How Life from The Road Changed Me.

It's been almost seven months since Donetta and I took a leap of faith to travel and live a life on the road.

I wasn't sure how this story would play out with so much turmoil going on in our country, especially with a pandemic. There was no guarantee we'd be able to make any money aside from becoming truck stop hookers, nor would we know if living in hotels would be remotely affordable. Would we be living in the truck down by the river?

There was also the fear about whether we'd survive living with each other in such close proximity or if Donetta would kill me in my sleep due to my incessant need to change HOW we organize and pack the truck. Even though we already were around each other all the time, this would be different.

With so many variables that could go wrong, would living from the road be an epic adventure or colossal failure?

Before life on the road.

One year ago, before the pandemic "officially" reared its ugly head, the depression and stress in my life became so crippling, death sounded better than living. And if you know me, the idea of death is NOT an option; I'm the guy who wants to live forever!

But there I was shrouded in a tomb of pain and suffering, both physically and mentally. It was the same shit day in and day out. My soul dying on the inside.

My love affair with WebMD was getting grossly out of hand because I didn't feel well all the time. I tried to drown away my sorrows with my best friend Al Cohol. And the financial and tax burdens were cutting off the circulation in my neck. Not everything was horrible but it wasn't all good either.

I desperately needed to get out of Oklahoma and start a new journey ... or face the alternative.

A new life on the road.

Starting with a fresh canvas can be overwhelming for many artists. You stare at that blank space and wonder what's next. But the possibility to create whatever your heart desires is exciting. There are no rules and no expectations. That's how I felt the day we left everything behind.

The idea of creating a whole new story was intoxicating.

Donetta and I spent years talking about what our traveling dream looked like. I could see it, taste it, and smell it. Some days we'd take long drives and tears would well up in my eyes because I knew going where the winds blew us was the way to go. It wasn't going to be easy but it had to be done!

Selling our home of 14 years was sad but not terribly heart breaking. Getting rid of stuff we had for decades and which had sentimental attachment was hard but didn't destroy us. Leaving our kids behind was really tough but we knew they'd be alright. Sure there have been trade offs, but I wouldn't change it for anything!

What have I gained?

In the seven months we've been traveling full-time, I've had no major health issues or the need to consult WebMD.

Depression got its ass kicked and stress has been almost non-existent. Al Cohol and I have get togethers but not as frequently or excessively as we used to do.

Business for both of us has been great and we've not had to trade sex for money yet. And while she's probably thought about it, Donetta hasn't strangled me yet.

Every single morning I wake up around 4 am and thank God for the opportunity and blessing I've been provided. Every day I wake up knowing I will get to experience something new and not have to worry about "the old stuff." Every moment I seem to be at peace knowing we made the right decision and life is good.

This doesn't mean each day is perfect and without problems or worries but it's WAY better than it was a year ago. Now those tears in my eyes have nothing to do with a deep sadness but overwhelming joy and happiness.

Why my road trip may be important to you.

Without a doubt, there are travel bloggers or writers who use their platform for bragging or self-puffery. You've probably seen some of them on Instagram or Facebook. But I don't give a shit about any of that.

What I care about is seeing people who feel like they're stuck in the fiery pit of hell discover freedom. That's the purpose for why I write.

Yeah it's nice to get followers and likes but what good is that if someone out there feels the way I did a year ago? If what we do inspires or empowers you to get away from what holds you back, then all this work is worth something.

What if you could create a new story for yourself?

There are SO MANY people I've met who feel trapped, unhappy, depressed, or suicidal for a variety of reasons. They have that deep desire to start with a fresh blank canvas in order to create a new and better life. But they don't know how, or worse, just make bullshit excuses as to why they can't.

You can paint your own picture!!!

Sure there are different circumstances for each person to overcome in creating a new story for their lives, but this does not mean it's impossible. Your past may have a colored history but your future is a blank canvas -- and you can paint it however you please.

Your masterpiece might not happen now or overnight, but it can be done if you're willing to take the risk. I'm no Tony Robbins but get the f*ck off the couch and make it happen.

Truth be told, we didn't have everything together, and if you knew what Donetta and I have endured over the last 30 years of marriage, you would see that anything is possible given the crappy cards life deals us.

Plan your own road trip to peace.

While life on the road changed my life dramatically, you might not have any interest in traveling. That's perfectly cool. Not everyone is crazy enough to be a digital nomad. What matters is figuring out what would make you happy and then go and do it.

Now let me be clear. I'm NOT saying quit your job to follow your passion and then the money will follow. That advice is some of the worst ever. However if you hate your job and it's a continual death march to the weekend, then it's time to make an escape because you're going to die anyway.

Another way to say it is this..

We all have some idea in our minds as to what our happy place would be. We probably have envisioned what would bring our mind, body, and soul some sort of joy. Figure it out, write it down, and make it happen.

Plan your "road trip to peace," whatever that looks like to you, then get in the damn car and go. There's no guarantee you won't break down or hit some hellacious pot holes, but it's better than sitting idle in a world of misery. Life on the road is going to be an adventure. I can guarantee that.

What can I do to help you?

One of the greatest joys we will ever experience is seeing others on the road to happiness. We would love to hear stories of people who decided to make change and find their inner peace. The more positivity that's spread the better our world becomes.

So I'm here to help.

Whether it's a word of encouragement or a needed ass-kicking for motivation, I'm your huckleberry. If you need advice or guidance for planning your escape, I'll give you ideas. But it's up to you to decide what you want then to take the action.

If you want to connect, send me a message. Happiness is around the corner.