Good morning, my friends. In this video I’m sitting out in a beautiful bush setting and reflecting on my van life journey over the last four years—how I got here, how much I’ve changed, and one of the biggest contributing factors: giving up alcohol. When I started van life, I’d hit a point where spiritually, physically, and mentally something had to change. Alcohol had become a problem for my body (the inflammation was just too much), and I could feel I was living a life that wasn’t really true to myself—so I decided to trial giving it up and see how I felt. What surprised me wasn’t the physical part (once my mind is set on something, I can do it). It was the emotions. I didn’t realize how much alcohol had been suppressing for years, and when I stopped, everything came up—along with the isolation of stepping back from situations where drinking was the focus. I talk about the cycle I was stuck in (stress, drink to calm down, feel worse, repeat), the peace I’ve found through simple living and nature, and how exercise and letting myself actually feel emotions helped me move through it. I also share how I stay motivated in any big change—by setting goals, curating what I’m around, and giving myself the best opportunity to “win the game.”