Saying GOODBYE to Van Life!?
Episode 10
This week on our Life on a Stick podcast, the discussion took an introspective turn as we delved into our uncertain future, touching on the possibility of saying goodbye to our beloved van life. For the past year, our van has been more than just a vehicle—it's been our home, our sanctuary, and a symbol of resilience after Malin's tough fight with colorectal cancer. But as we talk about future plans and the potential of putting down more traditional roots, the prospect of saying goodbye to van life stirs up a whirlwind of emotions.
The Start of Our Van Life Journey
We took the bold leap into van life after Malin's colorectal cancer diagnosis rocked our world. We wanted to embrace life fully, so we moved into our van to find freedom and new adventures. Living in a van with kids brought unique challenges, but it allowed us to travel freely and heal in ways a stationary home never could have provided. Our van life with kids has been wonderfully chaotic, filled with unexpected joys and little victories that we cherish deeply.
Future Plans: A House on the Horizon?
The discussion naturally shifted to our future plans, and we found ourselves contemplating the purchase of a house—something drastically different from our van life adventure. We talked about the benefits of having a small, cozy cabin where we'd spend winters and still keep our van life escapades alive during the warmer seasons. The idea of buying a house in Sweden, particularly a small summer house or "stuga," appealed to both of us. It offers us a tangible place to call home but doesn't strictly tether us to one location. This balance could ensure we continue our love for outdoor living and self-sustainability while offering a steadfast winter refuge.
The Emotional Roller Coaster of Transitioning
Considering such a significant lifestyle change, the conversation inevitably turned emotional. Malin shared her heightened nervousness about traveling while managing her post-cancer health. The fears of sudden pains and potential hospital visits abroad are daunting, especially since last year saw several health scares despite the overall benefits of travel. Staying rooted, even temporarily, might provide more stability in coping with these after-effects of cancer treatments. But as Tom emphasized, the mental and physical rejuvenation Malin experiences from our travels can't be understated—despite the fears, the lure of van life still glows bright.
Tom expressed his concerns about the kids, especially Charlie, who at five years old, is rapidly growing and developing. Returning home last spring, we witnessed how much the kids had missed their friends and familiar surroundings in Sweden. But their excitement for the upcoming adventures—surfing in Portugal, jumping in the waves—shows their hearts are still very much into the van life.
Reconnecting with Our Van Life Community
A testament to how deeply integrated van life is in our identity is the support and inspiration we draw from our growing community. During our "Give Us a Lift" segment, we talked about how our social media circles and in-person travel friends have shared wonderful stories of breaking away from the conventional lifestyle. These people inspire us to keep breaking norms, whether they transition from van life to boat life or settle into tiny cabins. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded adventurers keeps our spirits high and our dreams alive.
Additionally, we shared uplifting news from around the world, spotlighting initiatives like a Scottish charity bringing Afghan women medical students to Scotland. It highlighted how communities and individuals can offer hope and a new lease on life, mirroring our journey's aspirations and challenges.
What Lies Ahead?
With this enticing, albeit scary, mix of excitement and anxiety, we wrapped our session reflecting on the joys and uncertainties of our unique lifestyle. As we prepare for another winter on the road, we face the future with the same adventurous spirit that launched us into van life over a year ago. We continue to weigh our options, think of creative solutions, and look forward to new horizons while staying true to the core reasons we embraced van life: to live fully with our kids, overcome the shadows of cancer, and explore the boundless beauty of our world.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Whether you're a seasoned van lifer, a newbie, or simply curious, we appreciate your support and look forward to sharing more of our adventures with you. Don't forget to catch our latest video podcast, and as always, we welcome your thoughts and experiences.
Until next time, keep chasing those adventures—and we'll see you somewhere on the road!
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Lotsa love,
Malin & Tom