Tips for First Time Off-Roaders

Lessons Learned on Rocky Gravel Roads

When I first ventured onto those rugged gravel roads, I had no understanding of off-roading. To be honest, I didn’t even grasp the intensity of the experience or what it truly entailed. I simply assumed it was just driving on gravel with a bit of mud sprinkled in for good measure.

Looking back, there are several key techniques I wish I had known during those early trail adventures. These insights could have made my initial experiences not only smoother but also more enjoyable

You can also check out these Off-Road Basics on my YouTube Channel. 

My Jeep climbing a rock obstacle

One of them was simultaneous brake/throttle operation otherwise known as “Two Footed Driving”. There are several off-road conditions that require this type of driving. When climbing rocks or stepped objects using light brake pressure with light throttle will keep the vehicle from jerking or lurching.

This technique should also be used when you need to stop and restart a vehicle on a steep incline. 

Climbing an obstacle with a spotters help

Another important key for a successful off-road trip is controlling your vehicle. Each different terrain has a different effect on the steering which means you always need to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and maintain a good driving posture. 

Even when your Jeep goes off camber you need to keep your back parallel to the seat. You need to resist the urge to stay “upright” and go “off camber” in your seat with the Jeep. This will help you become familiar with what it feels like and give you a better feel for off-camber situations to help you control your Jeep better. 

Off camber at Rausch Creek

Airing down your tires is a must to give you a bigger footprint while you are out on the trails or in the sand or mud or snow.  When you do air down you need to be aware of your air pressure while you are off-road. Reduced tire pressures could cause tire unseating and total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire unseasting while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce your speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. 

Read more about Off-Road Basics: Airing Down

Airing up my tires

Slowing down in general is a good idea anyway. Take your time to traverse those obstacles and trails to prevent any damage or injury. Taking your time also allows you to enjoy nature and gives you a break from the busy everyday stresses of life.

Additional Tips

• Never go off-road alone on the trails. 

• Use a spotter if you don't feel confident going over obstacles.

• Have a recovery kit and plan. 

• Use the words passenger and driver instead of left and right when spotting. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most important skill for off-roading?

The most important skill is knowing how to pick the right line while driving over obstacles. Understanding vehicle clearance, traction control, and proper throttle application is also key.

2. What’s the best tire pressure for off-roading?

Lowering your tire pressure to 12-18 PSI helps improve traction by increasing the tire’s surface area. The exact PSI depends on terrain—rocks and sand require lower PSI, while mud may need slightly higher PSI to prevent sidewall damage.

3. What gear should I use for off-roading?

Use 4WD Low (4L) for steep climbs, descents, or rock crawling. Use 4WD High (4H) for mud, sand, or snow where you need momentum. 

4. How do I recover a stuck Jeep safely?

First, assess the situation—never rush. Use recovery boards, a winch, or a tow strap if necessary. Always attach recovery gear to proper recovery points (not the bumper or axle) and avoid jerky movements when pulling a stuck vehicle.

5. Do I need a lift kit for off-roading?

A lift kit helps with ground clearance, but it’s not required for light off-roading. Stock Wranglers handle most trails, but a 2-3” lift and 33-35” tires improve capability for tougher terrain.

Live Your Best Life

How to Create a Life You Don’t Need to Escape From

Practical steps, emotional clarity, and a mindset shift toward everyday fulfillment

“Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don’t need to escape from.” — Seth Godin

Living your best life isn’t about chasing picture-perfect moments or trying to “have it all.” It’s about intentionally creating a life that aligns with your values, your passions, and your emotional well-being, a life that feels good to wake up to.

As someone who has navigated big transitions like moving across the country, healing emotional wounds, redefining my identity, and rebuilding my happiness, I’ve learned firsthand that your “best life” is not a destination. It’s a daily choice.

Here’s how you can begin building a life you don’t need a vacation from.

Jeep Momma driving topless

What Does It Mean to Live Your Best Life?

Living With Intentional Choices

Living your best life means choosing behaviors, habits, and environments that support your well-being. This includes:

• nurturing meaningful relationships

• creating a peaceful home

• prioritizing hobbies that bring joy

• doing work that aligns with your values

• saying no to what drains your energy

These decisions shape your everyday experience far more than occasional “escape moments.”

Focusing on Personal Growth

Your best life grows with you. It’s built through:

• self-care

• skill-building

• reflection

• celebrating progress (even small wins)

Growth happens when you allow yourself to evolve instead of clinging to past versions of yourself.

Being Open to New Experiences

Living fully means allowing yourself to explore new interests, new environments, and new opportunities. That’s how you discover who you’re becoming not just who you’ve been.

Ultimately, you define what success means and shape your lifestyle around what matters most to you.

Steps to Start Living Your Best Life

1. Declutter Your Stuff

Physical clutter weighs down your energy. Purposefully walk through your home drawer by drawer, closet by closet. And then repeat the process a few months later.

Let go of the excuses like:

• “One day I might use this.”

• “I spent too much money to get rid of it.”

Those excuses are rooted in the past or future, not the present.

If you want help starting, check out my guide on How to Simplify Your Life 

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2. Declutter Your Past Emotions

This step takes courage and time.

When I moved to Colorado in 2020, I believed I was stepping into my best life, but I couldn’t understand why I still felt stuck. I was grieving:

• my old home

• old friendships

• my marriage

• the life I thought I would have

I carried guilt that wasn’t mine, anger over things done to me, and a heaviness that clouded every new beginning.

Forgiving myself and letting go of what wasn’t mine to carry was the only way forward. Finding my faith again put me back on the right path.

For some of us, emotional decluttering takes years. And that’s okay. Healing isn’t linear, but it’s necessary.

3. Declutter Your Time

Your schedule should support your life not control it.

Start by reducing commitments:

• extra volunteering

• unnecessary events

• obligations that drain you

Learning to say no is a life skill. My own unexpected job loss in Maryland forced a reset I didn’t see coming but it became a blessing in disguise.

You can read more about decluttering your life in my book on Amazon: 
How to Declutter Your Life a Step by Step Guide. 

4. Declutter Your Electronic Life

Digital clutter is just as draining as physical clutter.

• reduce social media time

• limit the number of platforms you use

• unsubscribe from unnecessary emails

• allow yourself to disconnect

Information overload is real, and it can be debilitating. Protect your mental bandwidth.

5. Declutter Your Relationships

This may be the hardest step of all.

Not everyone is meant to go with you into your next season. Negative people drain energy, stunt growth, and block clarity. Removing toxic or unsupportive relationships opens space for healthier connections.

Protect your peace it’s part of living your best life.

Ways to Craft a Life You Don’t Need to Escape From

• Make relationships a priority.

• Let go of possessions that don’t support your life.

• Do meaningful work or shift how you view your job.

• Guard your time fiercely.

• Take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

• Appreciate the season you’re in, not just the one you want.

• Accept that trials are part of life not signs of failure.

• Find small joys every day.

When you clear the clutter (physical, emotional, mental, and relational) you finally create space to recognize the happiness already around you.

It won’t happen overnight. But the slow, steady shift toward intentional living is what eventually brings peace, gratitude, and fulfillment.

FAQ: How to Start Living Your Best Life

1. What does “living your best life” actually mean?

It means creating a lifestyle aligned with your values, passions, and well-being. It’s about making intentional choices that support happiness and mental clarity.

2. Where should I start if my life feels overwhelming?

Start small by decluttering one area your home, your schedule, or your digital space. Small wins build momentum.

3. How do I let go of emotional baggage?

Through time, reflection, forgiveness, and sometimes professional support. Healing is a process, not a switch you flip.

4. How do I stop feeling guilty for prioritizing myself?

Remember that self-care isn’t selfish. When you’re healthier and happier, you show up better for everyone around you.

5. How do I create a life I don’t need a vacation from?

By aligning your daily habits with what truly matters: relationships, meaningful work, inner peace, and joy in the everyday moments.

6. What if I don’t know what makes me happy anymore?

Start experimenting with small new experiences. Fulfillment often grows from curiosity, not certainty.