4 tempting reasons why i chose van life
Vanlife is a thriving movement that magnifies and takes the nomadic lifestyle to the tenth power. Although I’m sure van dwelling began prior to 2018 when the hashtag reached 4-million tags, I recently became hip to the game and have been tempted to embrace van life ever since I laid my eyes on it.
If you want to make God laugh, then tell Him your plans.
Originally, I declared I would start van life at the age of 50 but as you can see, that plan went to shreds. COVID-19 happened and the spring self-isolating pushed me to consider van dwelling much sooner. September would have been the month I moved back to Spain. I guess that’s when God put on His comedic hat and laughed out loud because He had plans of His own. Never in a million years would I have thought I’d own a van, let alone be living in one. Welp! Cheers to discernment, faith, and doing it unapologetically. Here are 4 tempting reasons why I chose van life.
Table of Contents
01. Rich in Experience
Thanks to my old friend @ArletaCraig, I’m a strong believer in the phrase “rich-in-experience.” Travel for me provides a greater education far beyond the classroom and an investment that is priceless. The travel bug bit me at the young age of six when my mother took my brother and me on our first trip, to Disney. Florida is some ways from Indiana and back then, black folk just didn’t travel. She would then go on to marry my father (technically my step-father), a white man who broadened our adventure scale. My favorite and where I really acquired my sense of exploration, was backcountry camping through Glacier National Park, Montana.
As an adult, I began to realize quickly that travel enriches you personally, professionally, and educationally – mind, body, and soul. Which is why I Founded, Globally Abroad – a study and travel abroad company committed to providing international opportunities for minority youth. So you see, #vanlife for me is another meaningful experience to learn more about the world around me, my purpose in it, and follow through with how I can contribute to it.
02. Promoting Change
The world around us, as you know it to be, is changing. Things are happening in today’s society that I just can’t believe is happening or still happening. ( *cough * COVID-19 * #BlackLivesMatter * cough *#GeorgeFloyd). Are you picking up what I’m putting down? The list goes on. And although van dwelling is not new on the scene, there are a gazillion and one people who aren’t aware that they can live alternatively. Heck, I didn’t know until this past spring. I mean – to be honest, I use to think that, if someone is living in a big white van then they are either a serial killer or homeless.
Quiet as it’s kept, the latter is actually true for me. I haven’t lived in a home that I called “mine” since 2017 when I quit my corporate job to become a flight attendant. But that’s a different story. The point that I’m trying to make here is that this new way of living, breaking away from the norms, brings about change. Especially for the black community. What black girl you know lives in a van? I’ll wait! (there are actually are a few but I just wanted to add dramatics to that statement. LOL).
I also chose van life because it promotes change within myself. I know myself. I know that whenever I’m in one place for far too long, I tend to feel stagnant, confined, or limited. And ain’t nobody got time for that. I THRIVE on change! That has been proven time and time again and I am 100 percent here for it!
03. To Be Challenged
Now, I’m not the brightest star in the sky, but the fact that I challenged myself to figure. it. out. and jump this far off the deep end deserves a pat on the back. I’m quite impressed with myself honestly. After two-weeks of obsessing over this lifestyle, I found myself flying to Georgia to pick up my newly purchased, big white van. I’ll say that again for those in the back – after only TWO WEEKS, I took that leap of faith! I love a good challenge. However, it wasn’t all about seeing “if I could or would actually go through it.”
I wanted to challenge myself to live more simplistic, shift out of my comfort zone, and challenge the “van life is for non-melanated couples” stereotype. I call bull, and I’ll show you that anyone can do it if I can. Catch me outside, how bout dat?
04. Freedom
My very fine eye doctor (he knows he foooiiinne!!!) said that I’m a free spirit and I would have to agree … to an extent. If you tell me that I have to be confined to an office setting 8-hours a day then I’ll quit! My time as an EXPAT helped me realize that I never want to be restricted to one location. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of the most amazing, nomadic people abroad and it revealed to me what I was truly missing out on. So, I’ve dreamt of this moment, and although I’ve tried to make it happen for several years now, my time is now!
“For I know the plans I have for you – declared the Lord.” Timing is EVERYTHING because this lifestyle move is far greater than what I could have ever wanted for myself. This van life freedom allows me to travel with “my home,” extend my opportunities and live out my passions ultimately to fulfilling my purpose.
Whether van dwelling is something that interests you or not, these 4 reasons why I chose van life can be applied to anything you are passionate about yet hesitant to take that leap. Fear is a destructive spirit that will paralyze you and keep you. But, you, my friend won’t let it, will you? Nah! You got this. If you haven’t done so already, create your bucket list. If you need a little inspiration, feel free to check out mine and let me know if I’m missing anything. Then take action! Don’t wait until it’s too late to sing your “shoulda, coulda, wouldas.”
18 Comments
Sue Barnard
Posted at 14:45h, 30 OctoberWell said! I know that anything you put your mind and heart to will succeed. God’s blessing is over, in and all around you. Keep dreaming and making those dreams a reality.
Antoinette Yvonne
Posted at 20:08h, 30 OctoberThank you Sue. And thank you for stopping by!
Pingback:4 Proven Steps To Starting Van Life | Antoinette Yvonne
Posted at 10:04h, 01 November[…] guides you to discover the 4 proven steps to starting van life. Assuming that you already know why your choosing van life, I’m going to address the very first steps to take that’ll get you one step closer to […]
Andi Sigler
Posted at 03:59h, 15 NovemberI just came across your YouTube van intro. What a delight you are. I’m thrilled for you and this new season of life you’re entering into. I can’t wait to see how God moves through you. Your open and teachable spirit will model so much to those around you.
So a Side note-I’d love to know who did your van build. What a great job they did in creating the exact space your soul needs for your new adventures. Thanks for sharing
Antoinette Yvonne
Posted at 08:16h, 15 NovemberThank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it!
The company who built my van is called Vandemic. They are located in Granville. OH!
Davida Lea
Posted at 01:08h, 16 NovemberI am going to do it too. First I did the tiny house and now I want to travel. Hope to meet you out there soon.
Antoinette Yvonne
Posted at 01:32h, 17 NovemberGo for it!!!!
I’m excited to live out this lifestyle. And always open to meet new people. 🙂
Thank you so much for stopping by.
CAROLYN A CORNELIUS
Posted at 17:03h, 22 NovemberAntoinette Yvonne, Wow!! .. You are on your way to greatness!! . . Seriously loved viewing your video and reading your excellent statements about your life. You are strong, beautiful and so very talented! .. I have subscribed to your channel and am so looking forward to your exciting upcoming journey. God Bless You and keep you safe throughout your travels. Continue to enjoy your very best life!! (:
Antoinette Yvonne
Posted at 15:49h, 24 NovemberHi Carolyn,
Thank you so much for reading and even taking the time to comment, my friend! I really appreciate these comments as they encourage me to keep going because people actually care and enjoy.
Thank you also for the good wishes. Blessings to you!
– Antoinette
Pingback:4 Essential Van Life Apps To Download | Antoinette Yvonne
Posted at 10:03h, 08 December[…] a new #vanlifer, it was imperative for me to make my transition as smooth as possible. I knew there would be […]
Sab Sween
Posted at 11:49h, 04 FebruaryAbsolutely loved this post! I randomly came across your youtube channel and I’m hooked, your courageous spirit is infectious and I’m here for it! I’m ready for my adventures to reignite and for 2021 to be the year of 100% fully welcomed change!! Thank you A.
Antoinette Yvonne
Posted at 22:56h, 13 FebruaryYAAASSSS!
I’m so glad that you’re enjoying my channel and it has possibly been helpful with you in your journey.
Thank you for sharing and stopping by, my friend!
Wanda
Posted at 23:18h, 15 FebruaryGood Evening,
I enjoyed your mother and daughter episode.
Antoinette Yvonne
Posted at 18:31h, 22 FebruaryHi Wanda,
Thank you for stopping by.
I’m glad you enjoyed watching that video. It was super fun to shoot with my mom and she especially had a ball with me. And loving all of the attention she’s been getting. lol. She says “hello out there in TV Land.”
Tamara Sine
Posted at 01:09h, 27 FebruaryWhat is the company that you used?
Antoinette Yvonne
Posted at 13:32h, 07 MarchHi Tamara,
All things vanlife related to my van can be found here antoinetteyvonne.com/vanlife. Including the company’s details and link.
Sune A
Posted at 09:03h, 11 JulyAntoinette, you are absolutely hilarious! Your videos always make me laugh and make me feel as though I am a part of your van life experience. I do not live on your continent and to be brutally honest would not want to, but you make it shine with your wit, laughter and catch phrases. Keep up the fabulous videos as they are worth their weight in gold.
Antoinette Yvonne
Posted at 18:01h, 11 JulyThank you, Sune, for coming by and showing support to my channel and website.
I appreciate that you love my videos.
All the best to you.