I went though this, spent a great deal of time when younger trying to make friends. Older I got the less i needed or wanted to be around anyone. I rather enjoy the solitude now.
I'm right there with you. I enjoy my own company. I'm 60 years old and disabled now. I worked until I couldn't work anymore. You have to love yourself to be alone and I don't like saying alone because I feel we're never really alone , I have a higher power (God ). I will not get preachy, I'm not like that. Oh anyway I enjoy my own company but I couldn't do the van life.
Watching this right now. I had the same hopes when I moved to a large city that you had when you started your van life journey. There's so many people, opportunities and adventures and possibilities in a large city, but nobody but nobody gravitated toward me. I am literally just as lonely in a large city surrounded by hundreds of thousands of people than I am alone in my apartment. This is the start of my 5th year in this city, and still no relationship, not even so much as a single friend have I made. You're so right, life is best when shared. I'm so lonely that at times I cry so hard that sometimes I can't breathe. Loneliness is crushing. I feel like I'm well-suited for van life since I have only myself, and I'm only more lonely if I stay in one place, looking at the same things day after day, knowing I'm invisible to everyone. I love your van. It's lovely and I enjoy your content! Stay safe!
Yes.. she said it spot on that adults are clowns just juggling,.. I totally hear u, & also live alone & shocked by th pain of loneliness.. I often feel it's worse by media, movies & internet distractions that don't actually feed my soul.. alternately I'd probably read, sing, exercise/yoga or get into crafts or write letters or a book.. I think in th past loneliness was a path to SPIRITUALITY & creativity.
Get a dog and spoil it every day! Plenty of volunteer opportunities exist- help others and you will make plenty of friends while doing good in the universe= win win.
Elle, my heart goes out to you. I agree with the person who said volunteer. Do it to help others, not to make friends. Get some effective, sound counseling. Get a dog and walk it on a regular basis, because it's good for the dog and for you. Many things might help - but effective, sound counseling is probably a good place to start.
This was beautiful and at 42, girl it doesn't get any easier to find good friends. Keep the ones you find and hold on for dear life. They don't come easy. Good luck all of you on your journey and I hope for many more wonderful experiences❤️
I just found your channel & I'm happy that I have. I can't imagine how lonely it would be for someone your age to always be alone & without friends to really connect with on the road. I'm so glad you found 2 others you can connect with. I'm old enough now that being alone doesn't bother me much at all but I remember being your age & having friends were important to me. Be safe out there. It's nice to know you have others now.
I watch Mariah's channel as well and this was a YT suggestion.. days with good friends are always the best memories when traveling.. glad you found your tribe.
Anna, I do believe it is divine intervention. I am from Portland and have been watching your channel since your build and watching Mariah's channel too. When Mariah met Maddie, I was thinking to text you to tell you these girls would be a great fit, especially since you were taking a break and I suspected you were missing connection. I didn't follow through on my thoughts, but look what happened anyway! If I had daughters, I would be so honored to have such brave, bold, intelligent, introspective, honest, talented and beautiful souls as you girls. So happy you have found each other now. Enjoy the next chapter!
This reminds of being a kid and riding a bike with your friends - side by side - and laughing and talking all the way... except you guys are all in Sprinter vans!! lol
Too bad there wasn't a single Sprinter in that group. Far as I could see it they all were Fiat Ducato/Dodge Promaster RAM vans. Much better choice anyway.
This has been a brilliant story for you three and a heart warming story for us viewers - and confirmation that being with other like minded people is so great, whatever your situation. It's not a given that you are going to click with everyone you meet who is doing a similar thing to you, but when it does happen, it's great. Hope you three have many more great times together and even though you may separate and go different places at times, you have that knowledege that you have real bonds between you that distance cannot break.
As an introvert, oldby and traveler I just want to say, make friends wherever and whenever you can and keep them. With today's technology you are always within reach of the people you hold dearest. Don't become like me. This video made me smile. Thank you :)
As a young woman you are wise beyond your years. Enjoy your special moments & always find that positive thought evey day. Good luck to you and your friends on your next adventure 🤗 Take care and stay safe 🤗
Just found your channel. Very well said. Sharing is everything with like-minded people! And, definitely agree that forging deep, lasting friendships is a challenge when you're older.
One of the biggest fears we all have is to be alone. Being alone deny you the opportunities to laugh, to share, camaraderie and so much more. Sharing is also caring it also provide the opportunity to grow spiritually. Embrace your newfound friendships and enjoy every moment together. These are the moments you will remember and cherish forever.
Speak for yourself, I laugh and have happiness all alone, I think people need to find happiness with themselves, are you truly happy if you only allow yourself to be based on someone else being around?
@@yaylaj2888 “I think people need to find happiness alone” yeah fair point, but I also think the same thing could be said for friendships/companionship. Basically you can find happiness in those and never block the love that our parents and loved ones tried to give to us. “Are you truly happy if you only allow yourself to be based on someone else being around” If that someone else is a postive, kindhearted individual who loves you, accepts you and wants the best of you. Then yeah, not saying you can’t find happiness by your alone time. But there’s nothing wrong with being grateful and happy by the person you met. But hey I’m 17 year old boy who has little experience and wants to become a storyteller and explore the world. So yeah, you might not take this comment seriously lol. Anyways stay safe.
I'm 53 and there is nothing that is new to having troubles making social connections when you reach adulthood. I'm happy that you made some new friends on the road and I hope you guys continue to travel together. Social isolation can help but also can hurt. I wish you safety and and happiness in your travels.
Just binge watched a lot of your videos. I enjoy watching your journey. Thanks for putting yourself out there for us to see, and for your insights on life. All the best. -Ron
🤎 This made my heart sing and gave me chills all over... :) To see female friendships being born, right before our eyes, is such a beautiful thing to witness. Thank you for sharing Anna! Just found your channel and subscribed! 🤎
Pretty sky, and so true, each day with so many seconds and all of them needed to be, kinda tough, and it is so cool yet so hard. It is nice to see you doing this and hearing your story.
Loneliness is definitely the hardest part of van life. When your older and alone people will automatically assume that there is something wrong with you. But just be yourself and keep on trucking! Good luck to you.
Happy to be sucked in by the UA-cam algorithm. So many vanlife videos are about builds and tours and toilets and fridges, so its refreshing to see one about life. Enjoy your musings and photography and sunsets. Now a new sub, excited to see more.
Your video related to me in a special way. I don't have a van but have found making new friends harder than the time before the internet was around. Thanks for posting.
Yay, Anna! I am thrilled you met two other dynamic, solo female van dwellers. I’ve learned in a short time the nomadic is community is full of cool, nature-loving trustworthy and friendly people. I hoped you’d join a caravan of like-minded, young women to travel and camp with. We’re social creatures and we should have friends; some friendships last for a season while others last a lifetime. I think to be a good friend one must be sincere, honest, loyal, loving, forgiving, flexible and non-judgmental. I don’t know you personally yet I feel like you possess each of those qualities.😊 As always take good care, be safe and have fun. Keep exploring and thriving.😍🤗 P.S. It was great to your fur baby had fun with other adorable dogs.
Just found your channel the other day through Mariahs channel and just watched this video for first time and Subscribed! As I kove your story, the way you told this, it's "real" for so many people, and so many of us go through this in life, (even from one year to the next! It) can go from lots of friends to almost none, family to none, but also like you have here, can go from alone to making new friends all being well! ..Whether living in a (solid) "home" or travelling in a (Van-life) "Home". I admire your courage to keep going and share your story!! I am so pleased you all met and made friends!! ...I too have lost a relationship and a number of friends over the last couple of years and drifted apart from/cut out some fake/negative people I didn't need in my life... Sometimes it's better to be 'alone' than surrounded by the wrong type of, or fake, or negative People! I've been wanting to do Vanlife even before all that happened, but now I'm pretty much 'alone' as you were, having had loads of friends a partner etc, just 3 or 4 years ago! So I think I am even more determined to do it, or if not, move somewhere out to the countryside, or coast, or even abroad, buy a small plot of land or small place, perhaps try and live off Grid.. I'm definitely done with the "rat race" (and am out of it now) and now being single again, it's a big step to take, but if I do it, it's going to be next spring/summer! And then just "hope it works out for the best"!?/is financially viable after all the lockdowns etc. (Hope I can also meet some new "genuine" people / friends and ideally be nice if I could meet a lovely genuine lady to share life with and new adventures!?) You're right though in that the older you get, the harder it gets in my opinion, (to meet new people and make new friends, meet a new partner etc for sure...) Well done on your journey! (And lovely Van conversion!) And such a heartwarming/heartfelt story! Thanks for sharing.. (Us guys find it hard too, trust me! So, youre far from alone in feeling like you do/did..) Best wishes and take care, from London England 👍🏴
Thank you so much for your kind words and sharing some of your thoughts. I hope that you find your way to vanlife and are able to enjoy the open road and make memories from your fun adventures! 🙂
Great videos! I love hearing your youthful perspective on life and positive outlook. I traveled the world a generation ago, before the internet was popular. The memories you make today will influence your future in amazing ways.
Your opening statement about adult life is just that...life. Roll with it and you have chosen your path. Friendships take time to acquire. I am glad you made connection with those two young ladies. Remember, there is someone else just like you out there...reach out to others and make more friends. God bless.
I know my comment is late but I’m a super introvert and prefer my own company, but having friends to provide you with emotional support is important, and it’s not healthy to be alone all the time. And I believe this was divine timing also because I had a similar experience in my earlier twenties when I prayed for new friendships and got it, when I really needed it! Now I’m 42 and can’t be bothered anymore, lol, since my kids are EVERYTHING to me and keep me busy, but I still crave some girl talk, especially to just complain about my husband/mom life. Wishing you all the best, and thank you for representing Asian women doing the vanlife! 👏🙌
I think, solo van life is a kind of a self-finding adventure, also a spiritual one. It throws you back onto yourself and you have to deal with, what's in yourself, and how substantial it is. It can make you a stronger person and sometimes also desperate. I've got no clue about how many trialled this out and failed, had to give up because they couldn't stand the challenges (and I don't want to know this really 😬). Others did find, for what they didn't seek, or at least not by intention: A place to stay for good and perhaps find the right mate for life (Hannah Le Duggan for example). Travelling is for getting new impulses, having new experiences and finding back to oneself. And, of course, if shared with precious people like true friends, it makes it much more worth it. Thank you for this video!
hi Anna you are ahead of me on the road I am in the middle finishing my build then I will start to hit the road too hope we cross paths one day and exchange experiences until then do not give up on van life it is the only real freedom you can have ;)
KUDOS for wonderful share and video! Glad you have found friends to share the road with! Being the other end, as a Senior, even harder as i look to hit the road again soon solo, as family allows... most friends are nnot able or unwilling to travel on the road:( All the BEST to you, family and freinds! You are wise beyond your years, enjoy! Cheers from PNWEst :)
You found some wonderfull friends! That's totally awesome! Brings tears to my eyes. I know how hard it is to make friends, at 67 I have very few and none that live on the road. So very happy for all 3 of you! 🤗🥰
My 17 year old daughter is going through such similar struggles around making new friends. She wants to but is always so nervous about it. But I know she could gain a lot of happiness if she could just make those connections. It's great to see your adventure and the connections you've made. It gives me hope for my daughter. Take care.
My daughter is the same. She wants friends badly but her anxiety kicks in. I just want her to have one good friend that she can talk to or hang out with.
I am turning 53 next week, my son is 24 with anxiety, i just start some van trips last years, have to get him out off his room first, he is doing well with working in own retails business and able to deal with customer, best wish to you all.
I love your channel, Anna! I've recently been watching them from the beginning in chronological order, just so I can get all caught up with you. And I have to say- this episode brought me so much joy for you! Glad you met some kindred souls out there! Much love from Michigan!
I appreciate your story telling, your genuine honesty about topics like friendship, and you for sharing your experiences. I wish you a lovely day! PS. Making friends when you get older does get more difficult. Where it was more simple when I was in school, it now is harder as I am a 27 year-old woman. I moved to a new city, expecting to make friends easily. It was (and is) a humbling experience to realize it is not that simple.
You have a lovely way with words. I am sharing this with my daughter who is at this very moment doing a build out on her van. I know she will enjoy the wisdom you have a quired. Best of luck, and I hope for lots more shared adventures for you
Hi Anna! New Sub here. Came over from Mariah's channel. Thanks for sharing your life with us. It all comes together, most of the time, if we let it. Yeh? You guys - Mariah, Maddie and you - are smart to get to know each other. This lifestyle can be very lonely, and if we dont take care of ourselves things can get rough. Traveling together, you have community and can still maintain your independence. There's a difference between "Solo" and "Solitary", I think.
Hi! Welcome, I’m glad you stumbled by from Mariah’s channel. I appreciate your kind words. And I absolutely agree with you in that “solo” and and “solitary” are quite different. When I look back I realize how so much of my upbringing, adolescents, and young adulthood has been spent alone. So much in fact that I thought I was meant to be a “lone wolf” in life… I’ve always loved being alone and spending time alone because that’s all I’d ever known. It’s nice to finally share company and friendship with others who are willing to dive much deeper than just the surface. It’s a beautiful thing. 🙂 I’m grateful for the kind people I’ve met on the road so far.
I just ran into your channel and I can't thank you enough for the information you provide about the various campgrounds (BLM or otherwise) you've been to, etc. The way in which you express your journey has really hit me in the gut. I will be starting my summer long road trip and I will be watching your channel as I will be doing mine vicariously through yours. Take care young lady and be safe on the road.
I’ve been adulting now for some 40+ years and that very same quandary about making and keeping friends occurred to me as well. I had an opportunity to watch my daughter at 3 years old at the playground meet and make friends in minutes. It was then that I realized that the kids she was playing hadn’t; conned, manipulated, coerced, cajoled, scammed, or attempted to do anything to each other then play. As an adult we suffer the consequences of our actions and ramifications of peer pressure. Now, as an adult, I know what to look for in the disingenuous and seek out those gentle, kind souls. You make awesome videos and the outtakes are adorable. Stay safe love. 🕊🕊🕊
Loneliness vs. being alone. I have experienced both and learned to be be happy being alone when it's time to be alone. You just have to learn, young lady.
This is so cool. I even thought about contacting some of my favorite YT to see if I could trail them once I started out. They have worked out a lot of problems. The society put so many fears on traveling solo. It is dangers everywhere home burglary, mugging on the street, and much worst. Only thing if people start to see it as a money maker and try to charge. A couple of people give advice for free but several have started writing book that cost. I appreciate their trails and errors but to keep people safe I would not charge for that.
It's always better to share life with someone, being alone too long or on long journey's plays with your mind and emotions, I'm glad you found companionship with one another, stay strong and stay safe ladies.
I LOVE Watching this episode.... I wish I was young and had a van just like yours so I could meet you ALL on the road!! IF your ever in the Pacific NW.. specifically Eugene Oregon look me up!!
Wow this was so beautiful and fun to watch. I also agree that adulting + friends is really hard. Its also easy to neglect great friendships and hard to have balance. Thank you for this video!
I’m here from Maddie and Mariah’s channels and will subscribe. The three of you on your individual adventures inspires me to get my editing done. I didn’t think the hard part was the editing, I thought the hard part was getting out of the house with my 4x4 trailer. As I said to them… You can be in a city of 20 million people and never talk to a neighbor, and be alone at a Starbucks with no one to talk to, so it’s soooooo much better when seeing mountains and sunsets alone than being surrounded by strangers with nothing to say. Looking forward to more of what you have to say! :)
Hi! Welcome 🙂 thanks for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment. Editing certainly a “whole process” in itself. And I resonate deeply with what you’re saying about being surrounded by millions/being alone with one’s self in nature. Truer words never spoken.
I think I wold still think with one eye open until I got to know them better. As much as we want you to enjoy your like we want you to be protected as well.. A mothers worry never ends.
It is hard because people are already set in their ways. They're judgemental and the people who have friends have known them all their lives. They don't trust anyone else. Sometimes keeping friends means compromising your soul.
It’s sad, but it turn into a it’s all about me and mine world as a adult. I know lots and lots of people. At 54 I call 2 people friend. Trust , loyalty, honesty, and being genuine is a rare find, in a dog eat dog world.
Hey Anna, you'll realize this more and more, but you are the exact type of person that people gravitate to more and more as they get older and mature :). Even if they have to leave from time to time to focus on their own life challenges :). Thank you for sharing
So now I'm watching another of your vlogs. Lol. I'm from SLC, Utah so the stinky saltflats were a fun surprise. We use to play on them too. Carve our names in the salt. But other than that, I pretty much though they were a hot bore. Haha!! I moved to California from Utah, now I'm back in Southern Utah. Hot as he**.!! But worse. Anyway, I'm older than you gals, and should be wiser, but I'm still wondering where I belong. I figured the open road might have some answers. I lost my favorite guy to cancer 2 weeks ago... my doggie. My hear6is crushed... It came as a surprise. They Vet had diagnosed him with arthritis in August. He was gone shortly after. The day of his last appointment, they did x-rays and gave us the horrible news. It was all over in his bones and spreading to his lungs. So watching you all playing with your dogs made me cry. Again. I haven't stopped crying for 2 weeks honestly. I think your brave and definitely have a gift of expressing your thoughts in a way I do not. Thanks for sharing. Together would be better.
Independent just means you can care for yourself.. not that you have to be by yourself. You made a very important point in your video that I would like to elaborate on. I am much older... not necessarily wiser.. but older by many years ! As such, I can assure you that life as you thought it was going to be is more then likely not as you expect it to be most of the time. It can be and often is extremely disappointing... BUT... the sooner you realize this and accept it, it is how your life will be... like it or not.. try or not.. it just is ! You will be a lot stringer and better prepared for it.. thus you hopefully will avoid the down days that everyone has but not everyone has to make them even worse by dwelling on them.. it's just life.. so live it !
Give yourself time. It's a process and involves trial and error. Just live one day at a time and enjoy life to the fullest. I'm glad you've found friends along the way. That'll make your journey more interesting and fun.
Awesome video. I can relate to the heat and to how difficult it is to make friends in adulthood. So glad you found friends! My husband and I left our jobs in May and started a UA-cam channel - On the Road With Jayrod and Trina. It’s been so hot in the Southwest/Northwest area. Now we’re in Florida which is also hot! Anyway, thanks for sharing your life on the road 😀
I need my alone times, I also look forward to those brief encounters with others where we "connect", if only for a few minutes or few hours. I am 68 and disabled myself. I am married with a home to go to, but I REALLY enjoy getting out there for weeks at a time, with my truck, and my dog, and just exploring. Meeting new people is exploring as well, but I tend to be very cautious. I know others are out there for the solitude as well, and not everyone appreciates a total stranger walking into camp and introducing themselves, especially young attractive women. Does that mean I am shy? Probably, at least to some degree. That might be one reason I love hot springs. Those are areas where it is perfectly fine, even expected, to strike up conversations with total strangers.
I went though this, spent a great deal of time when younger trying to make friends. Older I got the less i needed or wanted to be around anyone. I rather enjoy the solitude now.
I'm right there with you. I enjoy my own company. I'm 60 years old and disabled now. I worked until I couldn't work anymore. You have to love yourself to be alone and I don't like saying alone because I feel we're never really alone , I have a higher power (God ). I will not get preachy, I'm not like that. Oh anyway I enjoy my own company but I couldn't do the van life.
Me too.
I do love being old enough to not give a care about anything……56 an ok alone. Maybe a good hound as well.
When you are older, you are wiser. Younger people need to share life experience together!
@@driventoaccount3276 Same here, same age too 😆 lol
Watching this right now. I had the same hopes when I moved to a large city that you had when you started your van life journey. There's so many people, opportunities and adventures and possibilities in a large city, but nobody but nobody gravitated toward me. I am literally just as lonely in a large city surrounded by hundreds of thousands of people than I am alone in my apartment. This is the start of my 5th year in this city, and still no relationship, not even so much as a single friend have I made. You're so right, life is best when shared. I'm so lonely that at times I cry so hard that sometimes I can't breathe. Loneliness is crushing. I feel like I'm well-suited for van life since I have only myself, and I'm only more lonely if I stay in one place, looking at the same things day after day, knowing I'm invisible to everyone.
I love your van. It's lovely and I enjoy your content! Stay safe!
Thank you so much for sharing a part of your story. I hope so much that friendship and companionship finds its way to you soon. 💛
What city do you live in, Elle?
Yes.. she said it spot on that adults are clowns just juggling,.. I totally hear u, & also live alone & shocked by th pain of loneliness.. I often feel it's worse by media, movies & internet distractions that don't actually feed my soul.. alternately I'd probably read, sing, exercise/yoga or get into crafts or write letters or a book.. I think in th past loneliness was a path to SPIRITUALITY & creativity.
Get a dog and spoil it every day! Plenty of volunteer opportunities exist- help others and you will make plenty of friends while doing good in the universe= win win.
Elle, my heart goes out to you. I agree with the person who said volunteer. Do it to help others, not to make friends. Get some effective, sound counseling. Get a dog and walk it on a regular basis, because it's good for the dog and for you. Many things might help - but effective, sound counseling is probably a good place to start.
When you get past your 30s it's super hard. When your past 50 it's extremely hard.
When you're in your 80's, it is all over. Most of my friends and family have all gone on to meet their Maker, whoever that is.
True....people have plans, obligations, family, issues, etc., etc.
I can’t get over how deeply aware and poetic Anna is at such a young age, what an old soul!
This was beautiful and at 42, girl it doesn't get any easier to find good friends. Keep the ones you find and hold on for dear life. They don't come easy. Good luck all of you on your journey and I hope for many more wonderful experiences❤️
Don’t think 44mis easier. It’s hard.
Actually they DO come easy- if you re- think what u think- th opposite then it will happen it's called scripting- thank me later
I just found your channel & I'm happy that I have. I can't imagine how lonely it would be for someone your age to always be alone & without friends to really connect with on the road. I'm so glad you found 2 others you can connect with. I'm old enough now that being alone doesn't bother me much at all but I remember being your age & having friends were important to me. Be safe out there. It's nice to know you have others now.
thank you Karen 😊💛✨
I watch Mariah's channel as well and this was a YT suggestion.. days with good friends are always the best memories when traveling.. glad you found your tribe.
Anna, I do believe it is divine intervention. I am from Portland and have been watching your channel since your build and watching Mariah's channel too. When Mariah met Maddie, I was thinking to text you to tell you these girls would be a great fit, especially since you were taking a break and I suspected you were missing connection. I didn't follow through on my thoughts, but look what happened anyway! If I had daughters, I would be so honored to have such brave, bold, intelligent, introspective, honest, talented and beautiful souls as you girls. So happy you have found each other now. Enjoy the next chapter!
You’re from Portland! That’s where I lived for two years and where I was when I bought my van! Thank you so much for your kind, sweet, words. 💕 ☺️
I thought the same thing ...I follow Maddy and Mariah too!
Me too, and I'm also from Portland.
Wow sounds wonderful I guess you are very intuitive aswell.
Oh damn, this made me cry so much. I’m so happy you found your tribe. Friends makes everything better
This reminds of being a kid and riding a bike with your friends - side by side - and laughing and talking all the way... except you guys are all in Sprinter vans!! lol
lol I love that imagery!!! Haha your comment is one of the best I’ve read all day 😆
Too bad there wasn't a single Sprinter in that group. Far as I could see it they all were Fiat Ducato/Dodge Promaster RAM vans. Much better choice anyway.
This has been a brilliant story for you three and a heart warming story for us viewers - and confirmation that being with other like minded people is so great, whatever your situation. It's not a given that you are going to click with everyone you meet who is doing a similar thing to you, but when it does happen, it's great. Hope you three have many more great times together and even though you may separate and go different places at times, you have that knowledege that you have real bonds between you that distance cannot break.
As an introvert, oldby and traveler I just want to say, make friends wherever and whenever you can and keep them. With today's technology you are always within reach of the people you hold dearest. Don't become like me. This video made me smile. Thank you :)
Gosh dang it your poetic style has me crying in the coffee shop
🥺 awe… well honestly, that’s the kinda energy I was going for 🥰😉
All that salt on the dog feet isn't good for them
Cuz you were PMS’ing?
I'm glad you found them. Even as an introvert and loner I miss people sometimes.
As a young woman you are wise beyond your years. Enjoy your special moments & always find that positive thought evey day. Good luck to you and your friends on your next adventure 🤗 Take care and stay safe 🤗
Just found your channel. Very well said. Sharing is everything with like-minded people! And, definitely agree that forging deep, lasting friendships is a challenge when you're older.
One of the biggest fears we all have is to be alone. Being alone deny you the opportunities to laugh, to share, camaraderie and so much more. Sharing is also caring it also provide the opportunity to grow spiritually. Embrace your newfound friendships and enjoy every moment together. These are the moments you will remember and cherish forever.
well said, absolutely ✨
You are such a wise soul, always be unapologetically you.
Speak for yourself, I laugh and have happiness all alone, I think people need to find happiness with themselves, are you truly happy if you only allow yourself to be based on someone else being around?
@@yaylaj2888 I agree with you I love my own company, I’m married but love my own space I really appreciate being on my own.
@@yaylaj2888 “I think people need to find happiness alone” yeah fair point, but I also think the same thing could be said for friendships/companionship. Basically you can find happiness in those and never block the love that our parents and loved ones tried to give to us.
“Are you truly happy if you only allow yourself to be based on someone else being around”
If that someone else is a postive, kindhearted individual who loves you, accepts you and wants the best of you. Then yeah, not saying you can’t find happiness by your alone time. But there’s nothing wrong with being grateful and happy by the person you met.
But hey I’m 17 year old boy who has little experience and wants to become a storyteller and explore the world. So yeah, you might not take this comment seriously lol. Anyways stay safe.
Theses moments are even better when shared 🥰
I'm 53 and there is nothing that is new to having troubles making social connections when you reach adulthood. I'm happy that you made some new friends on the road and I hope you guys continue to travel together. Social isolation can help but also can hurt. I wish you safety and and happiness in your travels.
Just binge watched a lot of your videos. I enjoy watching your journey. Thanks for putting yourself out there for us to see, and for your insights on life. All the best. -Ron
So glad you all found each other, life and all of its wonders are so much sweeter when shared with good friends 👍
Even harder to maintain relationship with families, siblings
Friends are next level, u can keep or cut .
Your smile says it all. So glad you are enjoying your travels now.
🤎 This made my heart sing and gave me chills all over... :) To see female friendships being born, right before our eyes, is such a beautiful thing to witness. Thank you for sharing Anna! Just found your channel and subscribed! 🤎
Pretty sky, and so true, each day with so many seconds and all of them needed to be, kinda tough, and it is so cool yet so hard. It is nice to see you doing this and hearing your story.
Loneliness is definitely the hardest part of van life. When your older and alone people will automatically assume that there is something wrong with you. But just be yourself and keep on trucking! Good luck to you.
Everything is sweeter when it is shared with friends.
New found friends are always great! So happy for you.
Thank you for that video! Truth is no matter how you live your life, it is better shared! Thanks for the sweet reminder!!! You are a sweet spirit!!!
It's wonderful to watch the world through the eyes of traveling van lifers. Thankyou so much for sharing. You have more friends then you know.
"Happiness is only real when shared" Christopher McCandless 💡 This quote has stayed with me.
Happy to be sucked in by the UA-cam algorithm. So many vanlife videos are about builds and tours and toilets and fridges, so its refreshing to see one about life. Enjoy your musings and photography and sunsets. Now a new sub, excited to see more.
8:47 Van life is a helll of a lot of fun. But let me be clear- Van life is also HELLA HARD.” Word. I can’t put into words how much I love this video
no pain no gain.
Your video related to me in a special way. I don't have a van but have found making new friends harder than the time before the internet was around. Thanks for posting.
Yay, Anna! I am thrilled you met two other dynamic, solo female van dwellers. I’ve learned in a short time the nomadic is community is full of cool, nature-loving trustworthy and friendly people. I hoped you’d join a caravan of like-minded, young women to travel and camp with. We’re social creatures and we should have friends; some friendships last for a season while others last a lifetime. I think to be a good friend one must be sincere, honest, loyal, loving, forgiving, flexible and non-judgmental. I don’t know you personally yet I feel like you possess each of those qualities.😊 As always take good care, be safe and have fun. Keep exploring and thriving.😍🤗 P.S. It was great to your fur baby had fun with other adorable dogs.
So glad you got to experience it with others. I wish you continued fun in your travels!
Just found your channel the other day through Mariahs channel and just watched this video for first time and Subscribed! As I kove your story, the way you told this, it's "real" for so many people, and so many of us go through this in life, (even from one year to the next! It) can go from lots of friends to almost none, family to none, but also like you have here, can go from alone to making new friends all being well! ..Whether living in a (solid) "home" or travelling in a (Van-life) "Home". I admire your courage to keep going and share your story!! I am so pleased you all met and made friends!! ...I too have lost a relationship and a number of friends over the last couple of years and drifted apart from/cut out some fake/negative people I didn't need in my life... Sometimes it's better to be 'alone' than surrounded by the wrong type of, or fake, or negative People!
I've been wanting to do Vanlife even before all that happened, but now I'm pretty much 'alone' as you were, having had loads of friends a partner etc, just 3 or 4 years ago! So I think I am even more determined to do it, or if not, move somewhere out to the countryside, or coast, or even abroad, buy a small plot of land or small place, perhaps try and live off Grid.. I'm definitely done with the "rat race" (and am out of it now) and now being single again, it's a big step to take, but if I do it, it's going to be next spring/summer! And then just "hope it works out for the best"!?/is financially viable after all the lockdowns etc. (Hope I can also meet some new "genuine" people / friends and ideally be nice if I could meet a lovely genuine lady to share life with and new adventures!?) You're right though in that the older you get, the harder it gets in my opinion, (to meet new people and make new friends, meet a new partner etc for sure...)
Well done on your journey! (And lovely Van conversion!) And such a heartwarming/heartfelt story! Thanks for sharing.. (Us guys find it hard too, trust me! So, youre far from alone in feeling like you do/did..)
Best wishes and take care, from London England 👍🏴
Thank you so much for your kind words and sharing some of your thoughts. I hope that you find your way to vanlife and are able to enjoy the open road and make memories from your fun adventures! 🙂
This truly spoke to my heart. I really enjoy your videos and look forward to following your journey. Stay safe dear and many blessings to you.
Great videos! I love hearing your youthful perspective on life and positive outlook. I traveled the world a generation ago, before the internet was popular. The memories you make today will influence your future in amazing ways.
I'm so glad you found travel companions.
Your opening statement about adult life is just that...life. Roll with it and you have chosen your path. Friendships take time to acquire. I am glad you made connection with those two young ladies. Remember, there is someone else just like you out there...reach out to others and make more friends. God bless.
It warmed my heart to see you find new friends and that your joy was restored. God bless.
This made me cry and gives me hope. I love to see this 😇🤍
Always find good people on the road; matter of fact they're the best people I've ever met.
This was the video that I accidentally ran into your channel. And I'm glad that I did.
I know my comment is late but I’m a super introvert and prefer my own company, but having friends to provide you with emotional support is important, and it’s not healthy to be alone all the time. And I believe this was divine timing also because I had a similar experience in my earlier twenties when I prayed for new friendships and got it, when I really needed it! Now I’m 42 and can’t be bothered anymore, lol, since my kids are EVERYTHING to me and keep me busy, but I still crave some girl talk, especially to just complain about my husband/mom life. Wishing you all the best, and thank you for representing Asian women doing the vanlife! 👏🙌
Your honesty speaks to my fears & my hopes. Love, friends, family: life is meant to be shared.
I think, solo van life is a kind of a self-finding adventure, also a spiritual one. It throws you back onto yourself and you have to deal with, what's in yourself, and how substantial it is. It can make you a stronger person and sometimes also desperate. I've got no clue about how many trialled this out and failed, had to give up because they couldn't stand the challenges (and I don't want to know this really 😬). Others did find, for what they didn't seek, or at least not by intention: A place to stay for good and perhaps find the right mate for life (Hannah Le Duggan for example). Travelling is for getting new impulses, having new experiences and finding back to oneself. And, of course, if shared with precious people like true friends, it makes it much more worth it. Thank you for this video!
hi Anna you are ahead of me on the road I am in the middle finishing my build then I will start to hit the road too hope we cross paths one day and exchange experiences until then do not give up on van life it is the only real freedom you can have ;)
KUDOS for wonderful share and video! Glad you have found friends to share the road with! Being the other end, as a Senior, even harder as i look to hit the road again soon solo, as family allows... most friends are nnot able or unwilling to travel on the road:( All the BEST to you, family and freinds! You are wise beyond your years, enjoy! Cheers from PNWEst :)
You found some wonderfull friends! That's totally awesome! Brings tears to my eyes. I know how hard it is to make friends, at 67 I have very few and none that live on the road. So very happy for all 3 of you! 🤗🥰
Gets worse as you get older, good luck enjoy the simple things in life, friends are the foundation.
So cool, I was reading through comments on Mariah's videos and decided to click on your profile. Glad to see you young ladies connected.
What a amazing way you tell a story. Like A poem . Like poetry .
I find the same struggle with loneliness with sailboat life aswell and it is so much better when shared with friends I love the honesty
My 17 year old daughter is going through such similar struggles around making new friends. She wants to but is always so nervous about it. But I know she could gain a lot of happiness if she could just make those connections. It's great to see your adventure and the connections you've made. It gives me hope for my daughter. Take care.
My daughter is the same. She wants friends badly but her anxiety kicks in. I just want her to have one good friend that she can talk to or hang out with.
I am turning 53 next week, my son is 24 with anxiety, i just start some van trips last years, have to get him out off his room first, he is doing well with working in own retails business and able to deal with customer, best wish to you all.
I’m 44 and I’m dealing too. Especially when changing from self destructive to self loving.
I love your channel, Anna! I've recently been watching them from the beginning in chronological order, just so I can get all caught up with you. And I have to say- this episode brought me so much joy for you! Glad you met some kindred souls out there! Much love from Michigan!
I am so GLAD you met/know Mariah Alice, I subscribed to her as well. The two of you are really interesting, brave, and sweet individuals.
I appreciate your story telling, your genuine honesty about topics like friendship, and you for sharing your experiences. I wish you a lovely day!
PS. Making friends when you get older does get more difficult. Where it was more simple when I was in school, it now is harder as I am a 27 year-old woman. I moved to a new city, expecting to make friends easily. It was (and is) a humbling experience to realize it is not that simple.
You have a lovely way with words. I am sharing this with my daughter who is at this very moment doing a build out on her van. I know she will enjoy the wisdom you have a quired. Best of luck, and I hope for lots more shared adventures for you
Hi Anna! New Sub here. Came over from Mariah's channel. Thanks for sharing your life with us. It all comes together, most of the time, if we let it. Yeh?
You guys - Mariah, Maddie and you - are smart to get to know each other. This lifestyle can be very lonely, and if we dont take care of ourselves things can get rough. Traveling together, you have community and can still maintain your independence. There's a difference between "Solo" and "Solitary", I think.
Hi! Welcome, I’m glad you stumbled by from Mariah’s channel. I appreciate your kind words. And I absolutely agree with you in that “solo” and and “solitary” are quite different.
When I look back I realize how so much of my upbringing, adolescents, and young adulthood has been spent alone. So much in fact that I thought I was meant to be a “lone wolf” in life…
I’ve always loved being alone and spending time alone because that’s all I’d ever known. It’s nice to finally share company and friendship with others who are willing to dive much deeper than just the surface. It’s a beautiful thing. 🙂 I’m grateful for the kind people I’ve met on the road so far.
So wholesome, I agree it's so lonely being an adult.
Great content! Love watching while I’m at work.
I just ran into your channel and I can't thank you enough for the information you provide about the various campgrounds (BLM or otherwise) you've been to, etc. The way in which you express your journey has really hit me in the gut. I will be starting my summer long road trip and I will be watching your channel as I will be doing mine vicariously through yours. Take care young lady and be safe on the road.
This makes me so happy! Thank you for sharing!
Yes it is. Much harder to make friends the older one gets.
I’ve been adulting now for some 40+ years and that very same quandary about making and keeping friends occurred to me as well. I had an opportunity to watch my daughter at 3 years old at the playground meet and make friends in minutes. It was then that I realized that the kids she was playing hadn’t; conned, manipulated, coerced, cajoled, scammed, or attempted to do anything to each other then play. As an adult we suffer the consequences of our actions and ramifications of peer pressure. Now, as an adult, I know what to look for in the disingenuous and seek out those gentle, kind souls. You make awesome videos and the outtakes are adorable. Stay safe love. 🕊🕊🕊
This sounds so much better than being totally alone . . . forever!
Your connection to these two is beautiful! Happy for you all!
Loneliness vs. being alone. I have experienced both and learned to be be happy being alone when it's time to be alone. You just have to learn, young lady.
You showed up on my UA-cam fyp today for the first time and this is the second video I’ve watched and I feel like I’m watching a poem
This is so cool. I even thought about contacting some of my favorite YT to see if I could trail them once I started out. They have worked out a lot of problems. The society put so many fears on traveling solo. It is dangers everywhere home burglary, mugging on the street, and much worst. Only thing if people start to see it as a money maker and try to charge. A couple of people give advice for free but several have started writing book that cost. I appreciate their trails and errors but to keep people safe I would not charge for that.
Exactly humans are made to share one another. Cheers!
It's always better to share life with someone, being alone too long or on long journey's plays with your mind and emotions, I'm glad you found companionship with one another, stay strong and stay safe ladies.
U go girls, I have to give u credit for ur bravery. May God protect u all on the road.🙏🏻
Such a wonderful adventure. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Beautiful message. Your voice is so calming.
Damn I’m blown away. It’s the second video I watched from you now. The first video made me a fan instantly. Can’t wait to go through all your videos.
thank you so much 🙏🙂💛
" Best moments are meant to be shared " , couldn't have said it better myself👍.
I LOVE Watching this episode.... I wish I was young and had a van just like yours so I could meet you ALL on the road!! IF your ever in the Pacific NW.. specifically Eugene Oregon look me up!!
so glad you guys met up.....van life can be great either way, but a little "caravanning" now and again rocks, for sure!....
Wow this was so beautiful and fun to watch. I also agree that adulting + friends is really hard. Its also easy to neglect great friendships and hard to have balance. Thank you for this video!
I’m here from Maddie and Mariah’s channels and will subscribe. The three of you on your individual adventures inspires me to get my editing done. I didn’t think the hard part was the editing, I thought the hard part was getting out of the house with my 4x4 trailer. As I said to them… You can be in a city of 20 million people and never talk to a neighbor, and be alone at a Starbucks with no one to talk to, so it’s soooooo much better when seeing mountains and sunsets alone than being surrounded by strangers with nothing to say. Looking forward to more of what you have to say! :)
Hi! Welcome 🙂 thanks for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment. Editing certainly a “whole process” in itself. And I resonate deeply with what you’re saying about being surrounded by millions/being alone with one’s self in nature. Truer words never spoken.
Beautiful story! You brought tears to my eyes and so happy for you!!! 🥰
I think I wold still think with one eye open until I got to know them better. As much as we want you to enjoy your like we want you to be protected as well.. A mothers worry never ends.
It is hard because people are already set in their ways. They're judgemental and the people who have friends have known them all their lives. They don't trust anyone else. Sometimes keeping friends means compromising your soul.
It’s sad, but it turn into a it’s all about me and mine world as a adult. I know lots and lots of people. At 54 I call 2 people friend. Trust , loyalty, honesty, and being genuine is a rare find, in a dog eat dog world.
Hey Anna, you'll realize this more and more, but you are the exact type of person that people gravitate to more and more as they get older and mature :). Even if they have to leave from time to time to focus on their own life challenges :). Thank you for sharing
thank you so much. you’re so kind for saying such thoughtful, nice things ☺️
You are so creative! Love your editing style and please don’t lose yourself in this UA-cam thing. Keep your self and style...it works for success.🙌
This was a beautiful episode!! Thank you for sharing!!
So now I'm watching another of your vlogs. Lol. I'm from SLC, Utah so the stinky saltflats were a fun surprise. We use to play on them too. Carve our names in the salt. But other than that, I pretty much though they were a hot bore. Haha!! I moved to California from Utah, now I'm back in Southern Utah. Hot as he**.!! But worse. Anyway, I'm older than you gals, and should be wiser, but I'm still wondering where I belong. I figured the open road might have some answers. I lost my favorite guy to cancer 2 weeks ago... my doggie. My hear6is crushed... It came as a surprise. They Vet had diagnosed him with arthritis in August. He was gone shortly after. The day of his last appointment, they did x-rays and gave us the horrible news. It was all over in his bones and spreading to his lungs. So watching you all playing with your dogs made me cry. Again. I haven't stopped crying for 2 weeks honestly. I think your brave and definitely have a gift of expressing your thoughts in a way I do not. Thanks for sharing. Together would be better.
Independent just means you can care for yourself.. not that you have to be by yourself. You made a very important point in your video that I would like to elaborate on. I am much older... not necessarily wiser.. but older by many years ! As such, I can assure you that life as you thought it was going to be is more then likely not as you expect it to be most of the time. It can be and often is extremely disappointing... BUT... the sooner you realize this and accept it, it is how your life will be... like it or not.. try or not.. it just is ! You will be a lot stringer and better prepared for it.. thus you hopefully will avoid the down days that everyone has but not everyone has to make them even worse by dwelling on them.. it's just life.. so live it !
Here from Mariahs channel.. Wud love to see a van tour friend
Just found your channel after watching Mariah Alice ☺️
Give yourself time. It's a process and involves trial and error. Just live one day at a time and enjoy life to the fullest. I'm glad you've found friends along the way. That'll make your journey more interesting and fun.
So happy that you've find your van life tribe.
Paths may cross, but the journey is yours. They have their own journey.
Awesome video. I can relate to the heat and to how difficult it is to make friends in adulthood. So glad you found friends! My husband and I left our jobs in May and started a UA-cam channel - On the Road With Jayrod and Trina. It’s been so hot in the Southwest/Northwest area. Now we’re in Florida which is also hot! Anyway, thanks for sharing your life on the road 😀
Monterey Ca. Best Weather in the Country. Mariahs home town.
Yes. Also my home town. Ugh why did I move?!
I need my alone times, I also look forward to those brief encounters with others where we "connect", if only for a few minutes or few hours. I am 68 and disabled myself. I am married with a home to go to, but I REALLY enjoy getting out there for weeks at a time, with my truck, and my dog, and just exploring. Meeting new people is exploring as well, but I tend to be very cautious. I know others are out there for the solitude as well, and not everyone appreciates a total stranger walking into camp and introducing themselves, especially young attractive women. Does that mean I am shy? Probably, at least to some degree. That might be one reason I love hot springs. Those are areas where it is perfectly fine, even expected, to strike up conversations with total strangers.