Ten Life Lessons from Living an Unconventional Lifestyle
I live full time in a 27-foot long Airstream in just under 200 square feet of space with all of my stuff. I’m not a minimalist nor a nomad, but I’m definitely living an unconventional lifestyle. I decided to follow my imagination down this path in hopes of discovering parts of myself I have not yet found. It has challenged me, it has taught me many things, and it continues to intrigue me to no end.
The following list was developed over several months of living in a tiny space in a dwelling that I was completely unfamiliar with. After reflecting, analyzing, and talking-it-out I chose some highlights from what I’m learning.
Number One:
The things that really matter are obvious. Everything else is supplemental. If it’s not important, there’s not a need to stress over it. If you’re stressing over a supplemental thing there is something else going on (mentally/emotionally). You need to acknowledge and work through it.
Number Two:
You’re alone a lot. It may be lonely at times, but being alone doesn’t always mean you’re lonely. Also, being used to being alone a lot can come in handy. You have to be able to be by yourself with your thoughts and be happy, healthy, and productive. Life can change rapidly and drastically and the only thing that will always be there is what you’ve got going on inside of your mind, body, and soul. This will either help you get through the tough parts of life or it will trip you up. Time spent alone can help identify your ‘inside bits’ that need a little more love and attention.
Number Three:
Change can be forced, but that doesn’t make it bad. Ask yourself what is great about the current situation and then find ways to enhance what is great. Don’t focus on what’s not great.
Number Four:
You can waste a lot of time. You have to be deliberate with creating goals and a plan to achieve them. If you don’t do things, they won’t get done because there is no one else to do them.
Number Five:
Always travel with cash. If you’re in a bind and are asking for favors, sometimes cash will get someone to do something they otherwise wouldn’t make time for. It’s also nice to surprise a good Samaritan with a twenty-dollar bill to show your appreciation.
Number Six:
Change makes you find new ways to do things. You might gain a new perspective or a better way of doing something. Or maybe you’ll just be able to say you dealt with change in a mature way and leave it at that.
Number Seven:
Everyone has a story. People will come and go. You won’t hear a story or know a soul until you care to.
Number Eight:
There is freedom in living light (both physically, mentally, and emotionally). Be in a headspace that allows you to live presently, adapt quickly, and see the good in everything.
Number Nine:
The best experiences my family and I have had are the ones that were the simplest. Reducing distractions helps to stay present, grateful, and connected.
Number Ten:
Stress can build quickly. Remind yourself that you can do it, even if ‘it’ is just getting through the next 5 minutes. Set small milestones, only focus on what you can truly control, and remind yourself often that you will get through it one way or another.
You can find me at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraeileendavidson/
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.
