For me, the biggest take away I got from this video is that some people build their careers throughout their lives but this guy builds his life as a career and I think that’s wise and beautiful.

I quit my job today, and I am rather terrified, because it wasn't according to some tidy plan like I like, but I want to give you some of the credit (yes credit, not blame!) for helping me to be brave enough to do it. I've worked in higher education in mathematics for 25+ years, with many highlights, but some lows too, and times when I really wanted to make a drastic change. This time, it was COVID, and being required to teach face-to-face even when cases are getting worse where I live. I'm not courageous; I'm probably a generation older than you, Daniel, with the middle-aged creaky joints and all; and I lack almost all practical skills and knowledge ... but what you said about taking leaps so you can *live*, has really been hitting me hard. You say a lot of poignant things that get to me, and I think I can't ignore it - it can't be an accident that I've been hungrily watching channels like yours about self-reliance and simplicity, for the last several years, that I'm trying to grow a garden for the first time, that I'm trying writing and art like I've wanted to do since childhood. There's some deep need in the spirit there. And even if I'm a latecomer and the path is foggy, I've got to try to follow it. Thank you again, very very much!

I had a massive heart attack at age 46 whilst trying to survive the corporate treadmill and have spent the rest of my life trying to live what's left 'my way' . Hampered by broken health my wife and I have still enjoyed ourselves - including adopting two you children 17 years ago - and make the most of our time together. My only regret is having been seduced by the toys and baubles used to trap us into an unrealistic and undeliverable expectation of life, before coming to my senses - at the cost of my health. I applaud you wisdom and courage to be your own man.

I came from a family of 9, and my father died in his fifties as well. There was not a lot of money in my family, but in truth I never missed a meaI and I was raised by good, kind people. I am well educated, and looked wistfully at those whose parents paid for the educations, and went on holidays in the summer, while I worked. Due to a lot of circumstances, partly of my making, I went through some very difficult years in my late 20's and early 30's. I used to look at those as lost years. In truth, that was the time I learned all the really important things about how to live, and it forged my character. I am grateful now for those years. In the end, what is important is picking a path that suits you, and pursuing it. Even if it costs you friends, the approval of society, and financial security, it is still worth it. I congratulate you. You learned this lesson a lot sooner than I did.

the love in your dog's eyes when he looks at you is lovely to see. He absolutely adores you. His eyes shine with it. Border collies wear their heart on their paws.

I think what you're doing is wonderful. There are no guarantees in life (a car accident at 24 put paid to all my hopes and dreams). So, live as you wish to. The life you've chosen is a good and healthy one. I love your posts. And, I'm so in love with your beautiful, affectionate and faithful dog. Good on both of you. Greetings from me in South Africa.

Your parents raised a kind and refined young man.

I'm a 49 year old male here in England and everything you say resonates with me. I just haven't acted on these feelings because I've been sucked in to the system and family responsibilities. Good on you and loving the posts!

I really tried to listen, but Mossy stole the show. What a character. He is pure love and clearly believes the sun rises and sets over you. What a lovely, purposeful, life you are living. You both made today a bit more special.

Thoroughly enjoyed watching your dogs face as you were talking, thank you. :)

Just found you. I’m in New Zealand...feel the same about this world, lots of us do..it’s called an awakening.

Collecting water, The Story Of The Cracked Pot: For Anyone Who's Not Quite Perfect An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water.. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. 'I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.' The old woman smiled, 'Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?' 'That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.' For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.' Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them. SO, to all of my cracked pot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path! Moral: Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. We've just got to take each person for what they are, and look for the good in them. NB

Hello from Az , USA 🇺🇸 I have been watching, but never posted ‘till now. I can only dream about such a peaceful way of life now at 65. You can feel the most lovely quality of your life listening and watching you both. And How elegant, articulate and sincere your story is. For me, you make planting.. harvesting, digging, building a precious journey. This brings out the hidden poet in me that longs for the joy of a life, without regret. I think that will be the ultimately be your legacy for your future. Your kind and gentle heart is a breath of fresh air. Just like where you are sitting. Carry on working your wonderful life. 🌹 I enjoy the escape of watching you and this wonderful, sweet hearted dog.

What most people fail to realise is that there is only the 'NOW'. Nothing else exists. The past you can't do anything about and the future isn't here yet. Most people are living in a prison of their own making worrying about stuff and nonsense. I'm pretty much doing what you are doing but without the tumbledown cottage. Mine is standing and has a roof. I lost my job in January and decided I really didn't want to work anymore. I'm living off of a small pension that wouldn't even buy a beat up car, until I set up on my own. In the meantime I'm growing our food. My husband works for his self but doesn't earn enough to pay tax. We get by but we are happy. We are in our sixties and if the Government hadn't taken my state pension with only five years notice I'd have some money coming in. We have a few luxuries but who cares, what are luxuries but things you don't really need? I'd back my kids 100% if they chose to do what you are doing. There is no dignity, or power in being a debt slave to either the Government or all those other self serving entities who grow rich on our labour. Good luck to you, I love your ethos and your honesty.

Love from an Irish lady who lived in NYC for 30 years. Happy now to be back living on the family farm here with my brothers. Admire you.

Dog: I have no idea who he's talking to or what he's saying, but I'm going to alternate between liking his face, and looking like a cool bro with the wind in my fur.

I've been waiting for an update!! I think about Mossy Bottom often.

A very enlightening video full of wisdom, humanity and serenity. Thank you so much!

I recently watched one of your videos where you talk about being an introvert, this was enlightening for me. I finally realised that it’s okay to be introverted and it doesn’t mean I’m being rude or standoffish, I’m just not a people person, particularly in crowds. Blessings to you both.

Your Dad's story brought tears to my eyes. Go forth and live how YOU want to live. I wish you nothing but health, a watertight roof over your head and food in the ground and your belly and sunshine xx

I have to admit, I wish I were like you, with the same mindset, physical health, and willpower. Thanks for this video. I think your father would be very proud of you if he could see you now.

Always thinking of mossy bottom, love that name, and that dog is so so adorable. You can see that dog adores you. You look the epitome happiness. Yes it is inspiring even at my age.

I am a orphan in my 50's,miss my parents so badly but my mum said your a long time dead,go forth and live your life,I can do this with joy in my head,get up early everyday and make the most of it,my parents are with me in spirit everyday,I realise prob a bit late in life we are on this earth for a reason ,I think that it is to enjoy with good friends and family,not the partying good time but contented mind good time,

Thanks so much for discussing privilege! I live in a housing cooperative that I co-founded and my no. 1 life goal is to never work full time. I also saw my family work themselves to the bone and have no energy for anything else and vowed I would never love like that. Also pls don’t ever worry about talking videos, those are my favorites and the longer the better. Ps ur dog is such a beauty. Well done for following ur heart and I hope it continues to nourish u x

I’m 52, the age of my dad’s age of his death. Brought by my mom to Canada. Had a hard working life here . Having a chance to education, I have improved my life significantly but at the cost of very fast pace life . Now that I have the things that I worked for 30+ years, I want the things that I have left behind in Poland where I was born with a little twist . I want to move to Africa; Tanzania. I love the slow pace of life, the weather; no snow I would like to live off the land own a Doberman, a donkey, some chickens for eggs and meat . For money I could have a clinic and treat people . Wish me luck.

I have worked jobs my whole life and now am retiring in a few months with both a federal and state pension. I too have plans for creating massive gardening that I never had time for while working. I feel that I've lost so many good years that I could have been doing things that I wanted to do but I never had your courage and fortitude. I fear I am getting too old to accomplish all my goals and will have a limited time to enjoy them. You are most definitely doing the right thing & and I am very proud & happy for you. 👍

Thank you so kindly for Your words of support. I'm a 58 year old single woman. Former travel agent who had to cash out my 401k 3x to survive. I now have no job, no where to live and no sustainable LIFE. So it's very late in my life but my Dad taught me how to grow, my mom how to can. So now I'm looking for LAND! I live in the Pacific Northwest of USA. I have no tidy plan but I refuse to continue down this same path as last 30 years that has netted me nothing. Peace and blessings to you kind sir and please know how helpful this has been for me. ⚘♥️🕊🍃

We moved to spain 21 years ago and we purchased a house with 3 walls 3 story made of stone washed the clothes in a stream we had cable drums for table and chairs we had very litle money but we now own two house's car have good savings we own every thing we have and got it all from hard work so good luck to you and more people should try it wish you all the best

If times ever get tough and you need a temporary job, I think you would make a great TV presenter or even an audio reader. You have the look and the voice and accent.

You are living a wonderful life, I'm sure your dad would be so proud of you! Good luck for the future, Poo

This is just the second video of you I have watched. I find it interesting to find vloggers like you who do not do the fast-paced rapid talk and tight edits typical today to hold the attention of the viewers. You talk slow-paced, relaxed, no fancy tight editing, no fancy music, yet so engaging. Not for one minute was I bored listening to you. The substance and insights you speak of are, to a good extent, compelling. Thank you for sharing. I am an instant subscriber.

Your doggy Moss is so cute I just contain myself when I look at him ❤️and loves being hugged and petted - he is just a true gem ❤️

It does not matter how other people see your lifestyle as "hard work and exhausting"....I get the feeling that to you it is Art. You are the craftsman of your reality and doing it all from scratch ...like a potter forming clay. There is something cathartic, joyful and satisfying about what you do. It makes you Happy and that is so awesome. You are connected to your Truth. Lovely dog and You of course 😊

You have achieved fulfilment and money can't buy that! People forget that this was normal life for a lot of folk at one time and indeed probably still goes on as I'm sure there are many an aged farmer still living this life, just without the spotlight. Love your philosophy, and your doggie!

I echo what Chris says....you're videos are helping me through a tough time. I'm at a cross roads and it's seeing you and the life you've created that help prove there is more to life. Thanks again for sharing with us.

Thank you for another inspiring video! They bring me a great sense of peace. Your simplicity and the genuine loving relationship that you seem to have with your dog it’s a real joy to watch! I think I may have seen him smiling a few times! 😄

You lifestyle seems so peaceful, I'm loving the vibes

That is one cute dog.

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and life! I don't know if you will read this, but I want to say how much I appreciate the wisdom words in your videos. The life you have here is completely different from mine on the surface (I'm a PhD student in the big city of LA, USA), but I identify with everything you say here about living with thoughtful intention and an eye for the beauty of simple things. I feel a kindred introverted soul in someone who cultivates a relationship with their solitude, and hearing the deep thoughts that come from it. The world and media isn't suited to easily finding these kind of thoughts, and I am so glad to find your work.

Thankyou for sharing your personal thoughts about life in your videos. I am thinking about them and your life often and can sense that I am changing for the better as a person with a new found belief in myself and the possibilities that I never thought I could achieve. Thankyou for the wisdom and strength that you are sharing with all of us!

An inspirational speaker and motivator who DOESN'T scream! Much love from Algeria ❤

Always glad to see an update from mossy bottom . How Moss adores you is so cute!

As a woman now in my 60s I can tell you and your listeners...... Truer words were never spoken! If you have a dream, DO IT !! My generation came up being taught to work at a job and be thankful you had it....... money, things, pension, etc. -- all those things were to be coveted. Now, I wish I had followed my longing along with my late husband and our children to pursue a lifestyle such as yours. You are so very right about peace and contentment being enough. In fact, they are a blessing!

Lovely themed chat. Your achievements of a life style and a way of being shine through. Thank you for sharing this.

Amen! This is a message we all need to hear we've become so dependant on the system ( Social construct) with our 25yrs mortgage, smart TV and smart phone. God help us when the imminent recession finally drops. I'm praying for myself and others to make this move because their is more to gain than to loose. Welĺdone

I am very touched by your words. A lot of courage, a lot of ❤️ ; thanks for updating!

You’re an inspiration. We should all have a friend just like you that we can bounce ideas off of, share ideas and aspirations or even just listening to one another and getting a bit of reassurance or encouragement. I truly enjoy your videos.

Love your interactions with Moss! Reminds me of my kids when they were very young! Always wanting to be the center of attention. Thanks for being frank about the hard work and the satisfaction of completing the chores....this concept has been lost over the past years.

All I'll say is that things aren't always what they seem. People think that just because your young and own a property, you must be rich, but they don't stop to consider that you've been saving your Butt off and working for years, while others your age having been frittering their money away on cars and booze. To be truthful, telling someone they are privileged when you don't know their full story, and everything they've been through, is really narrow-minded. People just throw the word around without even considering all the hard work that goes into gaining such 'privilege'. I'm 23 and I just bought my first property, so I can relate to you a lot of what you say.

As much as I love the tutorials, I love your shares even more. Thanks for this, I was looking forward to it!

You are so well versed and soft spoken and the mutual love and affection you and your dog have for one another is heart warming. 🙂❣

Greetings from North Carolina. Your wisdom and bravery really shine in this video. Feel blessed that you touch and inspire all of us with your sensitive and frank sharings. As always, I look forward to the next update. Thank you😊

Lol mossy steals the show. He is a beautiful dog.

Thank you for the continued inspiration! Your videos are a little bit of sanctuary; a window to look into from the rat race and remember there is another way. Keep them coming!

1:24 dog saying, '' hey, why are you pulling on my ear. Hey, stop pulling on my ear. I love you SO much, you can pull on my ear if you like. '' My dog passed away 2 years ago and I'm still not over it.

Love that inspirational simplicity ,minimalism and consciousness !!! Super thumbs UP for Daniel and mossy ! :D

the happiest time of life is when there is very little to make one anxious about - just steady work and total beleif in your efforts eventually give reward and contentment - who knows what the future brings.Good to see your update - looking forward to seeing your restoration work on the buildings. Beautiful dog

Here was I thinking, wow that dog is very content to just sit there 😆 His true colors came through at the end 🤗. Well done to both of you🌻

Thank you for giving us so much of your time and for inviting us into your world!! You are such an inspiration and encouragement to people who would love to do what you are doing but don't have the courage etc..😊

Notice how the dog is enjoying the moment during the whole video. No single thought. Just pure love.

Thank you for the update. I appreciate your lifestyle. Its like alot in US going off grid. Living just like you. Its a life ive always wanted to live myself. Its being close to your creator. Living a life he called you to live. Simple.

What a powerful and encouraging message Daniel. I always look out for your video. Please make the video very often. Thank you

so nice to see you again Daniel! You inspire me a lot to fulfill my dreams and spend time in the wild. I’ve been spending most of my days in nature recently and it’s beyond healing. Thanks x

Thanks for the update, Daniel. Glad to see that you are still enjoying the experience. Given one of the video themes, long may it last! Maybe into eternity...?! Wishing you everything good in your journey, Robbie.

Hi Daniel, glad to see you re doing well, beautiful simple life, I wish you continued happiness. My best wishes. Gerard in Wexford.

💖Moss! You know dear boy, I'm a 70 year old Hippie now and loving the retirement I get to enjoy, but when I was 24 years old, I too decided to quit my job and go to Europe on my own. I didn't know what I would DO for money once there, but I ended up in The Netherlands, landed a job in a bank and stayed 5 1/2 years. Returned to the States and tried to live a 'normal' life, but the vagabond in me kept telling me to move along. So I took off cross country again, got a good paying job in the medical field, but I wanted to only work part time so I could pursue my voluntary job working on the ambulance. Well, after 12 years that itch to move back to Europe seduced me so I returned to Holland in 1989 and have been here ever since. I scratch my head sometimes at my youthful folly, but boy I'd do it again in a heartbeat. You're right .. do it while you are young and still have the physical strength to build your castle. Soon enough old age will be upon you and you can look back with pride. 🌹

I am so happy to have stumbled on your channel today listening to your introvert topic which I couldn't have put more perfectly about myself to a T. The most beautiful thing of all to me- apart from the fact you have identified and pursued your happiness young enough to really flourish, is the utter Joy, contentment and devotion of your Master - your beautiful dog who seems to me to be a highly enlightened being of pure joy wisdom and happiness. CONGRATULATIONS and Bless you and all your animals and all you do🌻🦋🐕🌈🌅

Thank you for your wonderful vlog. It's so nice to see people like you, doing, pursuing their dream.. All I want is one day to live in the woods! Yes! Hear the birds and hear the rain, feel alive each day.. Time is precious. Life is great! 🤗💖👌

Thank you for the update. Your dog is lovely, and so are you.

Love from Gateshead. Followed your channel from the early days. Wishing you every joy immeasurable. xxx

I've been waiting to hear from you it's lovely to hear from you I love Ireland would like to do what you have done love Diane xxxx 😃 Colin 💚🐸💚🍀🌈🍀💚

Thank you for weathering the cold and sharing such gentle and wise insights. It's a joy to see the renovation progressing and the Mossy out takes never fail to make me chuckle. Keep going! So inspiring!

A beautiful life for you and your adorable little best friend x

Aw man do i want to quit the rat race, holy jesus...Every job I've gone to I've met at least 2 to 3 real arseholes, sometimes a lot more, I've had it with these types; I've been working as a chef the last few years, very negative environment working in a kitchen, not everywhere though. I'm saving money to meet up with my friends in Canada, then i'm saving more and trying to sell paintings, but i have a plan b lined up, i'm also into baking and have been baking for a year or two now, i knead the dough hahaha. Love the channel.

you have a calm and soothing manner of presenting things and it is lovely to see things that you do on your land and sharing your experiences. Good luck to you!

I can listen to you for hours. It makes my day when I see that you have posted a new video. You are an inspiration to me. Thank you

Thanks for the update. Great to see you chugging along :)

Thanks for filling us in on ur previous life and answering questions... I think loads of people including me would love to live like u do ....I do sort of... but wish I did it when I was younger but just wasn't the right time I guess ... Working out what ur priorities are is half the thing ... I'm sorry u lost ur dad so young . Mossy ur funny 😍 Good to see u post again .TY

I'm from the West of Ireland (Clare) but fairly committed to a semi-happy life in Dublin. I envy your guts and youth. The West needs younglads like yourself to wallow in the harsh beauty down there.

Your outlook is always so inspiring! Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to share a piece of your world with us.

Roof is looking great! Can’t wait for a video about the restoration!

Brilliant vid,you are the epitome off an amazing quality of life. A simple life but you have everything you need and want. If a lot more people could live like this I think a lot of problems and stress would disappear. Keep up the good work. Love the outtakes at the end 😁 love and blessings x

Another great video. Inspiring. You radiate a sense of peace and serenity. And I'm in love with your dog. Wish you many happy years together.

This is total wealth to me. I was brought up in the west of Ireland and I completely understand where you are coming from. You are such a joy to listen to. And, in spite of not sharing with you in quite some time, I am thrilled to know you are still hanging in there. I too remember going to the well with my two buckets. And, I have forgotten the name of your precious dog. A very beautiful creature and he’s absolutely madly in love with you. So very sad you lost your Dad at such an early age. Be the best you can be and loads of health and joy as you continue your journey. of late I appreciate

I have watched from the beginning and just love your journey. Thank you for sharing 🥰

Water is free in Ireland so check how far your house is from the main system. you might not have to pay much to get it installed. About work though you are absolutely right. In Lithuanian we have saying which roughly translates to "Work makes a person beautiful/decorated" which is a saying that stuck to me trough my life so far. I wanted to make my life easier for my self by going to university and studying what I thought I loved but the more I did it the more I realised that it's not what I really want from life. I realised that I am much more happy working for farmers over summer doing physical work and on free time just making all sort of projects, trinkets and things than I am during college when I am sitting at a computer all day drawing and stressing about my deadlines and I realised that If I continue doing this after college it's only going to get worse. I honestly did not know what I was going to do once I was finished with college. But once I found your videos a month ago or so I realised that this might be the right thing for me. I only got a year of college left so once that is done I will get the best paying job I can till I get money to buy some run down cottage and do the same thing you do. probably will try to sell some art as well on the side to get some income if I get the chance to. So thank you for your videos they are truly inspiring me to go and live a more simple but much more full life. BTW even though I am quite far from even starting my journey with renovating an old cottage. I had a lot of thought of what I would do with it to make it more spacious. One thing that I would do would be to make the sleeping spaces in the attic. That way you would have a lot more space downstairs. Since you are making an attic right now I thought I would throw that idea your way.

I absolutely love your quote! Well done, your videos bring peace, really nice feel. Wishing you true health and happiness. xx

Your doggie 🐶 just loves you so Muchhh !! His little face turned up trying to get a peek at you is just so heart warming !!

Such a kind, thoughtful man - just glowing with spirit. And your dog was very zen, until the end! haha!

Your passion to find your own happiness is truly admirable. Thank you for sharing it with the world.

Just chanced upon your channel and you have rekindled the passion in me to do something along the same lines. I like your style, no pretence or veneer, just speaking from the heart. Looking forward to more installments:)

I loved the story about the buckets of water and the pump. I really understand and identify with what you say and especially with living in the now and working for myself rather than for someone else to pay for things I need. Really enjoy your channel!

i quit my job today with no plan at all,it was making me so miserable so I bit the bullet and walked out.im the same as you I don't chase money I chase time

Thank you so much for doing what some of us are dreaming of, and showing that it is possible, even if you are basically pulling yourself up by your bootstraps. Really enjoy your content, the simplicity and wholesome nature of it really makes it stand out against the poppier and flashier videos of this type.

Your father is so deeply proud of you, Daniel, and it is clear that his spirit lives within you every moment of every day, beaming with admiration for your achieving all that he could not. God bless you and stay well and strong! You are a joy to watch and listen to!

I found your channel a few weeks ago and I wanted to let you know that I find your content and lifestyle so inspiring! So glad that you're documenting it! You have a lovely dog and I can't wait to see the next video :)

Thank you, I really needed that reminder as to why I'm doing something similar down in Kerry :)

I love your dog...I am new to your channel. You look like a young Bee Gees . The main singer and I think the only one left alive. I can tell your dog loves you very much. Even though you bought the land and house out right. Do you have to have insurance and also pay yearly taxes on the property? If not...I am moving over there! You seem very content and at peace with the life you have chosen for yourself. Peace and health be with you and your animals.🙏

I can almost smell the clean air as I watch this video. So invigorating. Your dog is so peaceable and affectionate. The winter my family moved to the country our well went dry and I had to haul 5gal of water through the snow from a spring fed stream.

What a wonderful & honest insight into your life & background, & a great perspective on life - A new subscriber looking forward to catching up & watching your journey unfold, good luck to you 💚