Why I Quit The Rat Race | The Bridgeman Returns
Meet Kyle; 31-year-old Dubliner, who has moved to a derelict cottage on an acre of land in County Sligo, in the west of Ireland. He's alone, has no car and very little money, but big dreams. In this video he gives me a tour of his new home, shares his plans for the future, and tells me why he made such a dramatic change to his life. An additional 2 hour audio recording of my first meeting with Kyle can be found here: / mossybottom
Kyle's KZhead page: / @thebridgemanscottage
Kyle's Instagram: instagram.com/bridgemanscotta...
📧 Contact me and find out more on www.mossybottom.ie
🎧 Join me on Patreon for full access to the Mossy Bottom "A Walk in the Woods" Podcast Series: / mossybottom
🐷 Or browse more pictures of my animals and smallholding on Instagram: / mossy_bottom
By popular demand I've now uploaded the full recording of my first meeting with Kyle back in October of 2021. We discuss everything from childhood, to family, money, and even relationships. You can find it as a free podcast available to everyone on my Patreon page: www.patreon.com/mossybottom
I got a subscription to your patreon page as a Christmas gift and this is by far the best gift ever. Loved hearing the two of you talk, putting words to dreams, aspirations, fears and everyday life. Thank you very much Kyle & Daniel! 💙
Thank you Daniel! Many blessings to you for being a beacon of light to all of us who were asleep.
Thank you Daniel. I hope you and your many animals are protected and safe, with this very dangerous storm that is hitting us (I am in Germany).
Best of luck to him. I hope he likes Sligo. It's a lovely part of the world in fairness.
Ok, I watched this one twice; it just doesn't appear authentic; Something is fishy here. It all seems orchestrated. "Money" "Car" "I'm so cold" , etc It all is very coincidental
I did this. In 2002 I had a senior finance job in London for an international NGO. I hated it. One evening I'd chaired a conference in the City and afterwards looked around the room as we had drinks. many guys there were 20 years older than me, nearing retirement. That did my head in...another 20 years! I packed in my job, sold up and got out of London. I'd chased the dream but it had become a nightmare. Now I live in a farmhouse in Brittany. I'm not rich, hit state retirement age last year. I chop wood, DIY, fish, walk my dog, go camping, travel a bit, study, socialise. My life is my own, no stress, long hours, commuting, I found city life claustrophobic.
Good luck mate.
Awesome! Enjoy every minute of it!
Sure, but not everyone has the funds to retire early. I was probably near possible retirement at 40 but emigrated and that reset it to 60-70.
Sounds amazing
"I'm not rich" Yes you are 😉
"I was not made for the modern world". Totally relatable. Good luck Kyle, hope everything will work out 🙏👍
I share the same sentiment. It really struck me when he said that.
Have you ever read Paul Kingsnorth? He's a really interesting English writer. Him & wife/kids have also quit the rat race and are living in the West of Ireland. It seems to be a popular route for Brits who have had too much modern world.
Daniel will you both be helping each other
@@Thomas-cd6im never heard of him, but thank you for the suggestion
Sitting on my 4 acre farm in the middle of nowhere in Oklahoma watching this. I did the same thing. Left California and the law enforcement career for the peace and quite. And self reliance. As much as possible. Gardening and chickens. And cutting as much service as I can. My story was Covid mandates related. But it pushed me to do what I’ve been wanting anyway. And life has never been better. Everyone should DEFINITELY do this.
To anyone who might say that someone trying to live this life will just give up and run back home, all I can say is, SO WHAT? It takes a lot of courage and determination to pursue living a life that truly makes you happy and to not live for others. If that means someone taking a big risk and pushing themselves hard for several years only to realise that it isn't for them then so be it! The person making big moves and trying to find meaning in their lives is who I'm rooting for, not the bystanders wishing that they'd fail. Great job Kyle and good luck.
Well said sir.
Better to try something, and find out that it's not for you, then to not try and always have to wonder what might have been.
Well said. Most people fantasize over this kind of life but dont act. People who at least try are the ones with enough courage. If you dont even try you already lost
Roosevelt's "The Man in the Arena" quote comes to mind!
@@jimmieoakland3843 and regret not taking the step.
Good luck Kyle, I'm in Cornwall and have an acre smallholding, with no sanitation no running water to my caravan, I'm about to leave the rat race and take back control of my life, I'm giving up my house, council tax, water rates etc I don't fit in with housing estate living, I'm 66 on 17 Feb, I'm going to live a very different life and find it so easy like it is who I am, really hope you have found your peace. Martha on the hill.
"constant hampster wheel thing." "trapped and stuck." precisely. Really glad to see these brave souls who got out!
Quite right, most of us are still stuck in the modern equivalent of serfdom
That feeing, "This is mine", is unequalled. No more rent or answering to others, everything done is for the property and moving forward. I'm so happy for you Kyle, I experienced this 22 years ago, took the plunge, and never looked back. Stay Happy and worry about nothing. I offered Mossy man help and the same now to you. I'm in the Mtns of Tipp, a semi retired builder and e.mail on my channel. Enough said. lol 💖🙏🌻
Thank you, sir, for your decency in helping a fellow person out. Wiping tears from my eyes at the moment. In this f'ed up nasty horrible bad-news world, your kindness and offer of help are truly heart-warming. My box of Kleenex thanks you.
@@happytraveller8953 my box of kleenex is all used up- AWOOOOGAAAAAA
@@happytraveller8953 lovely feedback, thanks. I have many cottage renovations under my belt for the last 22 years so the ball is now in his court, we'll see if there is a responce. I am guessing that when he has funds for materials and a better idea of the overall plan he may contact me. fyi, imo, the first priorities would be a french drain around the house, landscaping for beds & animals and making the house comfy, cleaning and renovating the chimney bc of bleeding tar, new windows & doors, insulation, roof draught proofing and wood flooring to cover the concrete - just some thoughts. lol 💖🙏🌻
@@Chief_Brody 😅
was only last week drove past the thatch cottage on hill and thought how much nice job you did :D
I so identify with what he is saying. I moved onto my derelict farm 28 years ago with my 2 young sons amongst some fierce opposition from the family who insisted I wasn't born to be a peasant, I am still here and no regrets. Fair play to those who are brave enough to try, fail or win. Best of luck to Kyle, he is braver still than I was, at least I had transport and where I live I need it.
Don't be afraid, to give us the 3 hour version. Cause this was really enjoyable.
I felt the same
Thats what she said
Please give us a part 2 This was so cathartic. He's had time to articulate so many poignant ideas about life that I think we are all grappling with. I started off thinking he appeared to be a guy like me. Then he started talking and I realized he was. He made me realize how many of us there are. And we end with you saying he's a guy like you. Lol. This was incredibly uplifting
I'm with you, Miles, I wouldn't mind a three hour video ... 🙂
+part II
At this moment, your comment has 111 likes. This video is full of synchronicities. I, too, have been wondering what happens after Enlightenment is achieved. Is it no more suffering? Eternal bliss? Does your spirit pass on...?
@@2MasterBuilder2 - I believe your spirit passes on after your soul's purpose has been served
@@vals74 ... After giving this much thought, that is what my brain settled on as well. That could also be the reason why most people won't seek out their purpose; they FEAR death. The difference between living and dying is refusing to seek out your life's purpose.
I've lived in a rural property for some years now and I can tell you that what kyle said about a Robin is spot on...you bring your joy down to a level of sheer simplicity that gives so much more than you think it will. I wish Kyle every success
Kyle's comment about the moon made me smile. When my family moved from the town to the countryside, the first night we spent in our new home my Dad shouted, "Who's light is still on? Go to bed!". Yeah it was the moon. Haha!
I have noticed that when I have given up alcohol, I began losing friends. Everything Kyle gave up was smart. I appreciate this interview. I feel more ok with the changes I have made in my life, and the future changes. Thank you so much for this interview. Many Blessings to you.
Kyle is an absolute peach. His way of speaking is such a contrast to Daniel's polished style, but it is obvious he is intelligent, thoughtful, observant, and has a wonderful sense of humor. I admire his unpretentious desire for a certain way of living, even without specific goals at this time. He is unafraid of work, but determined not to be overwhelmed by work.
I see a lot me in both of you lads.... but my timeline is different, I grew up on a small farm .... in a thatched farmhouse that had electricity but no inside toilet.... the farm became too small rear a family on so my Dad took an off farm job. As time went by our agricultural activities lessened because my father was by then working full-time off farm. When I left school I did a trade because farming wasn't going to be sufficient to live off but I loved the peace and satisfaction in got from working the land as a sideline. I'm married now with a grown up family and own a modern house and all the trappings of modern life but I hanker to go back to the simpler life that I lived as a child. I plan in the next few years to wind down my business and return to the farm and get back to a simpler, less stressful life of going my own food, making products that I can sell and basically divesting my life of a myriad of unnecessary expenses that I send a lot of time working just to maintain. I'm like you in the sense that while I've lived the greater part of my life quite extroverted I'm actually really introverted at heart and prefer my own company...... being married I won't ever be alone but I do hope to find a balance in my life where I do have time to get back to a simpler but far more fulfilling lifestyle.
Really inspiring thanks. People like Kyle would never go back because they realise everything they had before was not worth having compared to what they have now.
When I left the rat race to live on a semi rural homestead in Oregon I brought a number of my family who have also quit the rat race with me. We call this our family compound. Love Kyles homestead and story. I wish him all the best.
I’d love to follow Kyle’s journey in months and years to come. What a brave fellow!
I’m a 66 year old American female and I discovered Mossy Bottom a couple yrs ago and am thrilled when I to see your new posts and now this new spinoff of interviewing like minded adventurous people such as yourself. What a sweet life you have and I wish you well.
That's right! Kyle please start your own channel.
@@avalondreaming1433 He does have a channel. The link is in the video description.
There is a link to Kyle’s channel in the video description 🙂
This was my exact story but 30 years ago. I was trapped and going in circles, ( kind of trapped in societies cage) until I moved to a rural island out in the middle of no where and just lived. Everything just worked out. Work and little worry. Have a focus every day. Some mystery goal hidden away in my head always pulled me along. Great interview. Thanks
I can't help but to feel that Kyle is an "our guy". The way he talks about tradition and beauty made me think so
There's something special about realizing that Life isn't about competition, accumulation and other excess. You no longer doubt your worth but know it. Hats off to this lifestyle choice and continued growth.😊😊🔥
"I want to live my life the way lives used to be lived" and "I was not made for the modern world" - beautiful quotes. I always think I've been born in the wrong "era" in a way. I love "old" crafts, the forgotten about "trades" and being able to live sustainably, swapping instead of buying or fixing instead of throwing away is something that really appeals to me. Good luck to Kyle and what a lovely channel by the way. Only just discovered it a few days ago.
I understand you totally . You can go back to the old ways of living in Ireland .. try it you never look back.
I feel the same way :)
All the best to Kyle. Lovely to see someone really willing to take a risk to get what they want in life. Look forward to a catch up with him in the future. Thanks Daniel for showing us the interview. Its heartening to watch a younger generation like you and Kyle keeping the simple life going.
What more do you need is right! I'm in the midst of a cottage build and a change of pace myself! It feels good to see kindred spirits out there. Thanks Kyle and Daniel. 💚
You are a skilled interviewer. You caught Kyle's inspiring dream that seems rooted in a firm, life-changing decision.
He sounds like he already knows a lot about geese, growing potatoes, planting trees and whatnot. I wonder if he did some studying on these things before lighting out to the West. I got to give it up to this young man. It takes a lot to take the plunge like he has done.
Been reading, planning and researching for years, it came up in our conversation but as Daniel said he filmed me rambling on for 3+ hours 😂
What I like about Kyle and Daniel here is that it is so unpretentious and real . Kyle thinks before he answers Daniels questions and he comes across as being totally genuine un pretentious and humble . This has a powerful effect in a world where there is so much that is fake and pretentious .
Kyle needs to get going with a channel and a Patreon account so we can support him.
And volunteers 🙂
And get friends with common goals to help, trade and collaborate. Kyle made me smile, gave me inspiration and made a tonne of sense when I adapt it to my own context.
I'd send him a few bucks.
Hey Lore I've got a small channel, content isn't great yet as I'm so busy with the work on the property but I'm going to make it more of a priority going forward hopefully. Haven't got a Patreon and I never really thought about having one 😂
@@thebridgemanscottage just subscribed. Love it when people give it a go. My kids are your age & also living their dreams. Good luck to you son. Your land is lovely. I’ll look forward to checking in with you, see how your getting on. 🍀🙏💚
The dopamine point was so interesting to me and i can relate to it so much, i am absolutely addicted to it, I can’t even be in silence for a long time I need to listen to the podcast, KZhead or something, this has made me understand what I need to do. Great video, very inspiring
I need silence or I get distressed.
"I really didn't feel like I was living. I was just surviving and I did it. I was just surviving in the city. When I'm out here, and this is what people call just surviving, but I feel like I'm actaully living now". Close a truth as you might find.
I have to say that never in my life I was able to relate to stuff that someone else said so much! It's so nice to see that like minded people exist. I would acually watch full 3 hour long footage, because he is so inspiring and in so many ways relatable. I highly admire Kyle's courage and strenght. Thank you both for doing this beautiful interview.
You did a great job of interviewing. You got him to verbalize answers to some tough questions but I think others who are thinking about this way of life will get a lot out of the answers!
Keep us updated as he progresses! He's not alone and his story is beautiful. Thank you for the interview.
He has a channel and his video my origin is a good video
I'm a swede who is on the verge of doing something like this myself. I've found the perfect piece of land, no house but I plan to buy an old timber cottage and move it. The fear is enormous and every day, I'm trying to get myself to call the estate agent but there seems to be a force field keeping my finger from pressing the button. This video and all your other videos are so inpiring to me. Someday soon, I'll start my own adventure, inspired in part by your courage. Here's to hoping that I dare make the call tomorrow! Cheers!
Do, go for it! 😊
Go for it my man, our time here is limited so why wait a second more. ✌ Best of luck 👍
Swedes grow well in Irish soil..
Most all my regrets are the things I didn’t do. For you don’t know what you can do until you try.
You’re not getting younger! Go for it!
I love that he’s planting trees ! Ireland needs a lot more of that 🌳
Planted 135 of them this year 👍
@@thebridgemanscottage That’s great !! Thank you !!
@@thebridgemanscottage Just realized you have a channel. Subscribing now. My family left Ireland about 125 years ago, we’re starving. My grandfather was 15. Had 3 sisters all younger than him. The parents put them on a boat to Boston and never saw them again. Your going to do great. When you give life / trees to the land like you are, then it will reward you ! Best of everything to you !
@@thebridgemanscottage good man!
You have a fantastic channel, Daniel - long may it give you joy and another purpose, because you are providing a tonne of value for many people out there. Massive Kudos and Respect
Fair play to this guy. We need more guys like him around. Dublin's loss
Yes. It’s so sad that girls don’t go for these kind of caring and sensitive guys
I think a little bit of us all craves for this kind of life, I wish I was brave enough - maybe one day! The best of luck Kyle 🤞😊
' I like my own company'...I so hear you Kyle...I will be coming over to Co. Sligo this year to do the same thing as you guys.. Good luck with your quest, Kyle...💖
There seems to be a 'Sligo Triangle' where people disappear into...a real world? A magic world? Love this new series idea!
He's got the paddy cap on, the most important piece of gear to have when moving to the countryside
This is a great interview. So authentic. So much different from just the typical youtube personality talking.
You get more done without distractions, how true that is. Good luck Kyle, I’m off in a couple of weeks to Southern Ireland just me and my dogs to a derelict cottage to do simpler things, I’m terrified but exited. Thanks for sharing mossy bottom.
Yes would be fun to see his progress on his cottage and land and garden.
The Bridge Man is living the dream I had from when I was a teenager, also. I never got to do it. I worked my life away. Now I'm retired and I do not feel physically capable of doing what these two are doing, but it's a dream I will always dream nonethless. Maybe in the next life. I did manage to retire in Portugal, and live in a very small house in a village, though I cannot do the work self-sustainable living would require. I love his discussion of lowering the dopamine baseline. I think my little house and the slow pace of rural Portugal are doing that for me. It's lovely.
Kudos to you for finding a nice small home in a village. Neighbors and community have a whole lot of value.
Only young men would think there's an end to taking care of your own house and land! That one day it will all be finished. It's in the nature of houses that they constantly deteriorate, and that land will grow things where you you don't want them. I'm in my 29th year of home ownership, 8 years in my current house, and the more I work it the more connected I am. It's so obvious to me that you and Kyle have made the right decision. Human's were designed for physical work - it makes us healthy. Good luck to you both!
And just because he starts it alone doesn't mean it has to stay that way. Maybe down the road he will find a girl willing or even excited about living the quiet self fulfilling life. Give Kyle our well wishes!
I moved to the Scottish highlands in 93 to lead this life with wife and 2x sons . Its imperative that you work as hard as possible when you are young ,as you get old quickly . Now I'm in my sixties and still going , I always knew old age would creep up some day but all the prep work . Has made it easier. Regards
What a beautiful interview. What a beautiful man -- and sweet, goofy dog. Hope you can update us sometime on Kyle's progress.
I grew up on a small dairy in Northern California. Even there one of the most useful animals we had was a goat. Although we did have to keep her chained during the day, allowing her too much freedom was dangerous to the garden and trees (not to mention the feed and grains for other animals! She managed to out-think us more often than my father would fess up to!). Not only can you eat goat (we didn't) but you can get milk, make goat butter, goat cheese, and they're very smart and fun to be around, or at least I enjoyed our goat. She kept our irrigation ditches clear of weeds, and bushes (we had just over 40 acres of land divided into 5 pastures, with fruit tree's lining the property lines. We had jersey cows, horses, pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese (they were actually the security team), and rabbits. The work never ends, so it's really never "over", and the work is never done. I know I look forward to visiting with Kyle more over the years, I found him quite interesting, intelligent and I kind of admire him. Thank you Kyle for welcoming us to your land.
@Derek Walters, to outsiders your life growing up on the farm seems wonderful. Hard work, but worthwhile. 40 acres in NoCal now costs more than I could afford but I would love to have land a small herd of Jerseys. Good to know how useful a goat is. Thanks for sharing!
He's truly courageous: following his true self rather than what "society" tries to dictate he should do. I see more and more people on KZhead understanding what life should be about once you unshackle from the conventional consumerism culture and norms.
I feel so much joy listening to Kyle talk, or watching him. I have a smile stuck on my face. Thank you very much for sharing this.
I feel the same .
You two just want to complicate his life - leave the guy alone - no, just kidding... : )
I watch all your videos Daniel and this one with Kyle was very inspiring.I am 73 years old and when I was a young nurse I used to hear my older patients say if there is anything in your life that you really want to do, just go for it! You will regret things that you left undone more than the things you did. I know their advice was right. To follow your heart’s desire is to respect the life you were given.Thank you for your choice.
This kid's got it figured out. I'm thinking about getting a homestead up in New England for my ownself. I'll grow corn and peas, try to meet bigfoot. Chop wood, and read books.
Kyle speaks a lot of sense when he talks about finding happiness in reducing the time he spends on mentally stimulating activities like video games, drugs etc - I've certainly noticed a positive difference in myself when staying away from these sorts of things.
Drugs he certainly does not need - they are no good for man or beast, but Internet connection ishecessary. You may need some information or some entertainment to help break the boredom. What worries me is his dependency on his neighbours because he has no car. If he has a cross word with them, they would be reluctant to drive him to town for any purchases and he would get " stuck," so, by moving into a remote area without any decent mode of transport (a bike is no good for carrying a bathtub or a piece of furniture), he has somehow created himself a set of problems that he would not have had had he stayed in town. Otherwise, I admire his courage in leaving the rat race. I would love to do that myself, hut I cannot drive.
@@daisychain3007 It's a new set of problems, but at least they're his problems. I agree with you though, I'd definitely want a car. The reliance on neighbours (especially if he gets ill) is a risk. Also the energy he uses cycling to town could probably be better saved to work on the cottage or land. There's probably a leisure aspect to it though - there's probably no better way to enjoy the beauty of Ireland than cycling in the fresh air with the sun on your back!
Ah, in Africa we manage without cars and people don't mind helping each other out. Like he said, he also helps out where he can. That's community living.
@@petermarshall8936 The energy that he uses cycling to town keeps him fit and healthy. Many doctors or those working in health issues would agree to that.
so many things this lad says resonate with me as i packed a well paid job in when money meant nothing as i was so depressed. i now live in scotland with some land and dont give a hoot wether i have £1 or a million its not about the money and trappings its about being happy and content
Kyle you feel exactly the way a lot of people feel in this modern madness the difference being YOU did something about it BRAVO and very best wishes.
Good for him ...think we are all a little bit envious that he had the guts to take that leap . Well done Kyle ,hope Daniel comes back every so often to see how Ur doing 🙂 I totally get where he's coming from living "back to basics" . I wondered how long he's been there so far?
One will never regret for long investing every penny into property ... he must have got in just under the wire, these places are scarce now in Eire and whats for sale is mostly for silly money! Well done! 💖🙏🌻
Hey, as of right now I've been living on my property for 8 months or so! :)
I am so pleased u let us into Ur way of life I hope u continue to enjoy the "process" and look back in years to come with total pride as to what u have accomplished 👏
Yes. I felt the same way to finally own our home. No more renting, rat race and empty days.
Daniel, thank you for this episode. Kyle is a brave man… please extend my best wishes to him.
I did something simular 13 years ago. I left the fast paced lifestyle of NYC and moved to a rural area alone. It was not as rustic as yours but I just want to say that you do need community and a support system of some kind. I love animals and I thought that they would suffice, but nothing compares to human companionship. Good luck to you and please seek companionship while you are still young.
I loved when Kyle said he yearned for the life that used to be lived & tradition...I yearn to live like my grandfather lived on a small farm in west Mayo ❤️👍
Really enjoyed listening to Kyle and he reminded me of our days when my wife and I meet first in the early 1990s and we set about settling down and we started with nothing and now we have reached an end of sorts. We are searching again for another start as those days in the 1990s where the best and I mean the best but it was not easy as we at times didn't have the money for bills sometimes but I'm so glad we did it. My advice is to anyone contemplating living this wonderful life if you are young ...do it, why wait till your older.
Best of luck to him. I know the house as it's not far away and wondered who was in there. It's great to see someone with his background finding his patch. At least he's had a nice mild winter for a first one. He'll have deer up to his back door. Best wishes, happiness and success for the future.
Would love to see a follow up with Kyle at some point to see his progress. Love this new format of visiting properties and now interviewing likeminded homesteaders. Well done.
I can relate to all of what Kyle said. We made the move 13 years ago and never looked back. I love the independence and the space to just get on with things, make mistakes and then learn. All the best Kyle
This is so inspirational! So wonderful to see young people find a path to self-sufficiency, not blindly accepting the shackles of modern urban life. May you both persist and prosper in your journeys!!!
I totally related to his awareness that for years he seemed to be just taking care of the needs of others not his own. It's just not sustainable. I've worked 35yrs in hospitality and I know the cost to your well-being. Great to learn about Kyle and what he's doing with his life.
Full of admiration for this young guy!
Kyle is living proof that we can change our lives around, despite the obstacles he encountered, he pushed on, and for that I sincerely take my hat off to him, may god and your spirt guide you and strengthen your hand 💪🤲
Excellent work guys! I left the city, my career, friends and family 6 years ago to live in the boonies and I wouldn't change a thing!! Albeit I do have a vehicle to make things easier and to go visit when needed.
Admirable. Here's to success on Kyle's journey!
I loved Kyle's story. I bought a similar cottage 15 years ago. I am just starting work on it. I would love to hear more about Kyle's progress. He gives me inspiration to start. However I am alot older than Kyle. It will be a challenge. Thank you both.
You guys are just about the most beautiful people in Ireland. I am in awe of what you are doing there. Ireland is magical.
Love it. Would love to do it here as well. It's hard to find any small pieces of land here in Scotland, it's mainly owned by huge landowners or farmers.
Same here..Houses and land overpriced...Eire sold out.
Thank you for sharing this inspiring story Mossyman. lol To ease your heart be sure you'll never reach 'the end point', there will always be challenges and victories. 💖🙏🌻
So interesting. You’re onto something special with this series. I look forward to many more.
Hoping to see more of Kyle - thank you so much for this absolutely heartening gentle interview of a lovely young person.
Extraordinary personality, beautiful human being. Thank you for sharing and all the best for Kyle's dreams.
very inspiring, and hats off to kyle - for all his insights at only 31. best wishes!
The coloring on the wall behind him looks like a gateway to a secret garden complete with stone path and two trees as the gateway. Pure magic.
Oh I really enjoyed this. What a very interesting young man. I love his dreams and how he bravely set about living them. He'll be a wonderful addition to his neighbohood in Sligo. I wish him all the very best, and would love to see if he does a channel of his own, and would love to see update from him. Great idea to tell these kind of stories
I am glad that these old deserted places are once again inhabited and brought back to life.
I enjoyed this so much and Kyle is so articulate and wise. I can identify with much of what he says. Great interview technique too - just enough questioning but allowing the interviewee space to really express himself. Brilliant - more please! 👏👏
YOU'RE KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE!!
I get the “hamster wheel” life. I feel I am living it. This video is inspiring. I have been contemplating a move, a shift in life, a transition. His experience has helped me to see what is on the other side of my hesitation and fear. It is freedom. “Everything you have ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” - George Addair
I totally understand what Kyle was saying about serving others. Leaving family would be my stumbling block, I just couldn't do it. I wish Kyle all the best in his venture. Shame to waste all the clipped footage. Could there be episode 2? We need a catch up at least in a year or so's time to see where he is up too. Great watch, thanks.
Thanks for introducing us to Kyle! What a pleasure.
Best video on KZhead! Really! Inspirational because of Kyle's candor. We done guys. You've contributed to the betterment of mankind and that's not easy because it isn't about 'doing something' but rather it's about 'being' or 'living your truth' ( I'm 63 ) Now for my practical advice. I done some similar rennovations. First- Seal the metal roof: scrape,prime & caulk and paint the roof with 100% silicone roof coating& caulk between those metal sheets. It's expensive, but cheaper than a new roof and it will last... and it will adhere. Nothing like it. Next...You have to 'super heat' (with your stove ) the interior of the house to 'drive' out the moisture from the stone & block during the warmest months. This may take a few weeks. Then seal it up 'parging' with lath and mortor. and finally painting a dark color to pull in the sun warmth. And work on your thermal mass inside. Check for a massive ledge rock beneath the cottage. (Old timers usually built on ledge...but watch for water from snowmelt. )You may get lucky as you can carve into that mass for warmth. Just add mass when you do the stove...make it big and bake the heck out of place. Read: Henry David Throueau "Walden" and make God's peace be upon your new home!
Very inspiring to hear he's never lived outside of the city until now, yet he still took the plunge and is able to make his way!
One of your best videos by far, and I really love your channel. I feel such a connection with Kyle and you and your feelings about how you want to live. Sadly, illness and age prevent me from doing as much as I'd like in living like this, but my husband and I do live on some land and have grassfed cows and chickens for meat and eggs. I also manage a bit of vegetable and herb gardening. The sense of well being and having some control over our food choices is quite precious to us. Best to you both!
Well done Kyle I wish I was 31 not 59 as I would love to live self sufficient. Right now I’m living in the south of Spain trying to live a simpler life my husband thinks I’m mad but am learning néw skills …… like today I made cheese for the first time and last week made my first jam. I suppose it’s never too late to learn new skills but too late to be totally self sufficient as would need to swop my husband first as after 40 years of marriage he ain’t changing lol
I will be bicycling from Germany to South Spain in 7weeks. Is there a possibility to couch surf for a couple nights? Im 25 and want to life off grid in Spain. Im sick entire of german weather. I love Spain.
Age is just a number!
@@ravex1656 Hi Ravex sorry I can’t host your stay for a few days as will be in the UK. Hope you enjoy your visit to Spain 😁
@@Nalabaton85 thanks, I found a few great places though workaway. Thanks for ur respond :)
Great interview. I applaud both of you for taking hold of life and forging ahead with your dreams at a young age. Being resilient seems to be what you both are and not tied down oppressively by the need for buckets of ducats and journey on with what you have or can realistically obtain for your needs.
Very best of luck Kyle. I really enjoyed hearing your story. Such a bold move to recognise a need for change and being brave enough to go for it. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness in your beautiful space.
Great video. I can really relate to him. He seems very at peace with himself and his surroundings. Bravo. Never easy to start with but he seems to live reality as it is. I think he is there for many years. Thank you both.
You're doing a wonderful job so far, Kyle. I highly recommend ducks if you already have a pond set up. Their eggs have more protein and health omegas compared to chickens. Very good for baking too! Cheers from the US!
Beautifully said Daniel and Kyle. Your choices make complete sense and I appreciate how you are sharing this with us and inspiring us to reflect all over the world...from your small foot print in Ireland ;-). Kyle's comment about the drinking and drug use of the youth was very on point....if only we could help them see that in "their" moment in time.
There is lots to do in the winter. That’s preparation time. I’ve just prepared two areas that need grassing. I’ve moved my strawberries which was a back breaker. I’ve planted shallots, garlic, lettuce and peas and that’s just this week. I also found a cheap elder which I planted and I cut back the raspberry canes. I also replanted four bushes. I prefer to do the heavy jobs during winter as heavy work in the heat is yuck. I’m growing a forest garden with a small selection of annuals. I prefer the combo of on grid but with a field and gardens, as when you are my age the appeal of off grid isn’t that appealing.
You planted shallots, garlic, lettuce and peas in WINTER? How is that possible?
A really interesting conversation. I’ve always said I was born too late as I’ve never felt that I’ve fitted in the modern world either.
I lived in Colorado for 8 months way back in 09. Slept in a tent and got up every morning, went to the outhouse facing out over the valley below, with cup of coffee or tea. On a nice hot day I'd take a cool shower in an outdoor shower stall. We had solar hot water 24/7 though, which was nice for night time. Clean air, live water off the mountain, good local food and meat. I walked everywhere. Did an apprenticeship, helped build a festival, went up into the hills to cut wood, and timber. I don't think I've ever been more fit in my whole life then. I was swimmin' in my clothes by the time I went 1200 miles back east to home and that's not a hyperbole. I had to poke several holes in the damn belt so it wouldn't fall off. The stars and moon up over the mountains every night. What a sight it was. Living out like that is definitely transcendent. Your body really gets in tune with the world around you. Just feel so good.