Simple Life RVing Blog

Posted on

My Happiness Project, #ChasingHappiness

 
My Happiness Box
 

My Happiness Project #ChasingHappiness 
 
June 16, 2019
 
by Cathy Harris, DearCathy.com
 
Don’t be afraid to #ChaseHappiness. That is the true meaning of life. Many, like myself, just want to live an #Adventurous and #Mobile
lifestyle and there’s nothing wrong with 
#ChasingHappiness.
 
Everyone knows exactly what makes them happy so the goal is not to settle for a life that you feel will take your inner soul. 
 
Many are ‘taking the bull by the horns’ or doing something difficult in a brave and determined way — and creating a life that they can truly love. 
 
For the rest of their lives and on their deathbeds, they will have a brain bank ‘full of memories’ with stories to share with the people they truly love #WhatALife, #ChasingHappiness.
 
It’s no wonder this is the year I decided to go Full-Time RVing. I started off the New Year reading a book entitled “The Happiness Project.”
 
The book suggested I do my own “Happiness Project” so I wanted to REPOST my happiness project steps I am taking throughout the year to bring even more happiness into my life, especially as I embark on my new adventures as a Full-Time RVer (or #VanDweller).
 
Just some of the steps that I put together in “My Happiness Project” include: 
 

Listen to Music More

Music stimulates the part of your brain that causes happiness. Listening to music can create peak emotions, which increase the amount of dopamine, a specific neurotransmitter that is produced in the brain and helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers.       

Meditation

I am a  big believer in ‘Meditation’. It makes your mind sharper and alert along with reducing stress and enhancing positive energy.

Some schools are even using meditation to help kids deal with stressful situations. You can find great meditation music on youtube.com or download a Meditation App on your phone or computer.
 
You can meditate sitting up or lying down. You can meditate from the comfort of your own home for 15 to 30 minutes every day or find a meetup.com group or another meditation group in your community.                                                                                              
Do Yoga
 
Yoga, like  Meditation, is extremely good for the brain. They both are actually two of the best exercises for the human brain.
 
If you have never done yoga before then start now. Not only will it increase your flexibility, but it will prevent middle-age spread. This is an exercise the entire family can do.
 
You can do yoga from the comfort of your home by downloading a  Yoga App on your phone or computer or watch it on youtube.com.     
 

Engage in ‘Laughter Yoga’

Yoga is an exercise that is extremely good for the brain. It’s true that laughter will bring in even more laughter.

In my last city, I learned about ‘laughter yoga.’ These laughter yoga groups are located on meetup.com or form these laughter yoga groups your own self.

Replace Negative Thoughts with Good Thoughts

To be happy you have to think positive thoughts. This will take some practice, but it can be done. It helps when you surround yourself with positive people and positive things (memories).

Every time you get a negative thought in your mind, replace it right away with a positive thought. This is why it’s important to have great information in your brain bank. 

Do Hypnosis

I had a hypnosis session for ‘sleep issues’ in my last city and it worked.

A professional told me how to do an exercise when I had trouble falling asleep. Sleep is extremely important so hypnosis for bringing more happiness into your life probably could work.

Keep a Food Diary Journal

Most people don’t have any idea what they eat during the day, so therefore, keep a food diary. Certain foods can actually make you sad.

I only eat blood-type foods, which not only make me happy but give me energy as well. There are Vegan, Vegetarian, Blood Type, Gluten-Free, Paleo, Keto, and other diets.

The problem is most folks today eat the Standard American Diet (also called “SAD”) and that should tell you something.

The diet is full of processed foods with no nutritional value and can actually cause you to be sad and depressed.      

Eat At Home

When you eat out, you have no idea what ingredients are in your foods, which can cause an allergic reaction or these foods can make you sad.     

Sing In the Morning

Mornings set the tone for the entire day so sing in the morning and be happy. Most people are more productive from 8:00-12:00 p.m., so sing and just be happy.     

Stop Watching TV

Television is negative today and it does nothing but force you — just like Hollywood – to think negatively about your life. It does nothing but ‘rob your soul’ of fun and happiness. 

Try especially to avoid turning it on in the mornings — your most productive time of the day. Instead, listen to laughter yoga, or motivational speakers on Youtube.

No one pays for cable anymore. You can easily rent movies on Netflix.com, Amazon.com, Hulu.com, etc. You can receive all your news from independent media by email so subscribe to independent media websites and turn off the TV.  

Exercise

Exercising releases ‘feel-good’ endorphins. It is a great way to change your mood so make sure you exercise several days a week or find a hobby that is physical, such as walking, hiking, swimming, tennis, etc.                   

Get More Sleep

You should get at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep every night. Children ages 18 or younger, need 9 or 10 hours of sleep.

Most people don’t know it but if you don’t get enough sleep, you won’t just be in a bad mood all day, but you can cause issues in your marriage and family, and make you crave bad foods. 

So invest in a good mattress and pillow. The goal is to go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every day — even on weekends.       

Give Up Alcohol

Try to take #BabySteps and give up alcohol. Not only does alcohol make you sleepy, but it can make you SAD. It has a negative effect on the brain.   

Hang Out With Enthusiastic Friends

Make time for friends — but stop gossiping. Having strong social bonds is a key to happiness. People get a mood boost from contact with others.

However, select good people to be in your circle. No one wants to be around negative, ‘doom and gloom’ people, so hang out with others that are enthusiastic about life.

As I travel around the country, I make it a point to visit friends. Many are now elderly so I guess you can say I do welfare checks on my friends especially the ones that are still enthusiastic about life.     

Watch What You Say To People – #WordsMatter

Many people are on edge today so watch what you are saying to people. Even when you make posts on social media, just watch what you are saying to people. Try to choose nice and uplifting words.    

Don’t Focus on a Bad Mood

Try not to focus on a bad mood – it will pass. Go for a walk or engage in an activity. Men are better at this than women. Women continue to focus on a bad mood so this might take some practice for women.           

Use Your Good Dishes

Use your good dishes. Why set aside these things you might never get to use, therefore, use your good dishes.                                       

Clean Up Clutter

I started my career off as a secretary, so for me to be able to write every day and be productive, I need a clutter-free environment.

So clean up your space, and place, and throw stuff out especially clothes that you no longer wear. If you have things in your closet that you know you are not going to wear — get rid of them. If you have clothing with sentimental value, keep it somewhere else in your house.             

Tackle A Long-Delayed Chore

 Once you complete a chore that you have been putting off, it will bring more happiness.                         

Act The Way You Want To Feel

Smile and act happy and somehow you will get there. Children smile hundreds of times a day, however, adults only smile 4 to 17 times a day – so smile more.            

Do New Things

People who do new things are apt to be happier than people who continue to do the same things day in and out.

This is why I travel to new cities and meet new people. It brings so much happiness into my life.         

Do Fun Things

Books are fun for me. Selecting them and reading non-fiction books are so much fun, especially ‘self-help’ books.

Also, I love going to meetup.com meetings and meeting new people. I also enjoy traveling, photography, surfing the internet, crocheting, sewing, dancing, watching movies, and going to the gym.  

Be More Generous

Do things like helping others think big. Give other people great suggestions. Doing good deeds brings happiness and remember the best way to make others happy is to be happy yourself.                                                                 

Bring People Together

Introduce people to other people. Set up a high school reunion or another event. Hold events at your home or hold a meetup.com meeting in your community.                           

Do What You Love

If you are in a  job that you no longer enjoy, get another one — even in another city, go back to school or start a business.  Do what you love and allow your kids to do what they love – youth business ownership.      

Downsize Your Living Arrangements

At 62 I was seriously thinking about obtaining a “Tiny Home” to live in until I came up with the idea of Full-Time RVing. I am currently living in an Efficiency/Studio apartment so downsizing my living arrangements has made me much happier.

Because I am saving money from downsizing, I now have more funds to eat better foods and travel, which is more important to me than buying ‘shiny things’ – so live a #MinimalistLifestyle. 

Visit Libraries

Many people today don’t even step into libraries anymore. Libraries are a great place to find interesting information and people. As I travel around the country, I always visit as many libraries as I can.

Female University Student Sitting on a Library Floor Reading a Book

Most have a bulletin board to see local events or find out what events are being held in the libraries. I always ask if I can hold my own events in these facilities (seminars and workshops).

I also check out library books and read magazines or just bring my laptop and work on my other projects there.    

Start A Blog

You can start a free blog at www.Blogger.com or www.WordPress.com. Find some way to put down your thoughts that can turn into a book project.

A blog or journaling will work. Blog about what you are passionate about. Try to blog every day or at least every other day. 

Happy People Make Good Marriage Mates

Men are not attracted to women who are not happy. Happy people find it easier to get married and stay married.

Get An Outdoor and Indoor Game

Couples should have indoor and outdoor games to keep interest in their relationship.  

Hug Your Spouse More

It’s important to practice hugging more especially your spouse, mate, significant other, or partner, and especially your children.

It will make a big difference in how you view the world and how it views you.       

Don’t Ignore Your Spouse

Many people end up less considerate of their mates. Have date nights with your spouse and spend quality time together.

Show each other love and put each other first. Be nice to each other and treat your mate better than you treat others.          

Don’t Dump Minor Issues On Your Mate

Couples do pick up on the mood of their spouses, so, therefore, it’s important not to dump your minor issues on your spouse.

Don’t allow nagging and petty issues to ruin your relationship. Be happy, stop complaining, and blaming your spouse, mate, significant other, or partner for petty issues.     

Read Books on Happy Relationships

There are tons of great reading material out there for people in relationships. Men and women approach relationships, especially intimacy differently because “Men Are From Mars and Women Are from Venus.” 

Read the book “Love After 50” so you can keep an active sex life as you age.    

Children Bring Happiness

Children do bring more happiness to relationships. You might have ups and downs when you have children, but overall, people are happier with children.

If you can’t have children today because of GMOs, contact surrogacy programs, do IVF, or adopt.       

Keep Happy Memories Alive

Keep happy memories around you because they will make you happy. I keep pictures of myself and my children close to my work area. My photo albums are not far away.

Send photos to family members, but be careful posting pictures online especially pictures of your children with all the pedophiles collecting these pictures today.

I also kept all my daughter’s memorabilia from their schools and presented it to them when they were grown.  

Take Time for Family Projects

Sometimes the happiness comes from planning a family home project. I made sure my family had cakes, balloons, and cards for their birthdays.

I even took pictures for 18 years of both my daughter’s birthdays.

Family projects excited me especially when I knew everyone would get a kick out of the work I put in. 

Go Off the Beaten Path

Get your creative juices going by doing different things. Everyone has skills and talents which are of value to others so do things that excite you.

Learn to cook, sew, or shoot a gun. Create your own meetup.com group. 

Take Time to Be Silly

Let your silly side shine through. Most people don’t know that I have a very ‘comedic side’ that I used to have in school growing up.

As I get older and as life gets easier as a Senior, it is coming back to me.  

Feel Right

Try to feel right by living the life you know you are supposed to be living. Don’t think you will be happier in the future than you are in the present.      

Choose Joy and Happiness

You have to wake up and choose to be happy. I do this when I spring out of bed every day.

The first thing I do is juice green foods which release ‘feel-good’ serotonin in my brain, which helps me feel good. 

Then I go and work out, which releases ‘feel-good’ endorphins in my brain. So get a ‘feel-good’ routine for you and your family.  

Being happy can help you:
  • Be more productive.
  • Makes you more helpful.
  • Makes you more likable.
  • Makes you friendlier.
  • Makes you a better leader.
  • Makes you physically attractive.
What I did after listening to the audiobook “The Happiness Project” was to listen to it again for the second time.
 
Then I recommended it to my two daughters and other people that I care deeply about. 
 
I also started a happiness box, which was recommended by the author. In this box, I place items that automatically make me happy when I see them. 
 
Practice the steps in this article and share them with the people you care deeply about. Make this the year you stop being selfish and start sharing great information with the ones you love.
 
Love yourself and become even happier this year. You deserve it! Good luck!!!
 
Also read:
 

Cathy Harris is a New Earth Educator, Speaker, Author, GMO Educator, and Holistic Healer at www.CathyHarrisInternational.com and she offers seminars, workshops, and consultations on Health/Gardening, Business, and Spirituality. She is the author of 6 health books, 2 business books, and 20 other nonfiction books at www.AngelsPress.com. You can email Cathy at AskCathy@DearCathy.com or Cathy@CathyHarrisInternational.com and bring Cathy’s Mobile Learning Clubs (www.MobileLearningClubs.com) and Cathy’s Caravan (www.CathysCaravan.com) to your city.

Posted on

The Truth About the RV Industry – What You Need To Know About Camping World

 
The Truth About the RV Industry 
What You Need To Know About Camping World
 
June 8, 2019
 
by Cathy Harris, Freelancer & Syndicated Columnist
 
This article was written in Jul. 2019 before I even got on the road to become a Nomad. In Oct. 2019, I decided I needed to go #VanLife instead of buying an RV.
 
My decision was based on the following:
-All the issues in the RV industry as you will see in this article.
-I wanted to be able to move fast.
-I wanted to be able to park anywhere a car could park.
-As a Speaker, Author and Trainer, teaching from the road, I needed to be able to go into neighborhoods especially subdivisions with very little hassle.
 
Three (3) years later (2022) — I am still very satisfied with my decision to buy a Van vs. an RV. Now I travel around the country teaching from the road in my 2019 Dodge Ram Promaster.
 
——————————————————-
 
I can’t successfully write this article without first breaking down what has happened in the RV Industry and especially with Camping World, one of the largest RV dealerships in the country.
 
Everyone needs to be glued to Youtube especially if they are an RV or Motorhome “enthusiast,” or a person wanting to one day buy an RV. 
 
Watch the series of videos by Alan Warren, The RV Wingman, on a popular youtube RV show entitled “The RV Show USA,” who is a consumer advocate for RVers.
 
One of the best advocates in the RV industry is a newsletter at RVTravel.com, owned by Editor Chuck Woodbury, who has a list of monthly recalls in the RV industry.  The newsletter is the longest running and best newsletter about RVs anywhere. So subscribe today. 
 
Why Class Action Lawsuits Were Needed Against Camping World
 
Class Action lawsuits create changes in ‘policies and procedures’ and they gain major media attention. But how is this Camping World fiasco going to affect future sells of RVs? We all are hoping for the better.
 
Currently, there are 13 class actions against Camping World and several other individual complaints. Not only does it look like they are headed for bankruptcy, if RVers who bought from Camping World, don’t act fast they will lose even more thousands of dollars on their ESPs (Extended Warranty Protections). 
 
These fees can be up to around $6000 in some cases. Many RVers who did not buy through Camping World, still have these Good Sam’s memberships for road service and insurance so they too need to be concerned.
 
Once Camping World file for bankruptcy, which is right around the corner, RV owners who bought through Camping World will no longer have an opportunity to get this money back and don’t think because of Camping World’s ‘doom and gloom’, it will be the ideal time for you to buy through them — because it won’t. 
 
Understand that most of the RVs bought at Camping World is new. Camping World has the worst Customer Service for RVers out there — hands-down.
 
Not only do they go in and take over other RV national dealerships, but they also fire all the real ‘certified technicians’ and replace them with workers who are nothing more than ‘glorified’ handymen — according to Camping World Whistleblowers. 
 
And this is why when you need a repair with this company, it takes 3 months for them to get to you and another two months to order parts. 
 
Many facebook groups’ admins and moderators are trying their best to keep down all the ‘negative chatter’ on these forums in regards to Camping World, but this is the time for RVers to be ‘well-informed’ on the issues.
 
Those who bought RVs and Motorhomes through Camping World, need to apply for a refund on their ESPs (Extended Warranty Protections) before the company files for bankruptcy or before it’s too late. 
 
I am sure these admins and moderators on facebook and other forums are people who actually work or is connected to Camping World, but now is the time to educate all RV and Motorhome owners on what to look out for now and in the future, especially if the RV industry ever plan on getting back on track.
 
I believe because of the tenacity and boldness of the Class Action complainants to come forward, this will lead to an avalanche of current and future RV owners demanding better customer service and a better quality of RVs and Motorhomes.
 
In many states, the state’s Attorney Generals have had to get involved because of all the RV complaints so make sure you research the manufacturers and dealerships ahead of time on the website at www.BetterBusinessBureau.org. And don’t forget to look up online reviews and complaints at www.PissedConsumer.com. 
 
Camping World is encouraging buyers to finance through them instead of paying cash outright for an RV so they will be in a position to make more money on any deal.
 
They are even telling some buyers they have to finance through their dealerships instead of with their own credit unions or banks — and this is against the law. 
 
Many RVers trade in their RVs every 32 to 40 months, and that’s when many folks who bought at Camping World especially, find out for the first time how they were cheated by them.
 
One guy paid $12,000 for a camping trailer and 5 years later he still owed $25,000 on it. One lady said they quoted her a price of $53,000, but when she walked out she owed $75,000.
 
One person, a female, said she were prepared to pay thousands of dollars for an RV, over $200,000, but Camping World tried to charge her $20,000 for an ‘extended warranty.’
 
However, she ended up walking out and bought her RV somewhere else and paid $4,200 for a seven-year warranty with Wholesale Warranties, who supposedly always pay their claims. She said the warranty paid for itself in 3.5 years so this was another deal that Camping World lost because of their unethical practices.
 
Listen to the deposition of Marcus Lemonis, the owner of Camping World, (Part 1, Part 2), with his #SmugTestimony, as if what is happening at Camping World is not his fault. He has no shame for what he has done to people who have bought RVs there. He was supposedly thinking about running for President. I think not! RVers would have a field day with him. 
 
‘Wake Up Call’ for the RV Industry
 
What is happening with Camping World at this time was desperately needed. The RV industry really needs, aka “A Good Shakeup,” with back-to-back Class Actions, which would give them all something to think about.
 
We as consumers must demand “better customer service” and a “better quality of work” from any industry especially the RV industry. Let this be a “Wake Up Call” to everyone who works in the industry and who plan on buying RVs or Motorhomes in the future.
 
Like in the car industry where cars today are not made with as ‘good of quality’ as they were years ago, the RV industry is no different. However, the RV industry needs to be regulated like the car industry with #QualityControl.
 
There is no competition in the RV industry. There is no one or no other groups or countries challenging the RV industry and this is why RV manufacturers are finding a way to continue to make these poorly-made, cheap RVs.
 
It takes 3 to 4 days to build an RV and two and a half months for repairs so this alone should tell you something about where and how RVs are built.
 
Some of the RV factories only have 3 service reps because most of their workforce doesn’t actually use computers. Again, most RVs are made in Indiana and who lives in this area? There are big Amish communities in these areas that are not computer-savvy.
 
At the end of the day, everyone would like to purchase an RV with GOOD QUALITY, but this still won’t guarantee that you won’t have issues with it, whether you bought it NEW or USED, especially because they are coming off the assembly line SO FAST today. 
 
This is why it’s extremely important to hire an NVRIA.org Inspector up front on NEW and USED RVs.
 
And because many industries like the RV industry are hiring their family, friends, and neighbors on these jobs through nepotism, cronyism, and favoritism and refuse to fire them for shabby work, QUALITY CONTROL has been thrown out the door.
 
As a matter of fact, the CUSTOMER SERVICE and the REPAIR ISSUE is so bad in the RV industry, many RVers are jumping aboard Class Actions lawsuits filed against Camping World and I believe it’s just a matter of time before they go after other companies besides Camping World.
 
Also, I believe because of all the problems in the RV industry, especially with the HIGH REPAIR COSTS, many travel enthusiasts are skipping the headaches and just engaging in #VanLife instead.
 

RV Industry – Opportunities for Growth

Many have said the Baby Boomer generation was the best generation. As a Baby Boomer myself, I believe this to be true. Some have regular monthly incomes so they have been able to go RVing with their grandchildren and other family members and just relax — as they see more than just their backyards. 
 
Many Baby Boomers have been able to retire from jobs they held for 30 years so they have monthly pensions and monthly Social Security checks. Because of Baby Boomers, there is always a fresh supply of customers to buy RVs. 
 
As many employers today allow their employees to work remotely from their homes, the average age for RVers is 45 and these individuals are tech-savvy. However, today also many middle-aged women are fastly becoming the largest group of RV consumers out there.
 
Many Generation X’s, Millennials and Generation Z’s are being born into the RV industry and are benefitting from the growth and opportunities in this industry.  
 
The RV industry is not as dismal as many people think. There is a lot of opportunities in the RV industry for growth. However, this growth needs to be regulated. 
 
Many travelers still want to go RVing, not just as weekenders, and despite what has happened with Camping World, they still want to become ‘Full-Time RVers’.  
 
You have industries like NASCAR that use campers and RVs during their events so the demand for RVs and motorhomes will never decrease. 
 
The owners of Cracker Barrel Restaurants and Bass Pro Shops, who also owns Cabelas, who are RVers themselves, are offering up their national parking lots for RVers to park there overnight for FREE after their establishments close for the day. 
 
Other business establishments like HarvestHosts.com (665 Wineries, Breweries, Farms, and more) and Casinos (CasinoCamper.com) have partnered with the RV industry to gain customers and clients to build and grow their businesses so you can also park at these establishments for FREE, but is invited to partake in their services and products. Many other businesses are looking to also go this route. 
 
Many homeowners, especially those who register at www.BoondockersWelcome.com, who own land is welcoming RVers with open arms to park on their land and enjoy themselves for FREE. Other landowners are also looking to turn their land into hangouts for RVers. 
 
Despite the Camping World fiasco, many campgrounds and parks are being built because of all the interest in traveling Full-Time in RVs. There are tons of jobs being built and a major need for RV technicians (also called ‘mechanics’) and inspectors. 
 
Also, there are many opportunities to open up training schools or academies to educate everyone on the RV industry – how to buy; how to fix; how to inspect; etc. 
 
An RV Training Academy in Athens, TX – https://nrvta.com is a training academy outside of Dallas for people who own RVs. They will also help RV technicians and RV Inspectors get their certifications and start their own businesses. These are great business opportunities for all men and women. 
 
The training is a 5-day LIVE CLASS offered by this couple. They also offer an online class at a lower rate ($300). They even offer an RV park for RVers and for those arriving in cars, they have other places for them to stay or RVs for them to rent — while they attend classes. Many new potential RVers attend the classes even before they buy an RV.
 
This group is even working with FEMA (government contracts) to inspect trailers that they wanted to give to people who had experienced damages from hurricanes. This is what you call a lucrative career. This is how real business owners think and anyone can get into these types of jobs or businesses.
 
We must take #BabySteps and open up these schools and academies ourselves. We need to learn to do these repairs ourselves on our own RVs, even if we have ‘extended warranties.’
 
Or the only other choice RVers will have as they travel throughout the country is to google “RV Repair Shops” or “RV Mobile Repairers” in the area and take a chance on these repairers being ‘knowledgeable’ and ‘ethical’. 
 
Living in Cars, Vans and RVs Can Be What We All Need
 
With many families falling victim to eating GMOs  (aka “Processed Foods”) today, which turns off the brain, and are being evicted from their homes at an alarming rate, many should investigate the idea of living in cars, vans, and RVs. 
 
So again, this just might be the PERFECT TIME to demand change in the RV industry. Until the government puts its hands down and says it will do better for all people, by first of all giving them a decent ‘living wage,” we have to look for other solutions to house, clothe and feed people.
 
Cities in California, where there is a major homeless problem are even declaring ‘war on the homeless’ and forbidding them to camp out in their cars, vans, and even RVs overnight. Many car and van dwellers are turning to rest stops since being kicked out of many areas, especially in California.
 

My Dilemma

I am really upset at how Camping World treated their customers and clients. I am within 6 months of buying my FIRST RV. So the BIG QUESTION of the day is who else or what other RV dealerships have the same type of UNETHICAL PRACTICES as Camping World?

This dilemma has caused me to rethink my future decision to become an RV owner until I can get better clarification on how to move forward. Meanwhile, as a former federal Whistleblower myself, at www.TheCathyHarrisStory.com, I do plan on supporting an RV industry Whistleblower, Kevin Frazer, Founder and Owner of Cheyenne Camping Center.

Another ‘outspoken critic’ against Camping World and unethical practices in the RV industry is the CEO of RV Sales of Broward, Gigi Stetler, who is the author of the book “Unstoppable.”

Not only did her RV company in Ft. Lauderdale, FL go up against Camping World, but she went even further and created “The RV Advisor,” (a group similar to AngiesList.com) to protect the rights of RVers. 

The RV Advisor is here to educate RV consumers before and after they purchase an RV. Their goal is to be the #1 resource for RV owners.

This is why they promote proper operating practices and maintenance of RVs, provide virtual mechanical support, and have reviewed the leading service providers’ programs to offer their members the best options at the lowest prices.

Not only is Gigi available to look at your RV contract from other RV dealerships, but she has even stated on “The RV Show USA,” that her company will fix an RV’s emergency the same day and if it is not an emergency, the next day. No other RV dealership has this type of service. At least I have not run across it in my research.

There is another ethical RV dealership,  a mom-and-pop business, RVStation.com with owner Cannon Combs, who has 7 locations in Texas (one in Oklahoma) and is offering FREE 2 hour monthly RV classes the second Wednesday of each month, even if you did not buy your RV with them.

They will be highlighted often on The RV Show USA. So again, there is a MAJOR NEED and NICHE out there for RV manufacturers, dealerships, and even employees who are now Whistleblowers in the RV industry — to step up to the plate and set up these ‘ethical businesses’ to further educate RVers.

So between Kevin Frazer at Cheyenne Camping Center in Iowa, Gigi Stetler with RV Sales of Broward in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Cannon Combs at RVStation.com in Texas, what I really need to do is probably buy my RV from one of these dealerships — and call it a day — especially since all of them seem to be doing right by RVers and is not afraid to go up against Corporate RV giants like Camping World — #EthicalAndBrave.

Just know up-front what you are getting into when you purchase an RV. There is no such thing as purchasing the perfect RV. When you settle on an RV, it will probably only have about 80% of what you really want in it. 
 
Again, be ready to wait days, weeks and months for repairs, especially in the summertime when everyone is out vacationing and because of the SHORTAGE of RV repair shops or mobile RV repairers. 
 
The goal is to learn to fix these repairs yourself even if you have ‘extended warranties’ or start RV repair and inspection businesses. You can read my first business book to understand how business really works. The book is entitled “How To Take Control of Your Own Life: A Self-Help Guide To Starting Your Own Business” (Series 2).
 
The book discusses everything from ‘start to finish’ if you truly want to become a successful business owner and like all my books at AngelsPress.com, they can be read by 12-year olds and above.
 
Follow my youtube channel at “Simple Life RVing” www.YouTube.com/SimpleLifeRVing. 
 
I am also available to come to your area to teach about the NEW Gesara banking system, which is getting ready to be implemented globally.
 
Cathy Harris is a New Earth Educator, Speaker, Author, GMO Educator, and Holistic Healer at www.CathyHarrisInternational.com and she offers seminars, workshops, and consultations on Health/Gardening and Business. She is the author of 6 health books, 2 business books, and several other nonfiction books at www.AngelsPress.com. You can email Cathy at AskCathy@DearCathy.com or Cathy@CathyHarrisInternational.com and bring Cathy’s Mobile Learning Clubs (www.MobileLearningClubs.com) and Cathy’s Caravan (www.CathysCaravan.com) to your city.
 
Watch Below Videos To Learn the Truth About Camping World 
 

Read the blog posts:

How To Raise Your Frequencies and Vibrations

Prepare for Ascension Symptoms

Which StarSeed Are You?

Signs You Are Experiencing a Spiritual Awakening

How To Ask for Help from Your Guardian Angels and Spirit Guides

How To Activate Your 7 Main Chakras

Cathy Harris is a New Earth Educator, Speaker, Author, GMO Educator, and Holistic Healer at www.CathyHarrisInternational.com and she offers seminars, workshops, and consultations on Health/Gardening, Business, and Spirituality. She is the author of 6 health books, 2 business books, and 20 other nonfiction books at www.AngelsPress.com. You can email Cathy at AskCathy@DearCathy.com or Cathy@CathyHarrisInternational.com and bring Cathy’s Mobile Learning Clubs (www.MobileLearningClubs.com) and Cathy’s Caravan (www.CathysCaravan.com) to your city.

Posted on

A New Way of Living – How To Live ‘The Good Life’ in a Car, Van, RV, Bus, or Boat

A New Way of Living: How To Live ‘The Good Life’ in a Car, Van, RV, Bus, or Boat
 
 
  • Phase 1 – Getting The Right Mindset to Full-Time RV
  • Phase 2 – Purchasing the Perfect RV
  • Phase 3 – Packing Up Essential RV Supplies and Hitting the Road
May 30, 2019
 
by Cathy Harris, Syndicated Columnist
 
 
Hi everyone:
 
All it takes is one GREAT IDEA idea to change or transform your life. If you can pick up this idea and motivate yourself into action — your entire life can change in an instant. 
 
Pick Up the Torch Younger Generations
 
Some of you will read this article and say Cathy Harris has totally flipped her mind and others will say, she is a GOD for passing on this wonderful info and action plan. 
 
As a  #BabyBoomer  (at age 62), and as an elder, I am trying desperately to  PASS THE TORCH to the next generation as I advise them on some POSSIBLE OPTIONS for rebuilding their lives.
 
Therefore, stop and think logically and check out this ‘New Way of Living’. Many people today especially on social media are too opinionated and they ‘can’t see the forest for the trees’. They refuse to listen to any good ideas or strategies to move their family and communities forward. 
 
 
Wake Up Before It’s Too Late
 
Hear me out on this  NEW WAY OF LIVING that can enhance all our lives. I haven’t owned a TV in quite a while and this is why I have been able to make good decisions in my life. 
 
Unlike most of you who watch TV and allow all that noise to get into your head, while you are bombarded with daily negative messages, I choose peace, harmony, and tranquility throughout my day.
 
Today we have to do more than just sit around hoping that Donald Trump gets impeached or that we elect another president that will be about the people. Donald Trump is about the people.
 
The way the world is going today, it’s about to be  
#SurvivalOfTheFittest.  We need to look within  ourselves for the answers and take PROACTIVE STEPS  to build our own lives. For some, it will take #BabySteps so let’s be patient with each other as we embrace a NEW WAY OF LIVING. 
 
My Story – Born To Be A Wanderer (aka “Nomad”)
 
To keep excitement and adventure in my life, I believe in change. This is why as I age gracefully, I keep exploring what life has to offer and keep reinventing myself. 
 
On Jan. 2, 2013, I left Atlanta, GA after 20 years. Because I wanted to take advantage of my expertise, I created the”Cathy Harris Humanitarian Tour” and visited over 15 states. 
 
I put my belongings in storage, packed my car up and got on the open road. I drove around the country exploring the sites, meeting wonderful individuals and groups I had met online over the years, and I held these exciting
seminars and
workshops around my health and business initiatives. 
 
I felt like I  could no longer breathe in Atlanta.  I felt like the city was taking my ‘creative juices’ from me and if I did not leave, it would take my very soul.  You see — next to where I grew up at — 2 hours outside Atlanta for 19 years, it was the longest time I had stayed in ONE SPOT. 
 
Ever since I was in the military, I have always had that #Wandering spirit inside of me. So my entire body was aching to leave, aching to explore and I was just aching to show up fully in my life. 
 
The fact that I had already lost 15 of my closest friends at the ages of 45 and 46, including my ex-husband — my daughter’s father, I just knew it was time to close that chapter of my life and start another. 
 
Because I had driven a government vehicle on my job for over 20 years when I retired in 2005, I was very comfortable behind the wheel of a vehicle and even had had these recurring dreams from time to time that I was a race car driver in another life. 
 
Being on the road is the only thing that made sense to me.  That year on the road was a great lesson in “humanity.”  I realized because of my love for ALL PEOPLE — no matter what I did for the rest of my life — that I had to put #HumanityFirst. 
 
So now in  5 months I will be leaving the Orlando, FL area after one year and going on to the NEXT STAGE of my life — which as you should have guessed by now — back on the road.
 
My New Lifestyle in 3 Phrases (Phase I, Phase 2, Phase 3)
 

My new priority will be teaching on the road so what I am promoting is a NEW LIFESTYLE, A NEW WAY OF  LIVING, especially for the population that can be MOBILE. 

In 6 months to a year, it is my ACTION PLAN to become a  Full-Time RVer and travel and teach around the U.S., while I explore some great sites, see my family and old friends, and just gain the freedom that I so desire. 
 
This is truly living “The Good Life.” You too can live 
#TheGoodLife in a car, van, RV, bus, boat, etc. and travel around the world and back again. 
 
As I present  this #MinimalistLifestyle in 3 phrases
(Phase I, Phase 2, and Phase 3, my NEW BLOG –SimpleLifeRVing.com will break down this ENTIRE PROCESS for you. Study it then go out and conduct your own research because you do have options today. 
 
Topics I will discuss while I assist RVers, Car, Van, Bus, and Boat Dwellers, other Minimalists and YOU on the road include:
  • Minimalism
  • Health/Gardening
  • Business 
These are my Phases as I see them:
  • Phase 1: Getting the Mindset of Going Full-Time RVing. 
  • Phase 2: Finding the Perfect RV.
  • Phase 3: Packing the RV and Getting On the Road 
My 3 movements – a  black women’s movement” The Essential Women’s Movement for African American Women,”  my organic food movement “Virtual Organic Garden Clubs” and my business movement “Mobile Learning Clubs” will be downgraded from movements to initiatives, which means all of these will still be very important in my teachings and lessons as I move on to another platform and teach from the road. 
 
Action Plan for Your Health
 
GMOs (aka “Processed Foods”), foods that have been altered from their original state or foods that you buy in packages, bags, cans, jars, etc. have completely devastated most cities today. 
GMOs, which have no #NutritionalValue especially causes #BrainIssuessuch as mental health issues, autism and babies born with smaller brains, bipolar disorder, depression, Alzheimer’s, MS, Parkinson’s, etc. and many other issues including nutritional deficiencies, immune problems, food allergies, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, blindness, accelerated aging – just to name a few. 
 
Even though at one time GMOs were mostly grown in the Midwest, now they are everywhere. GMOs are grown in over 50% of America’s crops. Many, especially farmers, believe that figure can even be as high as 70%. 
 
Not only are they on your plate, they are ‘airborne’, which means you are breathing in GMOs when you go outside your home every day. To counteract this or to keep these poisons and toxins exiting your body, it’s important to eat good, clean ORGANIC foods, drink good water, take daily supplements, exercise regularly and get plenty of rest, while you engage in a regular detoxification program. 
 
Remember that EVERY CITY has a holistic or natural community. You don’t have to live in these areas, but it’s important to switch over to eating ORGANIC FOODS so look for these communities in your city or set these up your own self.
 
If you are sick – get better and get out here on the road with us and remember being out here will allow you extra funds to pay off bills — while you save money and eat #OrganicFoods.
Read more about GMOs in all 6 of my health books
at  AngelsPress.com and make sure you sign up for Jeffrey Smith’ e-newsletter at www.ResponsibleTechnology.org. Information is out there. It’s not hidden under a rock.  
 
New Health Risk Today – Mandatory Measles Vaccinations
 
Since GMOs are not taking families out fast enough, now the government (also the medical and pharmaceutical industry) is trying to make everyone take another measles’ vaccination. 
 
First, it was announced a few months ago in several media outlets that social media would no longer educate anyone on vaccinations because they say the information being put out it is not correct.
 
Now you see they were setting everyone up for this NEW MEASLES’ VACCINATIONS  to further take out the population.
The government is attempting to make adults born before 1989to take another measles vaccination. 
This includes my two daughters and it could very well be ‘the end of the end’ for many people who are not paying attention.   
 
I am pretty sure that the government (also the medical and pharmaceutical industry) are working to make these new vaccinations a requirement for those that receive state or federal benefits such as Veterans, Medicaid and Medicare recipients, etc.
 
When I left Texas 7 months ago, tons of folks were fleeing California to Texas because of their mandatory vaccination laws for children. 
 
Texas has a strong advocacy group that advocates against vaccinations so EVERY STATEneed to form a group similar to — “Texans for Vaccine Choice.” They were successful many times in keeping politicians who were pro-vaccines off the ballot.
 
The government is even preparing to send nurses to vaccinate adults in their homes. Vaccinations contain heavy metals, which renders your ability to use your brain or render you #Brainless (the same as GMOs, which contains ‘heavy metals’ from pesticides and herbicides) so it’s important to understand how to remove these heavy metals from your body if you are forced to take these vaccinations. Read my informative article entitled “How To Gain Back Your Mental Clarity After Eliminating Heavy Metals.”
 
Plan for the Next Recession
 
We have all heard the stories about how Amazon.com, Google.com, and Facebook.com employees are sleeping in their cars because they are not being paid enough money to be able to afford a roof over their heads. 
 
So know up-front that this article is not trying to glamorize sleeping in a car, truck, van, or RV, especially if you don’t have funds to fix it up so that you can live there comfortably.
 
However, just know there are people sleeping in cars, trucks, vans, RVs, etc. that are traveling around the world and back again and building new #Minimalism communities so these individuals are quite happy and content with their lives. The goal is to always be planning for your future — not just for Saturday night.
 
For many of you who are not planning for another recession — you should be. Many believe it’s right around the corner. I witnessed the last recession first-hand in 2008, when I lived in Atlanta, GA and I will never forget the devastation and pain in the eyes of families — who had no action plan.
 
Many families never recovered from the 2008 financial crash. Our first way back to healing from this 2008 atrocity is to get Trump out of office — who has unleashed nothing but a trail of turmoil, which has sent families on a downward spiral of racism, depression, and hopelessness. 
 
After many families received  bank notices that banks were taking back their homes in 2008, instead of planning accordingly and putting their belongings in storage, many were so distraught and devastated that they just walked out of their homes leaving behind their beloved pets
(cats, dogs, etc.) along with other prized possessions.
 
On one side of the street there were lines of empty houses owned by banks and on the other side were tons of families sleeping in cars, parks, etc. 
 
Because many families were so ashamed of their situations, they did not even bother to put their belongings in storage and reach out to family members and friends — until the turmoil passed. 
 
When bank agents inspected the homes, there were tons of dead animals and personal belongings including memorabilia and other lifetime achievement awards including family photos albums left behind. 
 
Banks then spent not just days, but weeks and months holding garage sales to get rid of these families’ prized possessions left behind.  Unlike the people that I will discuss today in this article, who are living in cars, vans, RVs, buses, etc. and who have ACTION PLANS for their lives, these individuals and families had NO ACTION PLAN so many went straight from their homes to live on streets, park benches, etc.
 
Action Plan for Homeowners – 47% of Your Take Home Pay is for Rent or Mortgage
The average American spends  47% of their  TAKE
HOME PAY for a roof over their head. Houses, condos, townhouses, duplexes, and apartments are TRAPS that we fall into. 
 
So if you can knock out that 47%and become
Full-Time RVers or even live in a Car, Truck, Van, Bus, Boat, etc., just think how great you can live and how you can see all the beautiful sites, make great friends along the way and have access to all the ORGANIC FOODS you want. Some RVers are even growing foods, especially herbs, which can take the place of toxic spices, inside their RVs.
 

Many have chosen to live this minimalist lifestyle after first being impressed with the  Tiny House

movement. I know that’s what got me to this point. However, tiny houses are not built for extensive travel — and I want to travel.
 
If you own a home, then your NUMBER ONE GOAL should be to grow your own foods in front and backyard gardens, and/or in pots and containers on rooftops, balconies, patios, porches, in your kitchen and other rooms with grow lights. 
 
Singles or couples should stop buying homes with
Homeowner’s Associations (HOAs)so they can grow foods in front yards also. 
 
If you are underwater on your house and you are literally dying from the pressure to keep your home, stay on a job that you no longer enjoy, stay healthy, pay off bills, and/or to make it from day to day, then you are the group that seriously need to look at this NEW  ACTION PLAN . 
 
Living in Communal Houses
 
Also, check out Communal Houses as a place to live and educate your family and community. Sometimes these Communal Houses can hold up to 8 to 10 people or more at a time (not all family members). 
 
Even if you don’t live there, many have rooms for rent to highlight your own natural and holistic products and services and many provide classes on what to grow and when to grow it. So if these are not in your community, you need to build them.
 
What Gentrification Taught Us
 
Gentrification should have taught everyone, especially African Americans, that the world cares nothing about the challenges and struggles of common people and this is why you need to get aboard with this  NEW PLAN OF ACTION to live “The Good Life” in a car, van, RV, bus, boat, etc. 
 
Gentrification has already displaced many black families in this country. Many people had to move across the country or even to another country after their communities were gentrified.
 
We no longer have communities that support us. We don’t know our neighbors anymore so why not give this new  #Minimalist lifestyle a try? Let’s create our own ideal communities.
 
The Reality of Job Loss and Homelessness
 
There is no job security anymore. When many employees are fired from jobs, many don’t even know they can go to the Department of Labor (DOL.gov) offices in their cities and draw unemployment for 20 to 26 weeks in most states until they can find another job. 
 
However, many states have shortened the length of time that they will give out these unemployment benefits, especially because of ‘anti-family’ politicians, which you need to vote out of office. 
 
Because of the terminations, in many cases, #WrongfulTerminations, many will be evicted from apartments within 30 days and homes within 2 to 3 months. 
 
Remember what just happened to federal employees when they had to go TWO MONTHS without pay?
 
Many died and others had disabilities. These disabilities went from being a TEMPORARY disability to a PERMANENT disability.
 
When many families lose their homes, they will go from their apartments or homes to living on a friend’s or relatives’ couch or even in a relationship with a man or woman that they care nothing about — just to make ends meet.
 
Many will even turn to prostitution or selling drugs or start committing crimes. And many just END UP HOMELESS on the streets — unless they have some type of ACTION PLAN. This is the action plan!
 
Police Will Watch You Either Way
 
The police is watching black families whether they live in a ‘sticks and brick’ dwelling or is living in a car, van, RV, bus, boat, etc. so I am pretty sure that many black men or even black women don’t want to be behind the wheel of a vehicle because of racial profiling and police brutality. 
 
However, it still beats ending up with mental illness, begging and homeless on the streets. Just know up-front that the police will target you if are a black male with long hair, especially locs and dreads, when your pants are sagging, etc. so make yourself presentable and know the CORRECT WAY to interact with the police. Read my book “Police Interactions 101: How To Interact With the Police in Your Car, On the Streets, In Your Home.” Every 10 to 13-year old black male especially need to read the book. 
 
People Who Live in Cars Aren’t Always Homeless
 
Think about trading in your car for a van (minivan, cargo van, camper van or another larger vehicle, etc.) or buy an RV, new or used, from (RVTrader.com, eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or a dealership) and get a job on the road before it’s too late. 
 
People who live in cars are not homeless – not always. Today college students live in cars and vans because they can’t afford to pay for housing. They wash up in dorms even though they don’t live there so why don’t we call them homeless?
 
There are avenues and ways that you can fix your car up, especially larger cars like SUVs, minivans, cargo vans and trailers, old bread trucks, old horse trailers, old semis, buses, boats, etc., and have ALL THE AMENITIES of an RV and you can live there while you pay off bills, travel the world, or just figure out your next move. You can also have a PROFESSIONAL Van Build and/or become a #VanDweller. 
 
This is when you pay a carpenter and/or electricianto help you set up your van so you can live there. They have #VanBuilds all the time so look for these groups on youtube or at  CheapRVLiving.com on youtube.com.
 
Many people who live in cars or are van dwellers are not homeless. They are living this way because they want to live this way.  So don’t feel sorry for them. Instead, come out here on the road and join their lifestyle #Minimalism.   
 
Many just want to live an #Adventurous and #Mobile lifestyle. They are ‘taking the bull by the horns’ (to do something difficult in a brave and determined way) and creating a life that they can truly love. 
 
For the rest of their lives and on their deathbeds, they will have a brain bank full of memories with stories to share with the people they love. 
 
Jobs and Businesses on The Road
 
What we are doing is redefining the “American Dream.” This is the American Dream on wheels. Not only do we need to redefine the American Dream, but we need to redefine #Success. Many of us are successful, but we don’t have to share it with the entire world. 
 
What would it take for a person today to head out on the road and never work again? Well if you have some type of paycheck (retirement, Social Security, disability, savings, etc.) coming in, then you can do this very easily.
 
The RV, Car, Van and Bus Dwelling community is desperately seeking more carpenters, electricians, RV mechanics, RV Inspectors, etc.
 
You could make a killing in these fields by catering to the RV community, Car, Van, Bus Dwellers, and the Tiny House movement, which are EXPANDING
RAPIDLY every day as many families realizes this is the best way to live — #Minimalism, #Simplicity.
 
There are plenty of jobs all over the U.S. If you own a car, van, RV, bus, boat, etc. You can travel around the U.S. to all types of jobs so stop being tied down to your city or a particular area. 
 
Many are 
seasonal jobs where you can work 2, 3 or 6 months out of the year and use the rest of your time to travel and see some wonderful sites and just have fun.
 
Don’t wait until your current situation (you get too depressed or sick to take action) get so serious that you won’t be in a position to set yourself up on the road.  Check out these remote jobs and business links  in my NEW BLOG at “SimpleLifeRVing.com – Phase 1.” 
 
Bring Your Animals and Homeschool Your Kids On The Road
 
When you are on the road, the goal is to have all the comforts of home so feel free to bring your entire family and pets with you on the road. Your pets will feel right at home and will have plenty of room to roam free in nature. 
 
Not only can you live in a car, van, RV, on a bus, boat, etc., but you can 
homeschool your kids while you live out there and travel — with very little training.
 
Many use the Bob Jones homeschool program, but there are many other great homeschooling programs for you and your family on the road. Your kids will have first-hand experience because they are out there on the road with you — #Learning, #CreatingMemories, #HavingFun.
 
Plenty of FREE Land To Live On
 
Tired of driving – by the way there are plenty of FREE LAND in the U.S. (Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, California, and other states) to settle down on — where you can park your car, van, RV, bus, etc. for FREE, while you build a new life for yourself.
 
The land is called BLM.gov (Bureau of Land Management) land or National Forest land, which is owned by the government, however, you can live on this land for FREE. 
 
A majority of the BLM land is in the west, but there is land in other parts of the country also.
Check out the website and today because of technology, they have apps to help you find this FREE LAND such as FreeCampsites.net, Allstays, RV Parky, Campendium — just to name a few(More at Phase3)
 
You can live on this land by yourself or park around others who have already chosen this type of lifestyle.  There are plenty of caravans and convoys
all over the U.S. for women and men to be able to create their ideal communities.
 

SimpleLifeRVing.com – Phase 3 is the FINAL PHASE of our 3-step action plan to get you on the road living “The Good Life,”  features a list of apps to use on the road to find this FREE LAND, RV parks and campgrounds with and without hookups, and other areas to park your car, van, RV, bus, etc.  

Look Within Yourself for The Answers
 
Again, “We are the ones we have been waiting on” — and we need to look for our answers within. Life is about taking risks and chances. We, as a society, have become so complacent with our lives and even fearful of taking chances. 
 
We need to stop allowing SOCIETY to dictate
how we live our lives.  You are here for a reason and it’s not to hoard a lot of physical stuff so always be thinking #Minimalism. 
 
I don’t know about you but I am ready to join 
ANOTHER COMMUNITY, a #Kinder and more #Brave community of people who are truly living #TheGoodLife in their cars, vans, RVs, on buses, boats, etc. Just know up front that none of us are homeless, we just chose to live this lifestyle — #MinimalistLifestyle101, #Simplicity101.
 
See you in January at the Rubber Tramp Rendevous (RTR)in Quartzsite, AZ. These events,  Women RTR (Jan. 4-8, 2020) and the RTR  (Jan. 8-18, 2020) were founded by Bob Wells, a true visionary at 
 
Make sure you view his website and watch all his interviews on  youtube.com with others embracing the #MinimalistMovement and truly living #TheGoodLife in their cars, vans, RVs, buses, etc. 
 
Look for my upcoming youtube channel soon entitled  “Simple Life RVing” with Cathy Harris. Also, look for another non-fiction book -#27- “Simple Life RVing: How To Embrace Minimalism and Live ‘The Good Life’ by Living in a Car, Van, RV, or on a Bus.” 
 
Keep in mind if you attend the yearly RTR in Quartzsite, AZ, there will #WorkamperJobs that will be hiring on the spot so there is a good chance you will walk away with a job. Again, other jobs are posted in our FIRST  blog post at –  SimpleLifeRVing.com – Phase 1.
 

Cathy Harris is a New Earth Educator, Speaker, Author, GMO Educator, and Holistic Healer at www.CathyHarrisInternational.com and she offers seminars, workshops, and consultations on Health/Gardening, Business, and Spirituality. She is the author of 6 health books, 2 business books, and 20 other nonfiction books at www.AngelsPress.com. You can email Cathy at AskCathy@DearCathy.com or Cathy@CathyHarrisInternational.com and bring Cathy’s Mobile Learning Clubs (www.MobileLearningClubs.com) and Cathy’s Caravan (www.CathysCaravan.com) to your city.