Thursday, February 8, 2024

February 8 - The Campfire Trail - I Don't Believe It!

February 8, 2024

Day 860 of the Adventure

Aside from not knowing the difference between "sale" and "sell", this picture makes an interesting point. Actually a couple of them. I see these all the time on social media and there's always at least one common thread. The comments are almost always 100% in favor of keeping it, moving there and never leaving. The response is very predictable. I just don't really believe it and I'm going to explain why. Obviously, this little cabin is small. Judging its size, the best I can from the scale, I'd say maybe 12x16, maybe slightly smaller. For comparison purposes, our cabin is double that at 24x16. While possible, a cabin of this size would be inconveniently small. But, for the sake of my point, let's say that it somewhere between 12x16 and 24x16 (200sf - 400sf, roughly) and livable as far as basics are concerned. 

My first claim is that I'm not sure the trauma of the downsize would be acceptable for very many. After all, even at our 14x16, we are living with essentially the very basics. A fully functioning kitchen but SMALL. A fully functioning bathroom but SMALL, A stacked laundry and one space to serve as living room, bedroom and dining. It takes a specific attitude and mindset to be willing to compromise concerning space. I know a few who can, but those are generally full time RVer's who have made the mental transition to fit their RV and travel lifestyle. Beyond that, I really don't know people who would seriously consider this level of life. 

My second claim for why I don't believe, is that if you separate out the homeless, for example, this is not an upgrade in the way of investment. In America, this is a serious downgrade in cost. Both to acquire and to maintain. It does not represent an "out of reach" impossibility. The meme mentions "Just Inherited This". Why are the conditions for something like this to be "perfect", predicated upon getting it for free? If this is so attractive and desirable, JUST DO IT! regardless if you ever inherit something like this or not! I maintain that if any of us really wanted this kind of life, it would not be an unattainable luxury. It would instead be a much easier financial transition that we make it out to be. 

My greater point is that as a choice, the benefits of "smaller living" can easily be justified in a number of ways. I think the stigma of it is the bigger problem. It has typically been looked at as an "unconventional" lifestyle. With the growing popularity of tiny homes, that stigma has been dissolving somewhat. It still represents a general belief that going small is not the essence of the American Dream. I'd even dispute that to a degree. As a retirement age couple, combined with the insanity of an out of control, recessionary economy, it actually makes great sense. Less cost to purchase or build, less cost to maintain, less effort to maintain, potentially no mortgage, (one of our favorite features) less stress on retirement savings. It's a combination of benefits that far outweigh the inconvenience of size, stigma and lifestyle adjustments. In many ways, it tends to open up other benefits as well, at least if the move includes a property of an acre or more. The addition of gardens and even small-scale livestock potential extends the freedom from high grocery prices even further. The peace of mind that comes from having fewer financial liabilities can be intoxicating. If you don't know that feeling......... I feel bad for you. 

Here's my final point. If deep down in the crevices of your soul, there is something that says, "Yes, I would choose to keep the cabin and not sell it". Ask yourself, "Why am I fantasizing about it?" Maybe it's time to stop dreaming and find a suitable cabin for yourself and just do it. Forget that I'm using the word "Cabin" if that bothers you. Most of us are paying a mortgage or paying rent, paying a small fortune for utilities every month. Consider what life could look like if those costs were transitioned over to something that generated half the work and half the cost. Is it worth the potential stigma of being labeled as an unconventional, tiny home lifestyle enthusiast?

Carry On

Adventure Quote: “Creative people, especially those who are just starting out, feel that they have to conform and be a mass-produced product in order to be noticed. The truth of the matter is that genuineness and unconventionality is often what helps make a mark on the world.”  ― Veronika Carnaby

Base Camp Coffee of the Day: Lost in the Fog (Guatemala Decaf)

Resources

Make sure to visit our website regularly to see new products and resources.

YouTube Channel: The Campfire Trail
YouTube Channel: Life of Treasures

Please Consider Subscribing to our monthly "How-To", Do-It-Yourself" newsletter in the upper right corner of this page.   AND........

Click any of the following Video links to start your own adventure with us on our YouTube Channel:  

Creating a "Roadmap" Back to the Land


Our 30 Day "Back to the Land" Playlist



Creating Sustainable Income


Creating Sustainable Income (video series playlist) We just started this today (January 26) and will upload one video per week on Wednesdays. Make sure you are subscribed to "The Campfire Trail" YouTube channel and have the "Notification Bell" set to "ALL" to receive notifications of new video publications. 


on

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)