Heres her story, as told to associate health conditions director Julia Sullivan.
My career was sucking all of the joy from my life.
(I had never even been camping in general, let alone traveled anywhere by myself!)
Abigail Joselyn
When I got back home, van life was just something I just couldnt get out of my mind.
Im a pretty impulsive personI thought,Why not me?
Of course, they (especially my dad) figured it was a whim kind of thing.
Abigail Joselyn
I had what everyone wanted, right?
Why would I attempt to blow up my life like that?
I just knew I couldnt stay on my current path for much longer.
Abigail Joselyn
Something needed to change.
About two months after returning from that trip, I began test-driving vehicles and got really excited.
This felt like something I couldactuallydo.
Abigail Joselyn
My job was surprisingly on board(they agreed to let me work fully remote).
It was a really special, beautiful trip.
I think because she was with me, it didnt feel real at first.
When my mom finally left, I remembercrying the entire day.
I was so afraid.
I realized I wasnt going home anytime soon.
This tiny vanwasmy home now.
The next morning, I decided to pack up and head to Joshua Tree National Park in California.
We all clicked straight away, and those people are some of my closest friends today.
Sure, I did this as a self-discovery journey, hoping to find out who I truly was.
But I had no idea the kind ofcommunityaround it.
Of course, that hasnt always been the case.
Thats a big deal, because a lot of people might thinkliving solo in a vanwould be scary.
Sure, Ive had a couple of unnerving experiences on the roadparticularly in cities.
But I could simply…drive away.
Im always moving, so it feels less scary.
Still, that freedom can come with major decision fatigue.
It can be a lot.
Then theresdating, which has been…challenging.
Ive dated a few people who also live in vans, but its such a small community.
I recently got out of a relationship with a stationary girl, who Id drive or fly to see.
But schedule-wise, it doesnt add up: I have so much freedom, and she didnt.
Ive been on the road for two years, and I plan to do it for another two.
But I dont think I could ever sell my van.
I have such special memories of building it with my parents.
you might plansolo hikes, or even just go to a restaurant to eat by yourself.
Every little thing you do alone, no matter how big or small, will build your confidence.
Before this journey, I was afraid to be by myself.
That was never me before.
Our society makes us feel stuck, but thats never the case.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
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