The rawness of this video is a breath of fresh air in an online world that often feels so vacuous. As a person who also struggles with their mental health I am so proud of you for making this visible. I love your sense of humour and positivity, you are fabulous x

Steelboat calls for a small portable compressor and a air needle gun. It strips rust and paint much faster, and is much cleaner to you as person and the environment. No toxic dust. Mop up with brush and scoop(Specially old boats still have lots of paint on which contain lead and that dust can be extremely dangerous even when you wear a mask,because its on your skin too..One can buy a needle gun and then hire the small compressor. Go for a stick welding coarse and buy a small inverter stick welder(forget what all tells you about other welding processes,they use gas, is expensive and out in the open not so good,in the end you want to do maintenance,not building a steel boat.Dust btw over time will also kill electric tools as the dust is sucked in by the ventilation fan,brushes start to arc and then its either repair or throw away time.On the emotional side. Never look at problems from the inside,some salty crackers,cheese, a bottle of wine and you need a comfortable camping chair. Go sit in the shade at least 50 meters away from your boat, and only after the third glass of wine,start to look at your boat as if it is not yours but you want it. Make a list what comes to mind you would like to change. That things forms over time part of the issues that makes one unhappy in our subconsious. And make a list and timeframe to change them. By the time you back on your boat, you will feel miles better, have a plan of action and it would not feel like a burden but rather a challenge and change of life to engage doing that changes for a better tomorrow.Stay strong and super cool work you done..

Whenever I can make someone's day better I feel better myself. Please know that you have friends you've never met and at least for me, watching your videos make my day better. So thank you and I hope you will feel better knowing you make other peoples day a bit better.

It's so nice to see someone opening up about their feelings , we all have scary moments, and you being alone on a narrow boat are extremely brave , I understand you wanting a hug where all human and at times having human contact really helps , be kind to yourself darling you're doing something many people would be totally afraid to do. ❤ Ian

I had to go sick this week with depression, watching your film has given me hope I can get through this difficult spell,much love.

We are all entitled to the occasional melt down day so it's ok to have an off day and feel sorry for yourself. Nothing is more important your mental and physical health so don't ever feel guilty about taking some time out for yourself. You are a brave , strong young woman for taking on that lifestyle alone and we are proud of you. for eight months you pushed on with life and forgot to take some May time, then it all caught up with you. I think you did thre right thing allowing yourself a week to feel crap.

I have just watched this and got really emotional about your honesty and vulnerability. Anyone who says they have never suffered with mental health is not true to themselves. Mental health isnt bought on by what you haven’t got in life it is something that everyone goes through. Thank you for your honesty and transparency.You are wonderful and adorable , keep up the great work.

There always seems to be a net over my demon infested pond and I can't get out. I'm not saying I like people to have or to suffer with issues, but it's sometimes good to know I'm not the only one who feels that way. Thanks for sharing, I do hope you're back in the right place mentally and you're feeling good again 😊... I did stay until the end and i watched your piece to camera, good to see you smile at the end and that your boat didn't sink 😊

You are a beautiful, honest and brave person. ❤ You inspire me, beyond the inevitable tears and sadness. Thank you for sharing it all in full colour!

This time is a passing moment,in my life i have had a few! My last boat was half submerged when i bought it but steadily set yourself tasks and look around at what you ve achieved! You will look back on this low point and be stronger for it. Having spent 3 months 3 major operations in hospital several years back and my wife being told its 50/50 if i make it,it refocusses you! We are all on our own journey,yours is ahead grab all experiences good and bad ,you are learning. About your boat,yourself and life! Never feel bad for how you feel,it means you re alive and kicking and "human"! All the best great channel !xx

OK, when you said you needed a hug, I cried! I don't think there's anyone out there who hasn't felt like that at some point in their lives. The impact of such an honest account of your life will be huge. This shit literally saves lives. You are an awesome human being MM. Here's an Internet hug til I can deliver one in person. T xx🙏

You nailed it with “Feelings need to be felt”, if one doesn’t approach them head on and go through the process as you are here, then one is unable to return to the “good self” and being resolved within:) I’d say it’s being Brave, which you are…

May, we spoke 6 months ago, when i was in a bad place, im in a good place now, but your one of the strongest women i know, An iconic saying from rocky balboa, last movie from the rocky franchise, NOTHING WILL HIT YOU LIKE LIFE, IT WILL BEAT YOU TO YOUR KNEES AND KEEP YOU THERE, NOTHING WILL HIT HARDER THAN LIFE, BUT ITS NOT HOW HARD YOU CAN HIT, BUT ITS HOW MUCH YOU CAN TAKE AND KEEP MOVING FORWARD. (shortened version) you got this may

Awww…. That was a tough watch but it’s good to see reality and I felt pleased to see you perking up at the end… all that nature, the church bells, life on the river…. Hope things level out…. Maybe post holiday blues but very brave to film your sadness… well done May 🤗🤗🤗

There is so much fake stuff. Fake news, fake food, fake relationships, fake education etc etc as well as so much fakeness on social media. I really appreciate that you're not fake. You show us how you are...genuinely bubbly and positive but also low and sad. Thank you. I hope that you are coming through the darkness to the light.

Love and light little one you made me smile when you said these wonderful characters are ugly look for the beauty in that. it will open a hole new world 😊X

Hi May, sorry for the long missive... I hope you do have time read it... I dont usually post.. but you jhave moved me to writing this... Firstly you must keep showing the lows as well asthe highs...it shows to others in the same place that they arent alone, empathise, and see how you handle it... I am a fellow boat owner of many years... whilst I dont live aboard like you do... I do undesrtand the loneliness that goes hand in hand with the lifestyle... it is natural that you are down after coming back from a holiday... it is very common... and you actually mentioned something that is very pertient in that you have an ideal lifestyle.. which is great... but it does have its drawbacks in that we huimans are always looking to improve or the next thing... so if you have such a lovely lifestyle, it is hard to better it.. so feel down... it reminds me of the "Coco the clown story" (if you dont know it.. just ask and I will share). The part of the canal system that you are on is wonderful... probably my favourite... keep thinking positive and sharing your journey. on the technical side... I love the fact that you are willing turn your hand to any challenges that arise.. thatis the best way to pick upskills... learn by your mistakes...(we all make them.. and I continuet to do so :) ).. and as others have mentioned... dont wash steel down with water... use "Panel Wipe" or another degreaser to avoid rust and treat with a rust converter... I am retired, so if you would like a chat or advice on anything.. please feel free to contact me...

Yes, humans are flawed and therefore they have good days and bad days. It's all part of being human. You're like someone I would consider one of the nicest friends. And I look forward to seeing you every week and catching up with you and seeing what you've been up too. Most of us may not be able to give you that physical in person presence and share a cup of tea, but yes, we still see you and many more care about you than you know. You are never alone... Stay strong May.

May, I’ve been living in my van full time for the last year or so. I’ve come up against the same feelings that you have. I deal with them ‘by stepping outside of language’. What I mean is that I just don’t follow the internal narrative going on in my head. You can choose when to ‘be in language’ and when not to be. Loneliness, grief and social isolation are clouds that come and go.

everyone needs that hug now &then.. sending the

Sometimes a good cry does the power of good! I think what you have been suffering is the holiday blues, after having time away and company every day you are now back home to the reality of solo boat life and the jobs that you need to do. You are amazing, such a positive, clever person. I hope you feel better now, take care. xxxx

Oh May I’m so sorry you feel this way. You need a companion to share your wonderful life with. Being lonely can depress you.

Just know that your not alone and that you are a beautiful soul, i completely empathise with you on all levels and hope you find your path and do not falter. xx

Your such a sweet person May. I find it so funny when you suddenly swear lol i hope your feeling much better and things are going well you did a fantastic job on your boat and should be proud what you do. Big hugs ☺️

I have spent the last few minutes after watching your video, just in silence. May is hard to see you upset, and wanted to find so inspirational speech or quote that you could write down a look at when you feel that way again. But they all seem to be a little bit out step. So I came up with my own. "May you're more powerful than you know." You can and heve changed the world of so many people just by simply being you. I know it might not seam very much over the Internet but here here a a hug from me to you.

i take my hat off to you May, what an inspirational young lady. i often feel like you, i am up and down so much, thank you for sharing your emotions, your not alone and now i don't feel that i am the only one. thank you! i love your content 🙏🙏🙏👍

thank you for sharing, the light will shine again

Wrote this comment a couple of times, just didn't sound right, so trying for the 3rd time. 1st off, great work on the boat, there was a lot of work and patients gone into it, really well done. 2nd its ok to not be ok, you may have all the tools and training, but you know what, your not a robot. i am a 48 year old divorced father of 2, i work Monday to Friday and have my 2 sons every weekend and over the school holidays. I have people around me or talking to me pretty much 18 hours a day, and you know what, i feel lonely, and i know how you feel, just to have that someone to off load to and tell you its ok to have a cry and have a hug with without any judgment. please except a non judgmental, it will be ok hug from me and my kids, we think your adventures and videos are great. take care of yourself May.

Oh sweetie! Really don’t like seeing you upset! Big hug & some love needed..xxx

Sadness is a part of life. Ive been sad for a month now, since my dog passed away in the age of six years. Way too early. But I´m 68 years old and I know that good times have a habit of returning sooner or later. As good old Churchill said: I you are going through hell, you must keep on walking. Anyway. Nice to follow your channel. We dont have that kind of boatlife in Denmark, but I´ve always dreamed about going on at least a vacation on the British canals.

Go out to the next town and perform a random act of kindness and then tell yourself it was a selfish act to f self preservation. Trust me, this little mind hack helps! 😅😅 You bring a little happiness to people with every episode May

Just love your bravery and tenacity. I struggle with MH Issues too, Am no stranger to that deep, dark , heavy debilitating feeling and the herculian effort it takes to whip it. Its ok as a light being to not understand what your feeling or to feel overwhelmed by the drudgery of this dimension.I myself have a counter showing how many days since my last cry. you are so full of love that you bring only inspiration and joy to your viewers with your honesty and story. you are wise well beyond your years so much so that i can see the lives you have lived and the healing you have to share . Mental hug to you from cold wet beautiful tassie.

Hi May, let me stick my proverbial "oar in the water" and give you my thoughts. 5 Minutes into this video I thought here is a very nice lady that some one need to wrap their arms around and let her know just how very special she is! I have some days when the stress of being a carer, work pressures, being out of a relationship etc REALLY get to me. I like to have an hour in bed, pull the duvet over my head and just have some "me" time. Life sometimes does not go the way we want, but I always try so had to be greatful for the things I have rather than complain about the things that I do not have . I am so aware that there are people who do not have a fraction of what I have. You have a wonderful home, a youtube channel watched by thousands of fans. a wonderful out look on life. Your fans will always support you. I know it must some times be hard when you are on the boat alone and you feel the sky is about to wall in but you know what, YOU are better that that! stand up, take a deep breath and tell the negative thoughts to "TAKE A HIKE""

Your fantastic May 😊

May, I don’t usually comment very often, I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this, thank you for being brave and sharing how you feel. I relate to those feelings as I suffer mental health myself, take each day as it comes, hour by hour minute by minute. Sending lots of hugs, I hope you feel better than you did. 🖤

Sing away little sister. We are listening and hope you can feel our embrace to comfort you. We all share those dark times and together can get through them but like you say, alone it is very difficult. Be assured that you are not alone and you have one more arm around your shoulder. B well

I am sure you will sort your boat out. Thank you for showing that negative feelings and emptions are just part of life but they can be overcome. What an inspiration you are.

Have fallen in love with this channel and love finding out all about boat life but as an empathetic crier this episode kinda broke me I hope your mood changed for the better after this Stay strong and stay awesome

thank you for letting me a part of your live

There are good days in your life, and then there are days, that just aren't so good. I'm not gonna say bad days, just different days. People are gonna say, well you only live once, and that really isn't true. The fact is you only die once, but you live every day of your life. Tomorrow is a new day, so it's bound to be better. You, young lady, are living the kind of life I dream about. Living on a boat.!! Cruising canals, and rivers. It's a dream, because I'm in the United States, and at the age of 74, I seriously doubt, I'll ever make it to the UK, let alone buy a canal boat to live the dream. But like you, I have "different days"!! Mine however come from a time long before you were even born. I served in the United States Military, during the 60's and 70's and consequently served 32 months in and and during Vietnam war. I spent my 20th, 21st, and 22nd birthdays in Vietnam. So sometimes those times come back to haunt me. But I remember what one person told me years ago. Life is like walking...keep moving forward, by putting one foot in front of the other. Keep looking forward to tomorrow!! So I've just subscribed to your channel, and I'll keep looking forward to seeing your adventures, and keep watching you "moving forward"!!!

This was hard watching you upset, so I'll say keep a strong head nice to see you smile at the end. Your a wonder woman...💙👊😎

i tell you what may, your attention to detail, the work put in, you would put alot of us men to shame,,, that will do lol good job

Thank you for sharing your sad times and the ways you cope. You are very brave being so honest. Looks it's like you did a fantastic job on your bow. Your damaged cable is potentially very dangerous, so I suggest it is repaired. x

It was nice to talk to you at Crick. You had a happy smile , and was kind to give me a few minutes of your time. I really appreciated it. So to see you sad and in tears is quite a contrast. I’m sorry to see you have been upset. Even tough guys like me get down now and then. (My minor Autism doesn’t help) Having the strength to understand it won’t last will get you through. Anyway, the bow is looking good with its red oxide. Look forward to seeing it with a top coat. Stay safe .. Andy 😊

Wow May you did an awesome job I've been feeling down for a while but hopefully will feel better soon hope your feeling better now stay safe x

It's always a pleasure to watch your videos May, even when you're not feeling your best. Everything tends to sort itself out in the end. I remind myself of this as I too suffer from bouts of loneliness, sadness, tears. We both know that this shall pass We come out the other side and carry on! Stay cool and thanks for showing your humanness!

sorry to see you all sad, love the FFD in the background. :)

Its true what they say the people who are most happy on the outside struggle on the inside the most dont worry may, im like that i think why do i feel so down when ive got everything that makes me happy but still feel low😢 theres not alot of people with your kind of energy focus it on the things that make you happy and the man up stairs will reward you, you just got to belive

Good to allow yourself to feel, loneliness is something we experience and if people experience loneliness together we won't be lonely. Sending virtual hugs 🤗. Keep safe do what you do and keep smiling as it suits you 😃

Hi May, thanks for another honest and insightful Vlog. It was indeed a really hard watch seeing you so down, needing a hug and not being able to help but great to see you come out the other side. Your holiday did look fab btw! Great effort on the repairs - preparation is always key, so many people would just have slapped the paint on top, so brill that you took the time to clean everything up first. I'm sure the repairs will make everything like new again and I look forward to watching your further adventures. Best wishes, Oliver. 🤗

I’m sorry you’re feeling this way but I think what you said was important, so many people rush to feel happy again but sometimes it’s important to sit in your sadness for a little while. Often people feel guilty for feeling sad, like they’re wasting their day but it’s ok to feel down sometimes ❤xx

Hi May 👋🏼 Damn I missed you at Crick! I’ve been going through similar emotions having come back from a trip of a lifetime, and it took me ages to shake off the self pity and come down from such a trip. I totally get you. Love your blogs. Hopefully we’ll meet up some time.

May great 👍 job not feel bad & alone love ❤️ lot's hugs 🤗 u do great with at boat Journey home 😊 love too yourself I hope the yoga goes well 😊 ☺️ ❤️

Wow, that was really honest and heartfelt. Not sure well done is quite the right phrase - but a virtual well done hug none the less. if we've lived we've ALL been to that place at some point, I can remember being there. There's a 7K plus online world you've built around you who enjoy seeing you and your journey and virtually walks with you, always remember that. Oh. and hats off for fixing (or getting plans in place to fix) your slight holey problem!

Great Vlog as usual, thanks for taking the time to do these. Chances are that seepage is from the Gas Locker as the Hull Steel plate is a good solid bit and thicker than the Locker steel plating. All the same when you home as water ingress it is worrying.

Thank you for this video May. I hope you have a better week. 🙂🤗

You are an amazing young woman. The honesty you have shown, truly inspirational. I wish I could have some of your strength.

May you really are a remarkable woman and I do hope you sort out your demons all the best Paul

Thank you for sharing your thought process, May and the sciatic stretch.

You were very brave at opening up and explaining how you felt, I know how you were feeling as I was in that same place this week, its best to go with it, know what you mean. Take it easy, You did an excellent job on the bow, I wouldn't of had a clue! Must've felt good after doing that. Thanks so did the lower back stretch with you and it helped felt it in my thighs too. Anyway hang on in there and take care. 🙏🙏👋

Thank you for this video May. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

Hi You are a real brave soul it must have been hard to open up to the public as you did, believe me it I'd hard to watch someone having to face there demons, I say this as a person who doesn't have down days even when family have died or the shit hits the fan at work I don't get down. I can never really understand what people go through although I do sympathise and hope you and others like yourself get through the dark days quickly Great vid

Really sad 😢to see you cry. Hope things get better for you soon. Take care.xx

I so wanted to give you a hug 🤗 thank you for such a awesome and honest video.

We see you May 👀 Cracking job on your well deck area, yes, grinder is the tool of choice in that situation. It'll be ok 😉 😊

😘this is only temporary >>>>sending muchlove little May 💗💗💗💗>>>>>

Better off going to Screwfix or tools station than B&Q May,love your determination. Stay strong life’s all about the ups and downs.

Amazing lady stay strong your a inspiration to us all

Hi May, Ken here. It's ok not to feel ok, I am here for you no matter what. Best Wishes Ken

Bless you May, life's hard sometimes in it. Especially when you got loads of problems n hinges are going wrong left right n centre. Chin up chuck you'll get through it mate 👍, I'm rooting for you, keep that beautiful smile on your face 😁

You are amazing, love your videos, and I emphasize how you feel, in a similar situation. You are productive, inspirational and a great teacher of life, there is so much love out in the universe directed at you. How raw and real you showed yourself goes to show how human you are like all of us, I wanted to give you a hug when you were struggling. Stay strong, like I said you are amazing.

you are an amazing person may, keep your chin up xxx

Well done on the bow work. Sometimes it’s good to watch other people feeling down, then it makes you realise that it’s not just you and there are other people feeling the same way. Had a week off work which I usually can’t wait for but just not been able to relax at all, felt edgy all week and down. Any way new week starting, hope your pulling yourself out of it..look forward to the next instalment. 👍

Hi May great to see your honesty with the mental health I fully get you and understand the darkness 😢 your positivity is amazing i truly believe the tranquility of the canals is so resting and cant wait until i become a member of the community 4 years and counting 😁. Until then ill be saving all my peace from my annual boating holiday on the Caledonian canal roll on august 😂.....amazing job on the bow one hood thing about living on a boat is plenty jobs to keep the mind chatter at bay ....but i also agreee its also good to let it out at times too stay strong 👍.

Great and honest Vlog May, shadow work is soo important and also important to highlight. I wish we had more time to chat in the Crick beer tent last week.. you are an awesome inspiring young woman… love your work, keep inspiring, educating and loving… you got this 🙏

iv been there may so low but you will get over it keep your chin up xx

What a fantastic job you ve done , YOU ! Only YOU , you should feel proud of yourself. Your growing so much darling and what a community you have supporting you on here . Maybe Ted No 2 needs to come to you ! Cos Ted No 1 is my mate now !! Xx

Admire your honesty. Brave. 👍

Hi may, you are clearly a brave and determined lady, but also boat life seems hard and is taking its toll on you. Think about your medium term future and if the thought of more years on the boat worries or depresses you, try and think of an alternative.

Hi May, it's a hard watch seeing you so sad, hope you're feeling better soon. Sending love and big hugs ❤

Keep up the good work!

Hang in there. Thanks for sharing such personal feelings.

thanks for sharing your truth. Sail on !

fantastic video, stay strong xx

I love your videos

Wow you made a awesome job of that bow great vlog hope your doing ok now 😊

Hello May! Too bad I live so far away otherwise I would have loved to help you fix up your nice narrowboat! It's nice to see how you approach things and how you learn so quickly! Sharing your mental health feels very intimidating but is very sincere, I have a lot of trouble sharing that myself so I can learn a lot from that! never give up! Nice youtube channel!! Greetings from Belgium ❤

"feelings need to be felt" yes, yes they do. Unfortunately life does not allow everything to be perfect 24/7. Don't hold things in and let them stew, let it out. You ever notice after a good sobbing cry how much better you feel or at least the problem that drove you to cry in the 1st place seems less of a big deal? Hang in there, life is a cycle of good times and bad times. :)

Ahh May, I feel for you and very akin to your feelings. Jest want to hug you xxx

Very profound vid gal takes an inner strength to open up to the world like I have just seen but I'm known as a good judge of character your strong gal you will survive Now that is an ORDER by the way get her out asap and sort your leak with a welder I know I sound like your dad Cheers n beers Marty Australia

Hard to watch you feeling so down, I know what it's like for depression to sap the life from you. I hope you're feeling more like yourself! ❤

I hope you can solve your Warter problem and please keep smiling I know what you are going through all the best from Chris

I love you from my heart.shamim🌟🦢🧜‍♀️

Seeing you with tool 😊 I'd hug you let me know when your near Leyland Preston

Omg may,that first shot of you with mud on your face...going to start calling you "choclate chops".

An interesting video, May. I’d like to comment in a helpful way borne of experience, and it isn’t intended to upset you; quite the opposite. If, when I were in my 20s (a long while back!) there was such a girl of beauty, sincerity, knowledge and sheer grit as you, I would have counted myself lucky to be in your life. I lament that young men of the current generation are such self absorbed spineless wimps with soft hands and softer heads - but somewhere there are a few men left. I pray and expect you’ll find that special person for those much needed hugs!

Hi there boats have always had holes pop up now and again knowing how to overcome these things is knowledge handed down from the past a temporary fix until the next docking is potable and not all that difficult a bolt washer packing material and a nut and washer on thr outside all fixed for now

Thank you for sharing your feelings and experience 😊sending 🤗 nice video 😊wear a mask when grinding 😊

You are such an amazing person also how do you manage to still look stunning covered in dust

Bless you May. What a difficult video to make and watch. I applaud you for showing all sides. I found Narrowboat vids during lockdown when my mental health was having its toughest battle to date ( for several reasons) but have recovered well but still have the scars which show every now and then . I love what you are doing and find your videos uplifting and motivational even for a 50 something chap. I admire your lifestyle and you jest for life so keep doing what your doing. . P. S. Havent got any advice on hole in the boat but there is the Song ' Theres a hole in my bucket dear Liza" you could ref 😆😆. Sending a hug and positive vibes 🤗 ❤🍷x