HE SAID
russell's eperience, strength, and hope
Sure, full-timing in our truck and travel trailer will have challenges…
Niki and I conducted hours of research on the nomadic lifestyle and spent the past several months making a multitude of modifications and upgrades to our F250 and Grand Design Imagine 2500RL for life on the road. The vehicles were at the ready.
We’re a moderately healthy, reasonably well-traveled, sort of handyman-ish couple with many active years in recovery; and we’re ready to face all the awesome and terrible experiences the highway has to offer. Gosh, maybe we’ll even get a trusty puppy or kitten…
Ok, cut the trumpets and fanfare for a reality check. We’ve been traveling for a month, and yes, I’m having a great time and seeing great and terrible things. I experienced three weeks of blissful road time with my wife, and then in the fourth week I suggested maybe she should go home. HA! WHAT?
How can I be a better travel partner?
- Deal with resentment promptly – Carrying resentment in normal space is difficult. Traveling in tiny space creates a more challenging environment. There’s no escape. It is doubly important that I am fearless with the process: honestly observe my actions; take my mistakes to my higher power; tell the truth on myself to another person; when an amend is appropriate, make it without hesitation; strive to be of service to someone else.
- Be consistent with my message – I don’t need to be creating insecurity for Niki or me by being wishy-washy. I can still be flexible while carrying myself with confidence. And, if I need something, say something.
- Develop a regular routine – Our travel schedule is fluid and flexible. I can seldom count on location to provide a sense of security. I am creating the consistency I crave by appreciating a regular routine of work and play, and I continue to maintain and make modifications on the trailer.
- Compromise – Niki has a great sense of compromise. I am learning a lot about how much Cajun food is enough.
- Maintain connection with recovery – attend regular online meetings; make meditation part of my daily routine; keep my connection with sponsees and friends in recovery; practice the code of love and service to others.
Niki and Russell
I love, love, love Russel's message about how to be a better travel partner. I saved it to re-read and think on what he wrote. In my head, I removed the travel part and saw that his message is an excellent plan for all the time. I needed to hear this. Thank you.
Sending you blessings and love.
Hi Diane!
So glad this post was helpful for you! Living in this tiny space is challenging both of us to be more intentional with out relationship. I’m working on my share currently and hope you will find it helpful as well!
Love you, my friend!
Niki