First of all, thank you Sophie for sharing your story, and thank you to Vivian for the interview. I deeply appreciate the courage it took to jump into this lifestyle—without letting fear paralyze you like it does for so many. That alone is incredibly inspiring.
What resonated most with me is your connection to nature as a main motivation for living off-grid. I completely relate. I, too, dream of a life that’s more in tune with the natural world, away from city noise, and at a slower, more peaceful pace. That’s actually why I go by the name Offgrid dreamer—because it’s still a dream for now, but one I’m preparing for and slowly working towards making real.
Your reminder about being realistic really struck a chord. I live in a city apartment in France at the moment, and while I’m not there yet, I’m aware of how important it is to take time to prepare thoughtfully. At the same time, I know I’ll never be “100% ready”—none of us ever really are. It’s a learning journey, and your story encourages me to keep walking it.
There is land here in France, and I’ve come across people living off-grid too. The laws, like in Belgium, can be tricky—but it’s possible. Your experience gives me hope that with enough perseverance, it can be done.
Thanks again, Sophie, for the inspiration and for generously sharing your insights. I’m a new reader to your newsletter (writing here on Vivian's account, who shared your interview and who I'm looking forward to read her other posts), and I’m really looking forward to reading more of your journey.
very lovely to meet you offgrid dreamer 😊 it was once a dream for me too, but I'm so glad we finally jumped into it. Even when we already found the land, I was still experiencing anxiety because I didn't feel 100% ready. Then one day we just decided "enough is enough", we'll never be fully ready and we just did it and figured things out along the way. Over on my blog I have an interview series with other people who live off the grid or live different lifestyles, it's called off grid voices - you may find it interesting and inspiring!
Oh OffgridDreamer this makes me so hopeful for you and all the things you want to do with your life. I have often wondered why people would want to go off grid and I was so pleased to talk to @thisissophietoday about her why and where and when and how. I'm so pleased that our conversation has inspired you and I totally recommend her substack to you. She writes all about living off grid--the good and the great and the stuff that was hard to figure out or hard to adjust to. Please come back here when you take your own off-grid plunge and let us know your where and when and how so we can follow your journey as well. ❤️.
Sophie’s story is an excellent example of how moving abroad, while adventurous, isn’t a one size fits all experience. Planning ahead is so important, especially when it comes to things like visa options, housing, and finances. The idea that you don’t have to have everything figured out, but at least having an idea of the country’s job market and lifestyle is such practical advice. Always love learning more about YOU Sophie.
I thought that bit of advice was really good too---knowing what you might be getting yourself into, even if you don't have the specifics figured out. Very wise. Very wise.
First of all, thank you Sophie for sharing your story, and thank you to Vivian for the interview. I deeply appreciate the courage it took to jump into this lifestyle—without letting fear paralyze you like it does for so many. That alone is incredibly inspiring.
What resonated most with me is your connection to nature as a main motivation for living off-grid. I completely relate. I, too, dream of a life that’s more in tune with the natural world, away from city noise, and at a slower, more peaceful pace. That’s actually why I go by the name Offgrid dreamer—because it’s still a dream for now, but one I’m preparing for and slowly working towards making real.
Your reminder about being realistic really struck a chord. I live in a city apartment in France at the moment, and while I’m not there yet, I’m aware of how important it is to take time to prepare thoughtfully. At the same time, I know I’ll never be “100% ready”—none of us ever really are. It’s a learning journey, and your story encourages me to keep walking it.
There is land here in France, and I’ve come across people living off-grid too. The laws, like in Belgium, can be tricky—but it’s possible. Your experience gives me hope that with enough perseverance, it can be done.
Thanks again, Sophie, for the inspiration and for generously sharing your insights. I’m a new reader to your newsletter (writing here on Vivian's account, who shared your interview and who I'm looking forward to read her other posts), and I’m really looking forward to reading more of your journey.
Warmly,
Offgrid dreamer
very lovely to meet you offgrid dreamer 😊 it was once a dream for me too, but I'm so glad we finally jumped into it. Even when we already found the land, I was still experiencing anxiety because I didn't feel 100% ready. Then one day we just decided "enough is enough", we'll never be fully ready and we just did it and figured things out along the way. Over on my blog I have an interview series with other people who live off the grid or live different lifestyles, it's called off grid voices - you may find it interesting and inspiring!
Hello Sophie, thank you for your reply. I'm gonna check the posts your recommend in the coming days. Thank you.
Oh OffgridDreamer this makes me so hopeful for you and all the things you want to do with your life. I have often wondered why people would want to go off grid and I was so pleased to talk to @thisissophietoday about her why and where and when and how. I'm so pleased that our conversation has inspired you and I totally recommend her substack to you. She writes all about living off grid--the good and the great and the stuff that was hard to figure out or hard to adjust to. Please come back here when you take your own off-grid plunge and let us know your where and when and how so we can follow your journey as well. ❤️.
Sophie’s story is an excellent example of how moving abroad, while adventurous, isn’t a one size fits all experience. Planning ahead is so important, especially when it comes to things like visa options, housing, and finances. The idea that you don’t have to have everything figured out, but at least having an idea of the country’s job market and lifestyle is such practical advice. Always love learning more about YOU Sophie.
Thank you for sharing, Vivian.
Thanks Neela, glad you liked this slightly different format. I thought it would be a great way to share a bit more about me 😁
Loved it and I got to see glimpses of you too :)
I know, now people know I'm a real person 😁😂
I thought that bit of advice was really good too---knowing what you might be getting yourself into, even if you don't have the specifics figured out. Very wise. Very wise.
Sometimes just having a rough idea of the terrain makes all the difference. Thank you for sharing Vivian :)
Thank you so much for this opportunity Vivian! Really enjoyed this and hope others may find it useful as well.
My pleasure. Truly. I learned a lot and feel like I made a new friend.