I’m living out of a van, on purpose.
one of the SEVEN adorable puppies
The popular culture of our generation leads us to believe we need the latest style of clothing, computers, Ipods, cell phones, cars, and so on. In this environment it’s easy to compare ourselves to one another and think we need more than we have. Within occupations we see the people with larger paychecks and bigger houses and assume the accompaniment of happiness. Money and possessions don’t bring true happiness; we all know this. Yet status and wealth are so idolized in advertisements, television, etc., that it slowly seeps into the subconscious until individuals feel the need for more, more, more. Trouble results when everyone measures themselves by the same standard of success. I need to free myself from this comparison. Comparison creates conformity. If I don’t fight it, society will transform me to fit the normative mold; I’ve witnessed its ability to shape and destroy lives. I’ve seen people using the vices of society to fill personal voids, and in doing so, become distanced from reality, each other, and ultimately themselves. I won’t allow this to happen to myself. Let me also acknowledge the fact that plenty of wonderful people live very comfortably within systems, while maintaining their passions, their independent and open mind, and their dreams. With that said, I’m taking this opportunity to explore these and other people, “normal” and “alternative” ways of living (and making a living), and the ideals and values we collectively and individually hold in this country.
Life is essentially beautiful; and as such, I want to experience what’s essential in life in order to experience the beauty of its truth.
So now I’m living out of a van, sleeping in a tent, and showering in an ice-cold hose. Yes, this is extreme, but I feel the need to get away from all the distractions that permeated my life. I wasn’t living purposefully, mindfully, or spontaneously. I was following the predetermined path towards “success”. It’s easy to do so. In school teachers told me what to learn and how to be “successful”, so I read the books, listened to the lectures, and regurgitated it all back on the essay or test. I was passively learning. Now I choose to challenge myself to go out and experience, talk, act, observe and learn – pursue a life-long education that cultivates my mind and heart, not just academic intelligence. I choose to balance passion with responsibility. I choose to live spontaneously, ending the cycle of imitations. Each day is different, each moment is unique, and I will live each one as so.
I need to thank my Dad for supporting my decision to leave the secure path and venture off on my own. I know it must’ve been hard in the beginning, but your support has come to provide encouragement and peace of mind. You’re assisting in the liberation of my potential.
Posting your comment
caroline | June 2, 2009 @ 3:44 pm
You’re a brave woman, Katie, and you’ve chosen the “road not taken”-
I think you are partially right about conformity, though. As you live your life you will find, in surprising places, people who at their core posess spirits have never conformed, while they have made adjustments to living life in ways that appear to be normal or average. In fact, you’ll probably meet many of them in your BAD travels.
Life happens.
Everyone has a story.
We must just choose to listen, as you have. I marvel at the stories you will hear.
BadKatie | June 25, 2009 @ 1:07 am
That’s very true. There are many people that have simply adapted in some ways, while absolutely maintaining their dreams and free mind. I didn’t acknowledge this at all, and I’m glad you called me out. I did some additions in that paragraph, hopefully it’ll do it some justice.