Living in a Bell Tent Full Time

Two years ago I chose to leave my house and began living in a bell tent. In this blog post, I share why and what I’ve learned along the way.

Why I Chose to Live in a Bell Tent

One of the most frequent questions I get is, “Why on earth are you living in a tent?” And I totally get it. If I were to meet someone living this way, I’d probably ask the same thing.

There are several reasons why I chose this life, but at the core, it boils down to two main things: healing and financial freedom.

What is a Bell Tent?

A bell tent is a type of canvas tent known for its unique, circular shape and roomy interior. Typically made from durable, weather-resistant fabric, bell tents are designed with a central pole that supports the structure, creating a spacious and open feel inside. They often come with features like screens, a door with a flap, and a sturdy floor, making them ideal for both camping and off-grid living. Their ability to withstand the elements while providing comfort has made them a popular choice for people looking to disconnect and live closer to nature.

Healing From the Past

Five years ago, I walked away from an abusive relationship. It was a toxic cycle with someone who was emotionally, verbally, and financially manipulative. When I left, I was exhausted and broken, emotionally drained, and unsure how I would rebuild. I thought I had nothing left to give.

Soon after, panic attacks became a regular part of my life. The idea of being in public became overwhelming, and I retreated into isolation. I couldn’t see a way out of the darkness.

At first glance, living alone in a tent seemed like it would only deepen my isolation, but in reality, it gave me a peace I didn’t know I needed. The quiet of nature provided a space for me to reconnect with myself. It pushed me to learn new things, like how to survive in unpredictable weather, how to stay calm when things felt out of my control. I had to face my fears head-on, but it became a process of learning to trust myself again.

Building Strength and Resilience

What I didn’t realize in the beginning was that living in a tent would force me to confront myself in a way I’d never done before. I had to rely on my own strength to get through each day—whether it was chopping firewood to stay warm or simply waiting out the weather. There was no escaping the hard stuff, but as I pushed through, I realized just how capable I truly was.

It’s much harder to stay in a slump when you’re outside working with your hands to create something that will sustain you. Every challenge I faced, from cold nights to unexpected storms, taught me how resilient I could be. Slowly, I began to rebuild my confidence, piece by piece.

Living Off-Grid for Financial Freedom

The other main reason I chose this path is financial freedom. As a single mom, life was a constant struggle to make ends meet. I had a dream of owning land, building my own cabin, and creating a life outside the traditional hustle, but it felt out of reach.

When the idea of living in a tent came to me, it felt like the answer. No mortgage, no utility bills, and no expensive living costs—just the essentials. It meant I could save money and start focusing on what really mattered: creating a life that gave me more control over my future.

Living minimally allowed me to save money, which in turn gave me the space to focus on my crochet business. I finally had the time to put into growing my blog and working on my craft. This choice wasn’t just about surviving; it was about creating the life I wanted, one where I could work toward my dreams without being buried by financial stress.

Taking the Leap

So, I took a leap of faith. I downsized, packed up, and moved into a 19’ bell tent on family land. Later, I found a beautiful piece of property by a lake, where I could live off-grid.

Living in the tent full-time has been a game-changer. It’s allowed me to focus on my crochet business and quit my day job. I’m living on much less, but I’m thriving in ways I never imagined. I’m not just surviving—I’m building the life I’ve always dreamed of.

Will I Stay in the Tent?

Many of my friends and family think I’m crazy for choosing this lifestyle. And maybe I am. But honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve learned so much from this experience—about myself, my strength, and what truly matters.

I won’t live in the tent forever, but for now, it’s a stepping stone on my journey. Every day in this tent is a reminder of how far I’ve come, and I’m grateful for the lessons along the way. And one day, when my cabin is built, I’ll look back at this time and appreciate how it shaped me into the person I am today.

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