Today is the day!
Today is the day I jump in my not-fully-converted Sprinter van and find out how to mix van life and day job.
I'm heading down to South Carolina where I have a three-month physical therapy gig. Not a bad arrangement if you still need a day job. Work a few months. Hike a few months. Repeat as needed.
Because I like living on the edge (that's where the juice is), I've decided to forego the luxury of indoor plumbing (and rent) and live in the van. So, basically camping in an urban environment.
I'm not going to lie, I'm definitely in a "feel the fear and do it anyway" situation. Not unlike when I first started my thru-hike.
Where will I sleep without being noticed or disturbed? Where will I get water, wash my dishes, shower? Will I be safe? How will I get my Netflix fix?
Here's what I know about the fear and anxiety of starting a new adventure. That they are soon enough alleviated when I fall into the rhythm of a new daily routine. And that I don't necessarily have to go alone through the fear.
What if instead of going it alone, instead of trusting uniquely in my own strength, I also asked for help from the Universe? What if I lean on the Divine a little, or a lot, to ask for (and be willing to receive) whatever help I need, be it finding a safe parking place or navigating my giant van through tight spots without resorting to playing bumper cars?
I'm reminded again of my thru-hike, where one of our frequent mantras was "Ask for what you want!"
Magic happens and prayers are answered when you know what you want and you ask for it. I'm not naturally good at this, but I intend to practice and hone this skill. I intend to trust in and lean on the strength of the Divine as I start to navigate this new live-in-a-van experiment.
What could possibly go wrong?