After a year and a half of living in an RV full time, we hear the phrase quite a bit, “You are so Brave!”. The funny thing is, I remember that same thought of others who lived this lifestyle when we discovered RV living. I have to say though, I don’t feel brave at all.
Yes it’s scary selling the house.
Yes it hard letting go of the things inside that represented so many memories.
And yes sometimes I feel more crazy than brave.
Even after letting go of so much, t is a great feeling facing your fears to live out your dreams. The honest truth is when you are on the outside looking into this lifestyle you think about all the sacrifices you will have to endure to make it become a reality.
With that being said, once you are LIVING this lifestyle you realize that the things you give up are nothing compared to the amazing experiences gained. Downsizing has provided our family with incredible opportunities and adventures. Here are 3 advantages of how living on less can bring more joy to your life.
Family
Following the birth of our first child, it was love at first sight. After delayed infertility and almost 2 years of prayers, we were blessed to be called this little girl’s parents. She changed everything for us including our views on life and a nights sleep will never be the same.
Subsequently, when she came along, we were not focused on material things like our house, cars, clothes, and we were willing to get rid of all the “stuff” in our lives holding us back from spending more quality time as a family. So we set out on a mission to figure out how to make that happen.
My husband Nathan came across a video that changed our lives forever. We discovered there were families out there who sold almost everything and downsized to live that dream. He approached me with this idea and asked if that was ever anything I would consider.
Although a little scary, it was more scary to think of looking back on life and having regrets.
I immediately agreed and the prepping began.
Over the past year and a half of living small and becoming more minimal, our family time has grown immensely. We have eliminated any form of debt by selling our house and paying for our home on wheels in cash. We now wake up to pancake breakfasts, morning hikes, and evening sunsets together. Our time as a family is precious and we are enjoying every minute together.
Time
We have more “time” to live life and create memories together now that we have given up a larger living space. In essence that is what we have traded, less house for more living. We exchanged our 1800 square foot house for 300 square feet of living space and in return we spend less time punching a time clock and more time creating experiences that will last a lifetime.
In the past, I had never thought of time as money. But if you think about it, that is what you are trading. If I want a new car or a more expensive house, am I willing to exchange my time for that counterpart?
When I thought about my time as a currency, it changed my thinking and the path I want for my life.
Of course I would love a new car or a nicer house, but to me, I did not want it at the cost of my time. I wanted my time to be spent with my family, living and loving life. Yes, we do still work and provide value with our lives, I only want to open your eyes to the mindset that changed my life for the better and has allowed us to live a life of adventure and amazing family bonding.
Freedom
Downsizing does not mean you have to sell it all and live in an RV like we have chosen. Downsizing means something different to everyone. By cutting back, you can in return have MORE if that is what you are seeking.
Freedom to me is having a life that doesn’t stretch me thin and hold me hostage by my possessions. A life that doesn’t wake up craving more and more, but instead has a feeling of contentment of a life well-lived. We are spending more time with the ones we love and have gained a sense of freedom and flexibility that cannot be bought.
Family, Time, and Freedom are only the beginning to what can be gained from RV living or downsizing life. So be “BRAVE”, face your fears, and chase your dreams, while looking back on life with no regrets. Value your precious time. Time is a gift, so let’s make the most of it!