Lately a lot of people have asked me about my favorite place during van life. I find my mind wandering through all these little moments to land on a few that are memorable and majestic. My answer changes a little based on what I know of the person. If they love to hike, I send them to my favorite trails in New Mexico and Colorado. If they love mountains, off to Montana we go. Beaches? I know the most beautiful ones most people have never heard of. 

I didn’t know I wasn’t telling the truth until driving my van to the drop-off point where I would sign it over to the new owner. 

My favorite place wasn’t the most beautiful or colorful. It wasn’t something breath-taking or stunning. In fact, van life had changed my definition of a favorite place completely. My new favorite place is exactly where I am at that moment. 

The reality of van life is that there are a lot of unpredictable things. Most of the time the destination that got plugged into the GPS was a place I’d never gone before. How many of us can say we lived in 50+ places, all sight unseen? I can. 

Not every place is beautiful. Not every parking spot is flat. But if you want to enjoy it, you’re going to have to look for what’s good about that. It forced me to find the most memorable parts of moments that feel rather mundane to anyone not looking. It forced me to find a favorite place in every one of them. 

I used to wonder if the people that always saw beautiful things would stop noticing. Like the Rockies. Do the people who live there just pass by without awe like some kid living in a cornfield? The answer? Of course they do. Most people live a life without ever noticing what’s beautiful around them. 

But for the rest of my days, I’ll never be able to take a drive without being able to see exactly what’s beautiful about what’s next to me. To notice the trees as they sway in the wind and the ladybug crawling on my skin. Wherever I end up, I’ll never forget that my favorite place is right where I am.

PS - I turned my van life lessons like these into a training that helps teams become better leaders, reduce burnout, and improve creativity. If you’re interested in bringing this convo to your next team training or company lunch and learn, book a meeting here. Let’s talk.