Summary

The author is chronicling their life living inside a Honda Civic Sedan, detailing the challenges and emotions of adapting to an unconventional lifestyle in the city, while also reflecting on society's perception of car dwellers.

Abstract

The author has been living in their Honda Civic Sedan for nine months, with the recent two months in the city proving particularly difficult due to the stigma and judgment from others. Despite the therapeutic and exhilarating experiences of traveling and exploring nature, urban living has brought feelings of invisibility, misunderstanding, and shame. The author describes the discomfort of being gawked at and the distress caused by aggressive behavior from passersby. They emphasize the human aspect of their situation, sharing dreams and aspirations similar to those living in traditional homes, and call for empathy rather than judgment. The author is rewriting their life within the confines of their car, seeking to restore their sense of self and navigate the complexities of this lifestyle with grace.

Opinions

The author feels hurt and misunderstood by the judgmental attitudes of people who see them living out of their car.
They express a sense of loneliness and shame, especially when faced with aggressive behavior from others at night.
The author believes that society's perception of car dwellers is often misguided, as not all are to be avoided or seen in a negative light.
They highlight the resilience and

Car Life

I’m Rewriting My Life Inside A Honda Civic Sedan

And these are my thoughts on how I’m doing so far

Disperse Camping in Idaho, USA with My Tiny House On Wheels (aka Civic)

It’s been a harrowing and relentless experience the past two months of being in town.

The total number of months I’ve lived in my car full-time is nine. Most of the time, my car-living days were spent traveling to different states and across several national parks — exploring the great outdoors in depth. So far, it’s been exhilarating, freeing, and therapeutic. But, the past two months were brutal.

Here’s why.

Usually, I don’t like staying too long in cities for a reason.

Because a lot of people stare, and they don’t just stare. They gawk at your unconventional lifestyle.

“Look! There’s a pair of shoes underneath the car! Would you look at that!”

“Oh god, She’s homeless.”

“I don’t understand why these people can’t get a place of their own.”

I’m not going to lie. It hurts being invisible, misunderstood, and harshly judged for living out of a vehicle. I get it. It’s not the norm. But, not everyone had a choice. Some of us did. And, sadly, most of us didn’t.

Some people even go out of their way, at all hours of the night until the early morning — driving extremely fast and aggressively by your car. As it vibrates and violently shakes, I feel the loneliness creep up, and I’m left with tears of shame, carving my face to an endless hollow.

Without a doubt, I feel misunderstood. I really liked that spot — it was safe and quiet. And, now I need to find a new area to rest my head. But that’s all part of this lifestyle. Nothing is set in stone since we’re constantly adapting to change.

And truth be told, I’m getting tired of moving around. It’s easier to live this lifestyle out in nature, boondocking with the bliss of the sun’s rays on your bareback — kissing you gently with a warm tan.

But, in the city, especially in a sedan, it’s been getting tough.

I’m a human being with dreams, like you. The only difference that sets us apart is the roof that we place over our heads.

Time and time again, we are all met with the same look of pity, disgust, and shame.

To the rest of society, I’m a measly car dweller. Look — I’m no drug dealer, but I feel like a seasoned criminal with a long record of questionable activity.

Not everyone living in their cars is people you should be avoiding. You never know who is behind those closed doors.

After all, they might be creating a life of their own — trying to exist in a world deemed to fail them every single time. One could be picking up a pen and drawing their outspoken dreams on paper, only to fold. Again and again.

You never know.

We’re all bobbing our heavy heads in an endless sea of deception, trying to keep afloat.

Perhaps, we shouldn’t judge too harshly because all of us have memories rich with experiences left untold. Although, it’s forgotten while surviving society’s wrath.

So, yes. I’m starting over inside a sedan car — rewriting my goals, aspirations, and dreams on a blank page. I don’t know where it will lead me, but that’s the beauty of life. I want to let the mysteries of it unfold themselves until I can hold it by its reign so that I can ride through every bump on the road with grace and gratitude.

Have I lost my mind?

Possibly.

Am I still sane?

Most likely.

So, why are you rewriting your life?

Well, I want to replenish and restore myself from the battered person I was back home. Moving into my car was my way of gripping onto the last bits of sanity I had before I, God forbid, did something stupid.

Thanks for reading my recent thoughts on what it’s like living in my car in the city. I want to shine a light on all the car-dwellers and any vehicle that feels alone and invisible. Remember, you are your greatest asset.

If you reside in an unconventional home, such as a vehicle — what is your story?