The 3 Secrets to Making Friends on the Road (or Anywhere!)

I have been traveling solo in my 17 foot Casita Travel Trailer for almost 4 months now. I left my community, family and friends behind in Denver to go on this epic life adventure. Would I be lonely? Would I meet people? How would I get my social needs met?

I have a pretty even balance of introvert and extrovert, with a slight leaning towards introvert... I must have solitude and alone time to ground and regenerate my energy. But what about my need for connection, community and meaningful conversation? I've discovered what works for me... and more importantly, what my purpose and goal is in engaging with others out in the world.

The Secret? 

...staying open to possibilities, being present to the moment, and most importantly, having a willingness to connect and join with another human from a place of curiosity, kindness, and acceptance.

1. Staying Open To Possibilities

I am (almost) always open to any possibility to engage with another. Since I never know when an opportunity may arise, I am intentional in leaving my heart open and being energetically inviting. I may feel inspired or moved to say something to someone I come across... or I try to remain aware of others initiating or reaching out to me.

2. Being Present To the Moment

Once a connection has been established, I put aside any thoughts or activities that I was engaged in, face the person, make eye contact, and give them my full and complete attention. I know that any interaction I have may last only a few moments, so I don't want to miss any opportunity to interact in a loving way.

3. Having the Willingness To Join

Most important of all is my willingness and commitment to see the sameness and commonality that joins me with all human beings everywhere! We all know how different we can be, but aside from the social conditioning we have received that constantly points out our differences (in often very judgmental ways), we are all far more the same than we are different! 

We all want to feel happy and safe. We all have people and/or pets in our life that we love. We all desire to be heard and acknowledged. We all want to be forgiven for our mistakes and to be treated with kindness and compassion.

 My purpose and my mission (I have come to discover) is to focus on how I am the same as you. No matter how different we may think or believe, no matter how different our life circumstances are, no matter how differently we perceive the world, we are capable of finding ways to join in our oneness and overlook our differences.

I do this by being kind. I do this by being curious and interested in who you are. I do this by accepting you for who you are and not judging you. I do this by not taking things personally.

That is how we will heal humanity and create peace on earth. I cannot fix or control the insanity we all witness on this planet, but I can heal it in myself, cultivate my own peace, and then demonstrate and extend that into the world around me.

Will you join me in focusing on Unity? Will you join me in not automatically judging what we perceive as "wrong" or "different" in another? Will you join me in finding what we have in common? When we are judging or comparing ourselves to others, we are only hurting ourselves. We are free to choose what we focus on and miraculously shift the resulting reality we have in this human experience we call life.

That's how I make friends on the road! :)))

Living Life in the Slow Lane

took my little camper with me as I toured the Petrified Forest National Park

I'm waking up every day filled with awe and gratitude for this life I am privileged to live. Since my last blog post one month ago, I have traveled over 1600 miles, which is somewhat high for sustainable full-time living... at least for me. I'm trying to give myself a break for now, though, as I navigate this lifestyle and find my sea legs! ...and move away from colder climates as winter approaches. 

So grateful for the opportunity to experience the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta!

One of the discoveries I am most excited about is the benefits derived from "living life in the slow lane"! Literally. When I drive on the highways and even the country roads, I'm never in a hurry. I love being the slowest vehicle on the road... it's so much more relaxing than always trying to pass the next guy. I'm gentle with the gas pedal and try to avoid any kind of fast acceleration. That's not to say I'm driving unsafely. With a 75 mph speed limit, I'm usually cruising at about 65... which is the upper edge of safety for my little one axle trailer. 

I'm normally getting passed up on the highway by these bigger guys!

The clearest benefit of my leisurely cruising speed is the improved gas mileage... I'm getting upwards of 17 or more mpg when I'm towing!!! (around 22 when I'm not!) I had nightmares of excruciatingly low efficiency when I read other's experience of getting 12 mpg with a similar truck... ouch. It's truly remarkable how big an impact leisurely driving has on the bottom line. 

Let me spell it out. If I drive 1600 miles at 12 mpg, that is 133 gallons... at 17 mpg, it takes only 94 gallons to go the same distance. That's a savings of 39 gallons! ...about $100. :)))  Wooohooo!! So slowing down, relaxing, and enjoying the ride is helpful any way you look at it! 

with a smaller trailer, I'm easily able to back into any camp site :)

As I continue on this journey, I love my little camper more and more. It's easily managed by me and tows like a dream... it tracks beautifully behind my truck and there is almost no sway when it's windy or when big semi's pass me. Driving is actually a joy, which I am so very grateful for... I love to drive and towing has not dampened that experience for me. Of course I must be more mindful of road conditions and not driving into a place I can't get out of, but my little Casita is perfect for me. <3 

Exploring the Gran Quivira Ruins in New Mexico

I have experienced much diversity and beauty in my travels so far. When one has time to stop in small towns and explore areas in more depth, it's amazing the things you get to see! I'm still cultivating a flow for what I do and where I go... even when I think I know what's next, it often changes in the blink of an eye. 

I wasn't certain where I would be camping after my visit to the Petrified Forest... I checked out the "free campground" at the gift shop just outside the south entrance of the park and decided to stay for the night. I was a little nervous about being all by myself here, but it was awesome!! 

I have learned to not be attached to any of my ideas about planning. My only rule of thumb is that I at least have a destination in mind before starting the engine. It can always change, but even if all I know is that I'm gong to pull over at the next rest stop, that's good enough for me. Often, even when I think I know, everything will change. I'm grateful to have the freedom and ability to follow my flow wherever it takes me. I'm definitely getting used to this way of life!!

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As a reminder, please follow me on my RV Facebook page and on my Instagram page for more regular updates and photos if you'd like to see more of my day to day journey! 

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Here are some more pics of my various adventures...

Taking time to explore the area around my campground... Storrie Lake State Park in New Mexico

The Rio Grande River near Albuquerque 

Taking time to make new friends... in Trinidad at the One Raggio Art Gallery 

Exploring my creativity... an abstract Casita magically appeared from a few swirly lines! 

hiking at Lathrop State Park in Southern Colorado

pull-through campsites are nice, but I'm totally not intimidated by backing in!

even when exploring in my truck, I love to slowly cruise the backroads and not be in any hurry

visiting my amazing friends in Albuquerque who where so wonderful to take me to the  Balloon Fiesta

view from the dam overlook at Bluewater Lake State Park in New Mexico

one of my favorite shots from the Crystal Forest Trail at the Petrified Forest NP

The view of the Painted Desert took my breath away

sunset from my current campground <3 

One Month Of Living and Traveling In My Casita Camper

It's been exactly one month since I moved into my little Casita camper in the driveway... it feels like lifetimes ago. It's hard to believe that so much can happen in such a short period of time. 

Wifi is a rare commodity out in the campgrounds and remote areas I've been staying. Right now I am at a sweet little country market in Hasty, Colorado on the SE plains as I compose my first blog post on the road. I'm feeling welcome and right at home as I share space with the kind local people. :) 

My current parking spot at John Martin Reservoir State Park

I am having many amazing experiences as I venture out in fits and starts on this journey... first to the NE plains where I battled mosquitoes until I was driven out and back in the direction of Denver.  Then taking one more pass through town as I said goodbye again to family and friends, and dropped off some excess cargo that was unneeded and weighing me down.

One of the best things I did was trade in all my heavy old camera equipment and buy myself a new-fangled fancy mirrorless camera that is super small, lightweight and can do amazing things!! I cannot express how excited I am to be taking real pictures again with a real camera that is capable of doing things an iPhone camera simply cannot do.

It's an Olympus OM-D E-M10 mark ii with a Tamrom 14-150 zoom lens

So much has happened... so I will try and share some of the awarenesses that have revealed themselves to me during this last month. 

Me and my house!

What Have I learned?

• I have learned that when I follow flow and guidance, I can accomplish anything, and that things always turn out okay and usually way better than my fear was imagining.
• Living and traveling with no agenda is different than being on vacation everyday, but even more amazing since I don't have to get anywhere within a certain period of time.

Urban camping at a friend's house

• Even though I'm still getting used to the concept of needing to find a place to park every day, I love having my house with me everywhere I go!
• I adore my cute little camper and I can't imagine having anything more perfect for my needs. 

My bed is the coziest bed I have EVER slept in!!!

• When I'm not feeling well, it's okay to rest, take it easy and not DO anything. <3 
• Whatever this is all costing me is SOO worth it! lol (although I am trying to be very conscientious about my spending)
• I'm not really getting lonely and I enjoy my solitude... but social media helps me feel connected and never alone. And I so appreciate my wonderful friends who reach out with texts and phone calls to say hello and check on me!
• I love experiencing wildlife in it's natural habitat! It makes me a little giddy and full of awe and gratitude.

The deer have been fairly tame and mostly friendly.

My most exciting wildlife encounter!

• There are always nice and friendly people in the world. <3 
• I feel so snugly and safe in my camper... I have not had one moment of being afraid! 
• I'm getting super good at backing up my trailer!!

Following the road unknown and discovering my fortitude

• I love being in new places all the time... I'm cultivating the sense of when to stay and when to go. 
• I like State Parks for camping... and although I've done without, I'm getting spoiled having electricity! 
• I'm doing about as well as I imagined I would.... and am excited to see what's next  :)))

Bye for now!!! 

Oh, by the way... my blog posts are quite random and far between, but I post almost every day on my Facebook group page. So if you don't want to miss any of my adventures, please follow me here:

My HugHealer Facebook Page

Here are a few more of my favorite photographs so far:

Crescent moon over Lake Pueblo

Sun setting over Lake Pueblo

I loved these birds beautiful song... at John Martin Reservoir State Park

John Martin Dam - it was gigantic! 

Getting Clarity On My "RV Life" Purpose

I'm exactly one week from turning over my house to the new tenants. There are lots of feelings and emotions flowing through my awareness. It's hard to believe I accomplished the tasks of buying a truck, finding my dream camper, and renting my house out in less than 3 months since I got my full "YES" to go on this epic solo adventure into the wild mystery.  The timing has been rather perfect and every step of the way I have felt miraculously guided and supported.

My pace is slowing down and although there is still plenty to do, it all feels less urgent. I've pretty much packed everything into the Casita and truck except for my clothes, bedding, and last of my toiletries. I have allocated the remaining space for all the final pieces of the puzzle... I'm good at puzzles, smile.

Part of me wants to just get on the road already! But I continue to relax into the flow, visit some of my favorite places, and spend time with people I love... while waiting for Labor Day weekend to pass so I can avoid the crowds and feel more relaxed about my pace and the possibilities of where I can camp.

I'm also super scared, but if I wasn't scared I think that would mean I'm not really stretching myself... I feel like this is the biggest thing I have ever done in my life! I know that amazing experiences will be embracing me as I navigate this journey, and as I allow all my divine appointments to unfold.

The number one question everyone asks me is "where are you going?" Sometimes I offer some thoughts on what that might look like, but mostly I give an answer that is more about "why" than "where".

"Where" is actually not part of my job description! This journey is not about getting anywhere or being anywhere except for the present moment... my goal and purpose is to allow the universe to take over and guide me every day to only where I can be truly helpful.  And my function is to be a demonstration of trust and love... to the best of my ability.

With that being said, I will definitely be somewhere in the warmer southern regions of the country during the winter, lol! 

The next time you hear from me I'll be on the road... weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! :)))

Count Down to Launching my RV Life!

It's been just over five weeks since my Casita Travel Trailer magically appeared in my driveway… just 6 days after buying my new truck! Many people will drive 1000 miles or more to buy a used Casita, or wait 5 to 6 months when ordering a new one from the factory.

I, however, found mine through Craigslist just 10 miles away! It's a 2006 17' Freedom Deluxe model and the wonderful man I bought it from drove it to my house, backed it into my driveway, and helped me trim my pine tree so it would fit... I'd say the universe is definitely supporting me in this endeavor! :)

I am now fully committed to taking my life on the road... and I am in turbo mode learning all about RV life, deciding what to bring with me, purging and donating my personal belongings, and getting my house ready to rent out. It's an intense process doing it all so quickly, but I am ready and excited to move through the portal into this next phase of my adventure that I hope to begin by September 1st.

Saying goodbye to my kids, my community, and my friends will be the hardest part. Although I can imagine returning to the Denver area to at least visit, I am simply unsure whether I will ever live here again.... there is so much mystery and unknown in my future that I am learning to embrace. I trust that I will be guided by Spirit and that all will unfold and be revealed in divine time.

I am unattached to an outcome in any particular form, but am fully dedicated to serving and demonstrating Love to the best of my ability while living my spiritual practice and opening to the divine appointments that I'm sure the universe has scheduled for me! May our paths cross as we all navigate the changes and transitions in our lives. <3 

Preparations for the Epic Journey of a Lifetime!

Since my last blog post almost 4 months ago, and since I began meditating, my life has shifted dramatically. As I take time daily to sit in stillness and cultivate my connection to universal guidance, things have started happening!! 

I have been inspired to take the biggest leap of my life into the mysterious unknown... I have jumped off the cliff and am beginning my freefall... trusting that I will be caught in the sweet arms of Love and guided gently along my new path.

My purpose in this endeavor is to go out in the world to spread more light and love, connect with other beautiful beings on this journey of life and be a demonstrator of inspired possibilities beyond our wildest imagination, in support of the evolving consciousness of humanity.

The real commitment to moving forward into a long-term epic road adventure began with the decision to trade in my beloved fuel-efficient Honda Civic for a Nissan Frontier mid-size truck that is capable of towing up to 6,100 lbs! It's not a giant truck, but it's able to pull a smallish trailer that I am currently looking for. 

I even placed a "want ad" on Craigslist to open to the possibilities of finding the right fit... kinda like online dating for campers, lol!

As time allows and as I feel inspired, I will be posting updates of my journey. Please subscribe if you would like notifications and you can also follow me on my Instagram account by clicking 

HERE!

OMG.... just got a call to go see a Casita travel trailer this afternoon that's for sale! Wish me luck!!!

P.S. this the the one I ended up buying!!!!!

My Life as a student of "A Course in Miracles"

My Course book

I have been a serious student of "A Course in Miracles" for about 5 years now. Before that, I dabbled in the Course, but it wasn't until I had a major healing with my son that I made the decision to dive in fully and completely! 

I have made a commitment to my connection with the Divine through this teaching, and I am getting results!! I had been a "seeker" for more than 15 years before this point and I felt helpless in the face of my many challenges... nothing seemed to work... until now.

The results I am achieving through my daily commitment and practice are nothing short of miraculous, but it takes vigilance and dedication to both study and apply the teaching, not just read and analyze it. It is my #1 priority. The Course promises that if I make my connection to God/Love my primary purpose, all my needs and wants will be taken care of! It's hard to believe at the level of the world, but I find that the more I take responsibility for my experience, the more peaceful and loving my life becomes!

Another one of the beautiful things about this spiritual thought system is that it does not claim to be superior to other paths...  it is, quite simply, for those people who resonate with it. It's okay for others to have different paths because we are all loved equally by Source no matter what "course" we are taking... and we are all waking up together as the "one mind".

I have started combining my photography with ideas and phrases from "A Course in Miracles" and sharing them on my Instagram and Facebook Hug Healer pages... I welcome you to connect with me as I expand my role as a teacher and demonstrator of Love!