It was just over a year ago when I was temporarily dedicated to a community in Greece, and found that the work required of me was more than I was willing or able to give. I learned from that experience that I have to honor my own needs in order to be able to give back to others. I also learned that I can’t do my best when I don’t feel good – a simple concept, but a very difficult boundary to hold in the face of pressing needs.

As much as I love this gorgeous mountain paradise where I’ve been planted since April, I recently found myself not feeling good about being here. Even though the atmosphere is ideal and the people are great… once more, the work required of me is more than I’m willing or able to give.

I have so many potential projects bubbling in my cauldron of inspiration, just waiting to take shape in the world, but the majority of my energy is being devoted to the campground instead of to manifesting my visions. My vocation as an Inspired Dreamer compels me to change course - to follow my heart, and to pursue my passions.

So Dave and I will soon be packing up to leave our short, but illustrious career as workampers. We’ll be exploring the wonderful world of boondocking, which is the practice of RV camping without any hookups for power, water, or waste disposal. Even though it takes a few lifestyle changes and behavioral fine tuning, our RV homes are designed to be fully functional off the grid. Dave has some experience in the lifestyle, having boondocked in the Arizona desert earlier this year, so that’s an advantage.

Our first stop will be a remote location about an hour from where we are now. We asked for recommendations from fellow rockhounds for a good place to park RVs off road near our destination. After setting up our camp (imagine circling the wagons) then we’ll be exploring the nearby geode beds. With his passion for treasure hunting, and my love for rocks and gems, we’re both really excited to start searching for some cool stones!

Without jobs consuming our time and attention, we’ll be able to devote our energies to writing and getting our respective websites, blogs, videos, photos, and sales online and ready for the world!

I’m repeating the cycle of working up my courage to make another big leap. There was some illusion of security and continuity here in the campground for the summer, even though I knew I’d be moving on soon enough anyway. But now I’m filled with excited anxiety about yet another big change. Breathe… Breathe…

My heart tells me that it’s time to move on. The universe has made it clear that this place has served its purpose for us, and that our continued adventures lie outside of these gates. I’m so very, very excited to continue this journey… but I recognize that my treasured bodily comforts are about to take a serious downgrading. (Ah, the price of freedom.)

We have good capacity to hold water for washing and drinking, but it’s not limitless. Daily showers will be a thing of the past. We’ll have to be strategic when washing dishes. Toilet flushing will demand precision balance of enough water to prevent clogged pipes, without wasting a limited resource.

Solar panels in addition to two gas-powered generators should be enough to cover our needs for power, but the waste disposal… that’s really the “fun” part. I am now the proud owner of a 42-gallon tank on wheels with a tow bar. This will be used to drain our RV waste tanks, then to be towed off somewhere that accepts such things for disposal. How often that unpleasant task needs to happen, depends entirely on our behavior with water. (Talk about motivation for conservation.)

So the learning curve continues in an upward direction for me. Change is still a constant. Choices demand to be made. I keep retreating forward into adventures unknown…

Course Change

A Beginning

Power

Sanctuary

Comparative Luxury

Debutante

EPIC

Fear, Money, and Veggies

Holding Pattern

Transformation

Stefanie D. Warren