My Journey

How a Jeep Changed My Life

"Life is all about the journey, not the destination"

In 2012, my life was engulfed by what felt like a 'Perfect Storm,' challenging me in ways I never imagined. As I neared the age of 50, my body and hormones were changing, and depression began to creep in. As my two incredible kids grew up and became more independent, my days as a stay-at-home mom were drawing to a close, leaving me with a sense of uncertainty and loss. I had spent years living my dream as a mini-van mom, PTA president, scout leader, and soccer mom, fully immersed in everything related to being a mom. But suddenly, it all stopped. I found myself overwhelmed by despair and emptiness, unsure of my direction.

First Day of School picture with my boys.

For years, my life was entirely centered around my kids. My social circle consisted of other "Soccer Moms," and our friendships were built on the shared experiences of our children's lives.  We attended sports events, organized school activities, and spent countless hours discussing our kids' achievements and struggles. While I cherished every moment with my children, I felt out of place. I didn't share the same hobbies or interests as the other moms, and over time, I realized I had lost touch with my passions.

As my kids grew more independent, I began to see the need for change. I understood that they needed to create their own paths and make their own decisions. At the same time, I recognized a deep need to rediscover who I was outside of being a mom. Yet, the path to doing so remained unclear, leaving me lonely and unfulfilled.

Looking back, I realize that I had been living a life shaped by the expectations of others, trying to fit into a role that no longer felt right for me. One day, I woke up with the clarity that I no longer wanted to be that competitive, helicopter mom. I needed to step back and allow my children to grow while finding a new direction for myself. It was time to reclaim my identity and pursue what genuinely brought me joy.

Finding Light: My Jeep Wrangler

Then, one day, a small light pierced through the darkness. It was an unexpected moment that would change my life. A dad in our Boy Scout Troop drove a group of boys in his Jeep Wrangler Sport on the way to a camping trip. When we arrived at the destination, I noticed the pure excitement in the kids in the topless Jeep, sharing stories of the wind in their hair and the sun on their faces. Their joy and the camaraderie of Jeep waves sparked something inside me.

That weekend I couldn't stop talking about the Jeep so my son found a nearby Jeep dealer. The next day, I test-drove a brand-new Jeep Wrangler Sahara and was instantly hooked. By the end of the day, I was the proud owner of a black 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. Little did I know that this would be the start of an incredible journey that would change my life forever.

A New Passion: Blogging and Jeeping

Soon after buying my Jeep, a friend suggested I start a blog about my new adventure. This idea blossomed into a passion project, where I began to explore what truly made me happy. I began focusing on my physical and mental well-being, stepping out of my comfort zone to try new things—even if it meant doing them alone because my interests had changed from those of my usual circle.

How to Find Your Passion 👉 Read More

How to Live Life to the Fullest 👉 Read More

As I delved into social media to promote my blog, I discovered a new community of like-minded Jeep owners. This new world gave me a sense of belonging and led to friendships that will last a lifetime. The Jeep community, especially the women, welcomed me with open arms and kindness. I felt free to be myself, without the competitive pressures I had previously experienced.

Building Confidence: Jeep Modifications and Off-Roading

As I connected with other Jeepers, I felt inspired to make my Jeep uniquely mine. I started with small changes like floor mats and steering wheel covers, to more challenging modifications like bumpers and off-road lights. My confidence grew as I began to tackle these projects on my own, despite having no prior experience in a garage.

My newfound love for Jeeps even led me to off-roading—a hobby I never imagined I'd enjoy. In 2014, just a year after buying my Sahara, I traded it for a 2015 Rubicon. Off-roading became my new adventure, providing me with thrills and boosting my confidence in ways I never thought possible.

Adventures in Moab and Uwharrie

My Jeep journey took me to incredible places, like Moab, Utah, where I conquered famous trails and overcame my fear of heights. That fear is still within me but I don't let it stop me from climbing those mountains. These two days of wheeling in Moab were unforgettable, and I knew I would return one day for more.

My First Moab Adventure 👉 Read More

I also traveled to Uwharrie National Forest in North Carolina, where I camped and wheeled with fellow Jeepers I had never met before. Despite the uneasy feelings of being the newbie, it was an amazing weekend, and I made new friends who shared my passion for off-roading. These two trips were my first time stepping outside my comfort zone which helped me realize I was strong and independent. I just needed to take that first step and Just Do It! 

Conquering Uwharrie 👉 Read More

The Jeep Talk Show and Rediscovering Creativity

My Jeep also opened doors to new opportunities. I was invited to join the Jeep Talk Show Podcast, where I co-hosted for almost seven years, sharing my experiences and love for Jeeps with others.

Rediscovering Myself 

For years, I had been silently struggling to find myself, especially after leaving my career in television news to become a stay-at-home mom. My life felt like it was on hold—no direction, no happiness, just a deep sense of emptiness. 

Those first six years of Jeep ownership were a journey of self-discovery, finding my passion, and realizing that life is about experiences, not material possessions. My Jeep brought joy, new friendships, and a sense of purpose. It helped me rediscover my creativity—a passion I had lost in my youth but found again through blogging and creating videos on my Jeep Momma YouTube channel. But there was still something missing. 

During this time, my Jeep life became my escape. Writing blogs and creating videos brought me joy, but the friends I made through off-roading lived far away, leaving me isolated in my daily life. My marriage was crumbling as we had different interests, and despite my efforts to find common ground, my partner had already emotionally checked out. I didn't realize at the time he had already found someone else so my efforts were in vain.  My friends had no interest in camping or wheeling, and they didn’t understand my life struggles. 

A New Adventure on the Horizon

Amidst turmoil, I met a fellow Jeeper whose adventurous spirit inspired me. His encouragement led me to take a leap of faith—a 34-day sponsored trip across America. Despite being granted permission to take a four-week leave of absence from my job—where I was working for family friends—I learned just days before my trip that my position would no longer be available upon my return. This unexpected setback added to the challenges I faced in my life. I decided to continue with the adventure as planned, honoring my commitment to the sponsors.

Returning home, I faced more challenges: my marriage was ending, and I chose to leave peacefully for the sake of my children and my sanity. This journey was my escape, a chance to rediscover myself. It awakened something deep within, revealing my own flaws and teaching me to embrace a more flexible mindset.

In hindsight, the Jeeper, initially seeming positive, exploited my vulnerability. Despite the hardship, this experience was crucial in shaping my current path.

My New Adventure out West

In 2020, after leaving my life in Maryland, I decided to team up with my adventure partner. Together, we started flipping Jeeps and eventually opened a 4x4 Jeep shop. Those two years were a learning experience—about Jeeps, about life, and about myself. The journey was challenging, but ultimately, it was essential for the personal growth I needed.

Living in the mountains, surrounded by nature, I began to rediscover myself and who I was. I spent two years out west, exploring mountain trails, camping, and delving into the world of classic Jeeps. My time in Colorado wasn’t just about off-roading; it was about rebuilding myself. I had countless amazing adventures during those two years in the Rocky Mountains, traveling all over the West, wheeling on the Rubicon Trail, in the Mojave Desert, through Moab, and across the San Juan Mountains. Along the way, I gained invaluable knowledge about Jeeps and off-roading and made some incredible friends. 

However, over time, I also started to recognize the red flags I had initially overlooked. You can read about that story in my book "Emotional Vampire: Escaping the Abuse of a Toxic Person" 

👉 Buy Here

Breaking Free from Emotional Abuse

Near the end of that relationship, it became very toxic. I didn't fully understand the impact that emotional abuse had on me at the time. It pushed me into a dark and miserable place by the time I left Colorado. I packed up my Jeep and left behind everything that wouldn’t fit, keeping my departure a secret from everyone because I knew, deep down, that I needed to leave quietly to save myself. Moving in with my sister marked the beginning of my healing process—a deep, soul-searching journey that took time.

A Journey of Healing and Faith

As I navigated this new chapter of my life, I also began to confront the emotional abuse I had endured. My healing journey started with education. I needed to understand the red flags I had missed and recognize the manipulations used by my abuser. It wasn’t an easy process. The first steps—acknowledging the abuse and deciding to leave—were the hardest. But they were necessary to transform my life and find the happiness and love I deserved.

Emotional abuse is insidious; it creates trauma and affects everyone differently. Millions of men and women experience this kind of abuse, often without realizing it. Many, like me, believe they are the problem, and feel isolated because no one believes their story. Writing my book helped me in my healing process but I still had a lot to overcome. I had built up a lot of anger not just from Colorado but from Maryland friends who betrayed me, my ex-husband and I wrote a book about my experience and what I learned. My hope is someone else will read my book and find they are not alone. 

A Journey of Healing and Faith

 I thought I was better when I left my sisters in Minnesota to begin a new life in Wyoming, but it wasn’t until I embraced faith that I fully accepted the betrayals I had experienced. Finding Jesus brought me peace and helped me move forward.

I’ve shared my story in a book, detailing the emotional abuse I endured and the steps I took to heal. I include definitions, a checklist, and insights to help others recognize toxic relationships and begin their own healing journey. My hope is that by sharing my experience, I can inspire others to take those first, crucial steps toward a life filled with happiness and love.

Moving Forward: A Life Reclaimed

Today, I continue to embrace my Jeep life, but with a newfound strength and clarity. My Jeep is more than just a vehicle—it’s a symbol of my resilience and the journey I’ve taken to reclaim my life. I’ve learned that the road may be rough, but it’s the journey that shapes us.

So, keep on Jeeping and embrace the journey—because you never know where the road less traveled might lead you.

Whether through my blog, my videos, or my book, I strive to inspire others to recognize their worth and pursue the life they deserve. My story is one of survival, healing, and rediscovery. I hope it can be a beacon of hope for those who are struggling, just as I once was. Keep on Jeeping—because you never know where the road will take you, but it’s always worth the ride.

Embracing the Jeep Life

My Jeep is more than just a vehicle; it's a part of me and my soul. Through this adventure, I've learned to simplify my life, focusing on what truly matters and enjoying every moment. I strive to inspire others to follow their passions and live their best lives, just as my Jeep has inspired me.

   

Photo Courtesy FecciUSNomads

This personal blog is written and edited by Tammy/Jeep Momma.

Disclaimer: The advice and information provided on this blog should be verified with alternative sources before making any changes or modifications to your vehicle. This blog may accept cash advertising, sponsorships, paid insertions, or other forms of compensation. Any content, advertising space, or post where compensation is received will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content. Regardless of compensation, I will always share my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, and experiences on the topics or products discussed.

The views and opinions expressed on this blog are solely my own. Any product claims, statistics, quotes, or other representations should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or relevant party.

This blog does not contain any content that could present a conflict of interest.

To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org