Van Life | A New Reality
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In this video I head back to Washington to spend time with friends, reflect on the real reason why I moved onto the road, and what that looks like now. Thank you for being here, I hope you're all doing well out there ♡
1:08 going home to washington
2:04 the olympic peninsula
2:40 forest wanderings and inner thoughts
5:04 leaning into community
6:39 the real reason why i moved onto the road
7:11 safety and belonging
8:02 a new reality
In this video: @MariahAlice @annauncharted
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Hey :) I’m Christian Schaffer, and I’ve lived on the road full-time since May 2018. This journey began in 2013 when I left the corporate world to build my career as an outdoor adventure & travel photographer. As a semi-minimalist, I eventually decided to donate/sell most of my belongings and move into my 4x4 Nissan Xterra. After 14 months of SUV living and falling madly in love with the open road - I bought a van and hired a team to build it out. Van life enables me to experience and document the beauty of our natural world on a whole new level, all while having my home and office nearby. My hope is that by sharing my own personal highs and lows along this (sometimes) wild journey, you might be inspired to hit the road or spend more time outdoors. Maybe one day I'll see you out on that open road 🚐
*My van is a 2019 Ram ProMaster 1500 High Roof, 136" WB with 41K miles*
#solofemaletravel #community #vanlife
“I feel uncomfortable leaning on people when I need them the most” Hearing this from someone else other than myself really hits different.
When she said this I thought, that is me. Now I gotta change that.
I used to think standing on my own was true strength. Feels both beautiful and scary to admit that belief was actually rooted in fear. Forever learning 🙏🏻
Me too.
@@ChristianSchaffer yes. You are on the path.
I don’t want to imagine a world in which we never met this summer…feeling so beyond thankful and grateful to be a piece…a part-of your new reality 🥰 see you again so so soon 🤍
Hey CS, I hope you have a mirrorless camera by now. Stay safe and keep it in Raw.
❤️❤️❤️
I like your dream catcher on your mirror. Everyone needs a dream catcher!
Stupid grateful is probably the best way to sum it up. Can’t wait to see you again soon 💕
You're such a good friend Mariah 🙂 It's nice to see your videos together. I can't wait to see you both together again too. Cheers from NZ ! M 🇳🇿
With 40+ countries under my belt, I've still yet to find another place on Earth more beautiful and inspiring than the Olympic in summer. On a (much) more personal note: Christian, as a father to two daughters, now 39 and 34, no matter what the world, or any in it, might say, always know that you are enough...just as you are, right here, right now. Isolation is a wall built for protection. The problem with walls is that, while they're very effective at keeping the bad out, they're equally so at keeping the good from coming in. Joy shared is joy multiplied, and sorrow shared is sorrow divided. We were created for community. Even us introverts. Life is far richer when shared. And borrowing strength from others for a season isn't weakness. It's wise self-care. For, those who accept you unconditionally, love you unfailingly and support you unwaveringly. Please be heartened by these words, for they're not meant as either criticism or instruction. Merely encouragement. Thank you, as always, for creating and sharing such wonderful imagery, as well as glimpses into your journey.
I hope you're not tired of hearing compliments on your videos. You have what I consider to be the most artistic, hi-def and human van life series anywhere. It's always nice to mix myself a glass of orange juice and Limonata over ice, sit back and put you on full-screen with the big speakers and watch a good mini-movie. Thanks.
Christian... I seriously treasure your videos. I don't understand how your art, wisdom and experiences you share can keep getting better and better! Deep bow of gratitude 🙏
Your storytelling method of making videos along with your unbelievable talent for capturing a moment on film is by far my favorite style of any vanlifer I have watched. You truly are an artist. Thank you for sharing your heart and soul with us.
wow thank you 🥲🤍
I drove up to the Oly Pen last week to spend a long 8 days alone, in the woods. Was regenerating in a manner I haven't experienced since '16. To see this film knowing others like me need that fix brought a lump to my throat. I miss my sanghas and my kin immensely and the lockdown has changed me in ways I didn't expect at all. namaste
Hey Christian. Thank u for your awesome video. Please keep making them. I'm getting withdrawal symptoms from not getting enough of your content. Note that, we your fans, love 💕 u and miss u. Toby
most folks don't understand that not everyone needs to be surrounded by people. there are a few of us out there that needs solitude and isolation. I, an old man, only fingered this out in later life after many years of depression. I now live a by myself and have been living an extraordinarily happy life as such. yes, I do interact with others and often enjoy conversation with like minded people, but on a limited bases. when I see a fork in the road and decide to go left, its all on me. and that's the way i like it. love you content, keep it up
Glad you met up with Anna and Mariah! I watch them also! Sometimes we NEED others!! 👍😘
“Places that are uncomplicated, where there is space to think, to dream. These are the places I feel safe”. I’m with her.
You have a beautiful name… you’re a beautiful soul… you share beautiful words… you take beautiful video footage… the scenery in your videos are beautiful… your videos are beautifully edited…….. I’m at a time in my life where I’m having difficulty in finding a meaningful purpose and my will to live is being challenged. Your beautiful videos and thoughts make me pause to think and reflect on myself. For that, I’m forever thankful that you open up and share. THANK YOU!!!!!
Life on the road is not all sunshine and rainbows. You get sucked in, relationships back home suffer. I had the tables turned on me years ago. i was the one home supporting my s.o. 's long distance backpacking. The person back home can't compete with the experiences and adventures the other is having. It's been years since I left that relationship. I have since bought a house, got a dog. Watching these videos makes my chest tight. I have no answers. I pray everyone is healthy and safe.
Christian I don’t know if you’ll ever see this message but let me tell you something my little puppy and I love your content.You inspire me to smell the roses a lot more because we don’t really cherish what we have in front of us sometimes. Please keep putting out great concert like this because on the East Coast I’m definitely spreading your name around. But you might not think is important is important
When you lean on me - I feel complete. Please do. I love Christian Schaffer - pioneer, visionary, cutting-edge story teller. Giver. Thank you so much for this channel.
Unbelievable. I usually dont post comments in these type of videos, but....at age 33, just got divorced a while back, had to move....met new neighbors and it my life changed. Ive always been alone with my problems, even when married. Never really found support in anyone, but mostly because i wouldnt let it, without really noticing it. Always closed, always alone in my head in my world, out in the nature, with my camper. And since ive met my new neighbors and been practicing a more social life lately, my life has changed a lot....so to say that your video and words felt very close to me is a huge understatement....i promise i dont mean to come across as "corny", but ever since i came across your channel ive had a feeling you had this type of personality that i understand immediately, and then this video comes up and it just felt like a female version of myself talking to me....never thought i would ever post anything like this online but you really are of one the very few ppl i would actually like meet one day. Who knows....cheers
Experience is the heart of wisdom, never tire of being useful. "For all of the beautiful roads that lie ahead." Solace.
Your content is inspiring. I retire in a few months and finally get to do my DYI build on my van. I’ve always loved photography and cannot wait to take a page from your book. I may never make a living off of it but there’s just something meditative about being out there with a camera, being the only one in that spot at that moment, capturing the beauty in front of you and the lens. Thank you for being you.
We were meant for community. Stupid grateful that you have found such a community. Thank you for sharing your vulnerable story with us.
I normally watch videos at 1.5x speed. Yours, I watch at normal speed. Relish every moment. Thank you for being.
Yeah a good quote for you “there is so much of my past self that I don’t resonate with at all anymore, but I love her just the same. She was growing. She was doing her best. She fought hard to get me here.”
You have captured a little bit of heaven on earth. All the best.
I literally felt every word you said. I am an introvert who prefers the songs of nature rather than the constant dissatisfaction of people, more so my so called social circle. I’m not a van lifer guy but I take long drives in nature just to escape the mundane. Thank you Christian for making me feel blessed and putting a smile on my face this monday night. Its been many moons since another human being made me feel this way and truly smile and I appreciate you for it. Love from France 🇫🇷 ❤
?? 😳. Thanks but I don’t want any prizes (not even subscribed) for telling someone that her video spoke to me on a simple and human level. In this day and age, its kinda hard to just connect with someone on a basic and honest level. Thanks for your video nonetheless. 🙏🏽😌
hey Andrew, sorry that was a spam account you must be referring to 😳 i’m trying to delete/block them but they keep resurfacing
Its not a problem Christian, I still watch your videos because they transport me to beautiful places in my mind. I see kindness and simplicity in your material and yes, I thank and appreciate you for that. 😌
Sadly sometime we can never be ok. We just get better at inserting smiley faces between the sore spots in our heart n souls.
Sounds like you are self aware, emotionally. I believe that your talent is largely undiscovered... We're privileged to follow along...
Hello Christian. So great to see you back here...showing us all where you are...on the journey of your awesome "van life / a new reality". Right away, I am smittened! Your expressions of your return to your solitude and relationship with Mother Nature...so beautiful to witness. You speak so much truth of being in touch with our innermost being, which is the Ultimate of Living Our Best Life...Authentically. And Freely. So very happy to see you sharing your journey. Blessings your way! *Vandie🚐Van Wings🦋*
I remember watching a video you produced some years ago now... Found you again today and I'm absolutely blown away by your talent for story telling and just your overall general creativity. Keep going and enjoy the new found social connections, as someone who also loves solitude, there is still an amazing warmth to be found having the right people around you.
3 young women connecting with nature and each other, so beautiful to witness 💓💞💕
You are a magnificent artist. Your videography, photography, words, choice of music - you create such a completely immersive cinematic experience.
I’ve been drawn to your journey. God creates the nature and loves you unconditionally. He is wooing you to Himself. He is able to do abundantly more than you can imagine. He can be your Everything!
Amen-He is wooing her! It was interesting to hear her basically quote from Job minus recognizing God as the Creator (Job 1:21). I've been praying for Christian. (And I say this as someone who came from a totally non-religious background; it's a miracle I found Jesus.) God bless you!
My problem with people is that they change my reality. Often, in a bad way. But sometimes, I stumble upon people who change my reality for the better. Those moments in life are magical. We never met and never will, obviously. But through your videos, I feel as if we had met, and it's changing my reality for the better. Thank you for that!
The light at 4:14 is magical. Beautiful video, as always.
Short and sweet, just like summer.
Your content always makes me think and question why I started in this lifestyle and what keeps me in it. Thanks, as always, for sharing.
curious what inspired you to do vanlife?
@@ChristianSchaffer It is a similar story to many others I've met - I was going through a divorce at the time and had a vehicle, some clothes, and enough camping gear to outfit a small army. I had plenty of friends and family where I could have crashed while getting on my feet. I'm too independent for that, though. So I started living in my car. Two weeks into it, I realized that a nomadic existence was what I was missing in my life. It was calling to my soul and I wasn't listening...until I had no choice. Two months later, I bought my van and haven't looked back since. Your video shots and your message reinforces the wildness in my soul that is fed by vanlife.
Beautiful video as always Christian. You never fail to instantly lift me out of my current place and transport me into your world ❤️
My go to default is to rely on myself alone .. did that all my life, went to boarding school from 11 to 18, which didn't help matters. It takes courage to lean into and rely on people, because you have to make yourself vulnerable to do that -- trust is the hardest thing to earn and the easiest to lose; earning trust can be hard because it means giving it and making oneself vulnerable. It takes time to learn who those people are, but it is magical when it happens. My wife had the hard job of teaching me that :-); I'm continuing to learn everyday -- it's still hard, but not as hard :-), and the support of community and people who love you is amazing, healing and nurturing. I hope you find your tribe.
Hi Christian. Thank you for checking in and sharing a little of yourself this morning. I truly appreciate you taking the time needed to present these videos. I am surely not alone in loving you. Stay safe.
Thanks for the love, Steve 🥲🙏🏻
Christian! I watched your last video about all the personal issues and stuff and I thought you are just super stunning and so extremely georgeous, so one man's loss will be another guy's gain!. You really are strong and beautiful, thank you for inspiring us!
Dear Christian, thank you for sharing some of your deepest and most personal feelings and thoughts. It is not difficult to see, that you are on a journey of Self discovery. That journey is by neccessity an inward one, Some might call it a spiritual journey, but that label can already limit the understanding of it. That Self, with a capital S, encompasses all that is. That Self is you, it is your friends, it is nature, it is your thoughts and feelings, it is everything you experience, be it happiness or despair. All these are just different tastes of what you are. You are never alone, you are always All One.
wow I relax just watching your beautiful photography of the redwoods and the rivers, from blurry to focus. thank you!
Thanks for getting your Audio RIGHT, so many videos don't. Your vision work is exemplary, but the audio is very special. THANKS and congratulations. You've got it.
love seeing you four together! break ups are just plain hard and figuring out who you are without someone you spent so much of your time with is easier to just runaway from than work through. But I know you’ll be okay and it’s so cool that you ladies (and Finn) can support each other! ❤️
I am awed and inspired by your ability to express your thoughts and feelings
Well I haven't watched anything by Mariah yet, but I have to say Christian, and Anna are my favorite van life women, I always enjoy their content!!!
People are designed to exist in a network of interdependent relationships with other people. Says a lot about how broken our society is that people find this extremely difficult and that it's pretty much discouraged as "weak" to need other people.
Most of us 'need' other people around. Someone 'leaning' on me doesn't necessarily mean that it has a cost for me. Also, many humans have as much of a need to help others as to lean on others.
seems the best place to find other people may be the wilderness …
@@OutRAjious but only the sort of people who mostly prefer to be left to themselves.
@@HasanUnknown just stop
people are not designed for that
the kind of safety money can't buy = YES!!!!! 🥰
For me there’s no equal to nature Christian not even close. Special thanks for taking me there in this one. Nice to see and hear how well it works for you.
heaven is a place on earth ☺️🍃
@@ChristianSchaffer I’m more than comfortable with that thought. It feels like Heaven for me when I’m a mile into the woods.
This was actually better the second time watching. One of the best vlogs yet.
i love my solitude as much as you all do (christian, anna, mariah and many others) but community is equally important in healthy doses. best wishes to everyone in hopes that you find exactly what you are looking for. we are all on our own journey and i wish everyone the most excellent life.
Love that you were able to meet up with Mariah and Anna, two beautiful souls on the road of life. Best of luck to all three of you.
I love and relate to your thoughts and commentary. I live alone more by accident than by choice, but I love it. I never met the love of my life. I am deeply reading, exploring, deeply thinking about life and health; I have invented a new way of healthy cooking and a new way of growing your own healthy food, it is 100% self contained, requiring minimal effort or expense, all without leaving my small beach house on the Potomac River. No body is going to listen to me until I am 120, so I just enjoy every day, and keep learning and growing. Christian, I love how you see and share natural beauty through the lens of your camera. You are gifted. But it is amazing to me how what you are going through shows up in your photography. Your inner strength, honesty, goodness and and raw courage so outweighs your outer beauty and grace, it is inspirational; you have chosen your path wisely. Thank you for sharing.
Christian, thank you for coming back and letting us peak in… Your freedom and spirit is incredible. Lean into your whole community. It may be uncomfortable, but we are here because you let us in. Be safe.
You're in my neck of the woods! I visit the park almost weekly to photograph the forest and its critters. The ability to lean on others in a time of need is not a weakness but a strength. While nature is critical for our health, so is human connection. I believe you are on the right path, one that is true to you and for that you should be congratulated! Again Christian, I love your videos and am so appreciative of your sharing.
What park is this please?
I love love love that you and Mariah and Anna are connecting!! Priceless! As an observer of the videos each of you make, I can see why you are kindred spirits! So much of what you talk about in this video resonates and I feel much the same way. So heartwarming to see you all connecting and also keep going in your own grooves. Love you all to the 1000th power!! Thanks for all that you share. 💐
I think I've used this once or twice before, but your videos are a lot like my gramma's fresh bread: always appreciated, always anticipated. Good for you when it comes to seeing the value of a community. There's something about human nature that's always astounding. The sense of community we're drawn to is one of those... Best to you!
Nature has been my biggest healer as well. I always enjoy the Olympic Peninsula, it truly is one of the most majestic places on earth. I can relate to the community aspect, as an introvert I often tend to shy away, however quality time with quality people are worth their weight in gold!
"Nature is simple, it doesn't judge or distance itself." Well said. This is also why I love being out in nature. I have also found the delicate balance of having both community and solitude. I may be alone, but I am never lonely. I stumbled on your other video. To repel chipmunks and mice, you need to play sounds of raptors or owls (or other natural predators) through your iPhone, and maybe have some cardboard cutouts around your van (stuffed animals are a little better because they are 3D). A raptor or barn owl call might drive you crazy after a while, but a screech owl or barred owl call would be something tolerable that you would not mind hearing in nature when camping. Remember, nature will never let you down! If you are in the Boise, Idaho area and need help fixing your van, let me know. I have a charity that fixes cars for needy individuals for free. We would be happy to help, even if it is just an oil change. Perhaps you can take some good pictures for us that we can use for a website or fundraisers so we can continue to serve the community.
Ah yes, I too love the waters of life that all life drinks or learns from. Water and words can bring or take happiness. I loved your video and the beautiful photography. Keep smiling, stay safe and happy.
Your videography is a master class and your storytelling is magical. Being alone can be healing and especially when the environment is so beautiful. It's always a special treat to see the these three ladies together (and Finn too! 🐾🐾🐾🐾). What a great Sunday morning this has given us, thanks for sharing.
I too retreat when my life feels too full of discomfort, especially when I feel lost. I have noticed that it causes too much distance from loved ones…and I notice that I can’t seem to keep friends for longer than a decade. I collect them in the good times. Then a big loss happens. Generally after a few little ones. The accumulation of not leaning in results in too much distance, to hold the bond. I’m hoping to change this…it would be nice to have a 40 year friendship
Yes, I catch Anna and Mariah too. BTW, as with so many of your other sequences, out the window @ 6:40 , those green sunlit leaves dancing in the light breeze, so nice !. That's why a Photographer rarely puts-away their rig
My favorite trio. Always down for some bonus Finn footage.
That is a Group of Lifetime friendship!!! Anna Mariah and yourself
Beautiful! I love Washington!
it sure is a beautiful place 🍃
@@ChristianSchaffer yes! Especially Mt. Rainier 💛😊🔥 I applaud you for following your heart ! You’re a great inspiration.
It makes me happy to see u all together! Christian so glad u are with good friends! Washington State is SO beautiful!! 💜😀
God has taken you to so many wonderful parts of His earth! Your photography is beautiful.
"Leaning into community".... it's so hard to do for those of us who turn inward. Blessings to you as you make your way.
I'm from Olympia WA and have been wanting to live on the road for years. I car camp often and I'm moving to NZ for six months w/my partner and we're most likely going to have to get a van because we'll be living in a remote village and apartments/real estate isn't available. Thank god for your videos about how to down size, the realities of living on the road, and being a digital worker remotely like wifi solves! I'm grateful you're from WA too, I've been living a little east of LA for 6 years now but every summer I come home for a few months because like you said - nothing beats WA summers
The most wonderful time of the year! Cheers Christian!!
I didn't grow up in the PNW, but I "grew up" there and found my soul there. It IS MAGICAL.
it sure is ☺️🍃
I really connect with you / your videos/ your story...I'm a logger and travel from worksite to worksite ...pretty much living alone year round....you give me light and encouragement...thank you Christian 😀
I’m happy to see you’re smiling and laughing! Sending you much happiness! Safe travels 💜
Christian, thank you for putting so much time, effort and creativity into these videos. I’m always excited to watch your latest video!
Home is within you, where ever you are or may go.
Hi Christian. So glad you found some good Homies. We all need good Homies. Happy travels!
Christian, you’re my meditation. Your videos bring me a sense of connectedness for which I’m very grateful. Thank you for your contribution to my state of being🌿
thank you for watching 🥲🍃
Spending time with friends and enjoying the outdoors! Great scenery and the green is awesome.
Your videos are always worth waiting for. You’ve got two very special friends. Take care.
thanks Larry 🥲
God I can relate to that soooo much! I too feel uncomfortable leaning on people when I actually would need to! I rather process all by myself until the strength is in me to convince everyone I'd be ok...!
here’s to us learning how to lean 🙏🏻🙃
6:12 mark: a perfect scene for Instagram, which is exactly why this scene is already familiar. That fireside lighting is amazing, evoking all the atmosphere of "Camping." Also, anytime USA van-life KZheadrs are on the Olympic Peninsula or in the San Juan Islands, this here Vancouver Island resident is happy to see so much of the landscape that is so common to this region on both sides of the border. Such a good feeling of home, no matter what country we are in. Thanks for your excellence of video presentation. ...and thanks for the glimpse of Vancouver Island, at the 9:41 mark. Home has a way of making me smile.
Childhood traumas follows through life. Our sadness and lonely lines comes a lot of times what we experienced as children. Nature heals some . Time and wisdom does others . Good luck on your journey. I ran around the world for awhile and came to understand why I was doing thst
Stunning camerawork as ever. Nearly every flippin' frame is like a postcard. We are all figuring out life, just in different phases. Funny (not haha funny) how, collectively, we often feel alone. Knowing that others feel that way is somewhat comforting.
Good to see you Girl. Keep on keeping on 🙂!
Diving into nature's visual beauties, drifting into tickling narratives and all surrounded by a soothing voice. Love it.
Dream Catcher🎋... swinging on the wind 🔥... through Life journey 🙏🏻 "I sleep in the clouds, dream in the sky... I think my dreams keep me sane..." See ya, blue skies 🤙🏻🍀📷 be safe 😘
Everything you said resonates with what’s going on in my life as well, thank you.
I am the same love. Nature will always warm me with her embrace when needed. If I ever do Van Life again, you're videos will be the reason why. Namaste 💚
🥲🤍🙏🏻
Really well done! Great writing, filming and editing.
I love your narrative voice, it’s so soothing.
Good day to you Christian, Mike from County Durham UK. Thanks for taking me on another journey with you, i do feel privileged along with others i am sure. You mention feeling uncomfortable when you need to lean on others, mmmmmmmm me to, you are pretty damn good company. Again i bet that resonates with others. Great output so professionally done as per usual. Regards Mike
3:55 - really felt these words. thank you Christian, godspeed on the open road.
Yeeesss upload more videos Christian! We LOVE your story telling 🧡🙋🏼♀
It's always a treat seeing the three of you together ❤️❤️❤️
You can always rely on nature. So true. Greetings from Spain 😊
“Nature gives, and Nature takes.” So true.
Thank you 🙏 Such accurate description on leaning on nature and……yourself.
Your insite is so truthful, it gives me encouragement and a grateful heart for the things and people we come in contact with. The video footage, commentary and editing is exceptional.
I love when I get a notification that your new content is out. I know it’s going to be amazingly beautiful ! So excited when you ladies get together I follow all of you. Cheers 🥂