completely different direction to your own. That was the best 20 minutes of CZcams I've watched in a long while, anyone can do a piece to camera and answer questions, few can hold an audience without natural sincerity, you can't fake that. Happy trails. 😊
Amazing! You remind me so much of me at that age - but you have accomplished so so much. Super cool. I’m 56 now and absolutely love my solitude and/or the time that I choose to meet up with friends. You hit the nail on the head with being “smack dab in the middle of being an extrovert and an introvert”.
My time when I travel alone with my tiny travel trailer, 3 large dogs and sometimes my cat, is my best time. And yes, I get questioned about loneliness and/or why I’m not in a relationship. I like me, I love my life and I’m not willing right now to change.
Anytime you get up to Ontario, Canada - shout out and you have a place to get your bearings and/or hang your cap for a couple days.
Cheers. Thank you for your authenticity and honesty.
I really appreciate your openness and willingness to share your life. Thank you
Linnea, you seem to have such a healthy sense of self. I look forward to each of your videos because you say so many wise things. In the next year I'll be able to purchase a minivan and start out on my own road of adventure at age 73. We're never too old to learn and experience new things. Hugs to you and Akela.
I love being by myself and even though you might not read this, I have to say thank you. I started watching you two or three days ago. And you have taught me so much I’m planning on living in a van when I’m older. You have given me some skills and tips for when I get my van. Thank you 🤗
That was really a great one I love it whenever they talk and you let us know a lot of stuff and you answer questions from all of us that is really great givea Kayla a hug from all of us keep the videos coming
Wow...I just found you. Have watched only a few of your vids but after this one and your incredibly honest approach to those personal questions.....I Subscribed💛.......I would have never answered all this questions. You're your own person seeking your own way in YOUR life.....it's really not their biz, but you handled it superbly. Congrats.... 💛🤍❤️❣️🤎🖤💙💕💗♥️💚🧡💜 I'm so impressed with you. I want to try van-life but haven't done it yet. Your strength gives me hope. Thank you💗
I feel the same way about feeling the most drained mentally and at my biggest lows once I spend an extended period of time surrounded by people. A lot of the time I leave social situations feeling so alone
Love your videos please keep making them. P.S your IG story today about breaking the news that you're straight was hilarious.
I love this so much, I just stumbled onto your channel and now I’m hooked. Just living vicariously through you! I have a big family and haven’t ever been able to have a nomadic life, I crave it so much! I really love your outlook and the way you answered these questions was on point 🙌🏼
This was a great listen. I backpack solo by choice. I can't say I've every felt lonely out there. When you're on your own, your day is full of decisions about when to stop, eat, stay on trail, take a photo, walk slow or fast, stop to take a photo, etc. There is no one else and their needs/agenda to distract you from experiencing your surroundings. I chat with other hikers on the top of passes, and keep in touch with home with my Garmin Inreach. Mostly I just send Leaving Camp and Stopping Here messages. I'm about to embark on van life for a while with my two dogs, a Malamute and a husky/shepherd mix. Floor space is a key design parameter.
Your comments about backpacking experience helping you deal with solo van life were helpful, as were your comments about listening to yourself about when to go visit a friend and when to leave.
I want to thank you. You are so lucky to know being in the outdoors is what feeds your soul. I have knew this most of my life, but to hear a young person say that is very good for the younger generation. CZcams needs more young people with your outlook. Always remember to love yourself no matter what others say or do. You need to live your life for you.
God bless you and Akela, safe roads from Russ & Keira(my dog), HA! HA!
This was a great reflection on your experiences! Enjoyed it a lot! Would love more of these Q&A style videos
Hi Linnea I just came across your channel and I think I may have picked the best one to get to know who you are and your life perspective. Very well said on a number of topics and I appreciated your openness. One thing I noticed right away are your big, pretty, expressive eyes. I love your perspectives on things and look forward to getting to know you better through your videos. And your dog, love it! Don;t have any idea where you like to hang our, I'm in Southern Oregon, but, if some day our paths were to cross I would thoroughly enjoy sitting down and talking about whatever. Be safe.
I'm hopefully buying a box truck before the end of the month.
I love camping in the middle of no where, I've spent time driving bands on tour so being away from family and friend for 6 months to 2 years is something I loved. Now it's my time. No pressure to get from city to city. Go at my pace. As for being lonely, I spent most of my free time sitting outside alone. It's peaceful.
Love your videos.You bring van life back to real life .love your down to earth approach .And your courage to bring up mental health issues .
Akela is lovely to🇮🇸🤘
As an ageing 57 year old man I find you very inspiring, love your frankness and honesty, power to you young lady. Respect.
I love your channel, I’ve been watching you for awhile and I so admire your strength & I think it’s amazing that you live your life on your own terms. I am old now but so wish I could have lived my life like that, I believe it would have made me so much happier. God bless you to continue on the journey that makes you happy
I feel a lot like you. I have always been comfortable being alone, camping alone, traveling alone, and everyone always wants to know if I'm scared. The truth is I love it. There's a huge difference between being alone and being lonely. I feel so close to nature and happiness when I am alone with my dogs. I guess it's just personality. I feel you!!
I'm glad I found this channel. Thanks for sharing.
Your intuition is your strongest weapon. Always listen to your gut and you won't go far wrong. When I haven't listened to it been in a bad situation. You remind me of a warrior woman and give me inspro to get out and live.
Love your spirit! Keep on keeping on!
Thank you ..I really appreciate you for sharing your thoughts and life. 😊
My first time....lol. very impressed with you.
I was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety at 36. I am now 61. You have expressed some excellent wisdom today.
I too get exhausted with people. Love 'em! Gotta Go!
"Loneliness is the poverty of self: solitude the the richness of self." May Sarton
I really love the vlog I’m so excited to see a new one up been waiting on the next chapter of the journey with you an akela best wishes safe travels☺️just wanna add great all around advice it’s very relaxing an mediational in a way I’m looking forward to the CZcams videos
Great video Linnea! I recently found your channel and enjoy your content. You are very wise young woman and appreciate your honesty on nomad life! Safe travels
I am amazed at your wisdom and self awareness for as young as you are. Keep exploring and staying safe..
fantastic video. thanks for your honesty. as someone who is looking to start vanlife this has been great to watch.
It’s so important and lush to have the reminder that you didn’t just build this van and off you go, you have built up years of experiences to get you to this point of your life, and this isn’t such a massive jump as it may seem! It’s easy to watch CZcams videos and think wow they just took the leap and did it but we don’t see the finer details and years of building up confidence etc I know if I built my dream van up and went off full time now it would be the worst decision for me and I need the smaller trips to build my confidence so thank you for the reminder! All the best xx
The more we experience pain, the more pain we can handle. That is so true and deep ❤️
It's wonderful that you have the courage to live the way that you want while you are young enough to enjoy it. I often wish I could turn the clock back 20 years and do the things I am now when I was healthy.
The relationship question is the worst, been getting it for 22 years now. My answer, I have my pup for companionship and that makes me happy.
We only have one life on this beautiful planet, enjoy it 🙂