Buy the shitty RV
I wanted to leave the world, but instead, I found a community.
That RV was the first choice i ever made for myself. It led me to tiktok, which changed my life. It taught me I could be brave, that I could be strong, that I could need and want and hope for things. It taught me I could ask for help, that I could persevere and push past the damage I’d undergone,
Thanks for sticking around. This journey has been crazy, but that RV brought me to a place I’d never have gotten to without it.
When I decided to buy that 'shitty RV,' it was less about glamor and more about simply needing a place to be. After facing an ugly divorce, multiple deaths, and losing my housing in my twenties, I was adrift. The RV was a beat-up, old thing, but it was *mine*. I parked it on a friend's farm, and honestly, some days I wondered what I'd done. It leaked a bit, the engine coughed, and creature comforts were practically non-existent. But it was a starting point, a blank canvas for a new life. Living in that RV taught me resourcefulness. I learned basic repairs, how to conserve water, and the true meaning of making do with what you have. This forced simplicity was a profound lesson after years of feeling overwhelmed. It was during this time that I started connecting with nature more deeply, rediscovering the 'blueberry girl' within me, a part of myself I thought was long gone. I found solace in foraging, identifying plants and fungi – a path that eventually led me to create my Fungal Chapel book, sharing my love for the natural world. This hands-on connection to the earth became a grounding force, especially after the chaos I'd endured. What truly transformed this unconventional living situation was the community I found. Through sharing my journey on platforms like TikTok, I discovered a whole network of fellow adventurers, foragers, and free spirits. They offered support, advice, and a sense of belonging I desperately needed. It wasn't just about the RV; it was about the bravery it instilled in me to reach out and connect. This newfound strength even empowered me to pursue my academic goals, ultimately earning my master's degree from Western Michigan University – something I never thought possible during those dark times. Selling the RV and moving to Michigan was another chapter, but the lessons learned from that humble, 'shitty RV' remain. It wasn't just a vehicle; it was a vessel for healing, growth, and finding my true north. If you're considering a similar unconventional path, remember that sometimes the most imperfect choices lead to the most beautiful transformations. There will be beauty, even in the struggles, and sometimes, especially then.
