"The important thing is this: to be able, at any moment, to sacrifice what we are for what we could become."

— Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

  • BEN VEENEMA

    Engineer. Realist. Builder.

  • ASHLEY VEENEMA

    Educator. Optimist. Visionary.

Be Brave.

OUR STORY

We met in 2010 and married in 2014. Saddled with 278k in student loan debt, we made it our mission to pay it off and in July of 2022, we did just that! Since this defining moment, we’ve made it our mission to live life our own way. A life filled with memories and unburdened with regrets.

Dream Big.

LIFE VISION

Seeking Joy is our intention. It’s the way in which we have chosen to live our life and adventure throughout the world. Every thought, every decision, every action - It all matters because it creates our story and the legacy we leave behind. Living a meaningful life is rooted in the art of seeking joy.

Our logo is a reminder of this, with its mountainous peaks, hexagonal border, and minimalist design. The mountains remind us of the importance of the journey with all of its hardships and celebratory moments, while the hexagon is emblematic of our priorities of Purpose, Passion, Happiness, Wellbeing, Authenticity, and Connection. Finally, it’s the simple things that often bring the greatest sense of joy.

Stand Out.

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No Regrets.

Adventure 1: Bus Life

During the summer of 2022, we found ourselves unsatisfied with the options while searching for our next place to live. Instead of settling for an overpriced, and unappealing housing market, we decided to use our down payment fund to purchase and renovate a 40ft school bus into our home. Our plan is to convert it into into a mobile dwelling and use it to drive away on our next grand adventure.

"Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire."

— Jennifer Lee

At long last, here's a tour of our bus JOY 🚌✨ #seekingjoy #skoolie #diyskoolie #joy #joybus #skoolieconversion #bustour #skoolielife #skooliebuild #skoolienation
Bus Updates: Floor and lower trim installation Upper trim with LED ambient lighting Curtains with custom mounts installed Shower tiled, grouted, and sealed Bathroom vanity and LED mirror installation Not pictured: Building the ottoman and drive
Bus Updates: Floor and lower trim installation Upper trim with LED ambient lighting Curtains with custom mounts installed Shower tiled, grouted, and sealed Bathroom vanity and LED mirror installation Not pictured: Building the ottoman and driver's upper trim, making the windshield sun reflection roll, installing new kitchen outlets and drawer liners, running and connecting all of the solar panels to the system, and sound dampening the driver's area. A HUGE thank you to all who helped us -- Jim and Lauren, Darrin and Vickie, Troy and Family, and Sue! We couldn't have done it without you!! #skoolieconversion #skoolie #diyskoolie #joy #joybus #wanderlust #skoolielife #tinyhome
Painting JOY was quite the process -- See the progression from classic school bus yellow to her crisp new two tone aesthetic! It took a lot of late nights with sprayers, rolls upon rolls of paper and tape, hand painting the projected logo, and hours
Painting JOY was quite the process -- See the progression from classic school bus yellow to her crisp new two tone aesthetic! It took a lot of late nights with sprayers, rolls upon rolls of paper and tape, hand painting the projected logo, and hours of assistance from family in the blistering heat! SO grateful -- DANG the final outcome looks good!! #skoolieconversion #skoolie #diyskoolie #freshpaint #joybus #seekingjoy #joy
Exciting news... Ben and I are going to start 75 Hard on MONDAY (7.19.24)!! I know it may sound insanely absurd with all that we have going on in our lives, but frankly that's when we need structure and routine the most (Check out the most recent Co
Exciting news... Ben and I are going to start 75 Hard on MONDAY (7.19.24)!! I know it may sound insanely absurd with all that we have going on in our lives, but frankly that's when we need structure and routine the most (Check out the most recent Coffee Talk Episode of the SJP for more info). We're thinking of this as a reset exercise, a leveling up tool we can use to unlock our true potential and capacity! We've felt it before, know what's possible, and now we want to access it again. So, here comes the twist... We want YOU to do it with us! Are you interested?! Let's face it doing a hard thing with other humans makes us feel less alone and frankly, we're stronger together and therefore more likely to reach that WIN! Ben and I intend to share our 75 Hard Journey with you via IG stories, but we were also thinking about creating an accountability email thread, group message or text, and/or maybe even a weekly zoom check-in call. More to come on this depending on interest level!! Here are the basics of the 75 Hard Program, but feel free to look it up OYO for the full details: -DAILY Challenge Items: 1. Two 45 min workouts (one needs to be outside) 2. Drink one gallon of water (coffee and seltzer don't count) 3. Read 10pgs of a Nonfiction Book (think personal growth) 4. Follow a diet (no cheat meals, no deviations) 5. No Intoxicants (alcohol & any other mind altering substances) 6. Take a progress picture -Do ALL parts of ALL items for 75 consecutive days! If you miss even one part of one item, you start back at day zero! Have I lost you yet?! Think we're nuts?! OR... Are you a little nervous, but ready to dive in with us?! If you're interested and want to join us, please send me a DM with your contact email and number ASAP. I'll reach out and you can join our group -- Get excited for all of the Type 2 Fun we'll have together! Although nervous ourselves, Ben and I are absolutely PUMPED for this adventure! I am constantly reminded that growth happens at the edge of comfort and discomfort -- So get ready to push the comfort zone envelope and unlock all of your potential!! #75hard #75hardchallenge #personalgrowth #liveyourbestlife #seekingjoy #type2fun
Joy is looking FRESH with her new coat of paint! Thank you @lifepathqhht for helping me hand paint the Seeking Joy Logo -- I'm obsessed 😍
Joy is looking FRESH with her new coat of paint! Thank you @lifepathqhht for helping me hand paint the Seeking Joy Logo -- I'm obsessed 😍
✨🚍At long last, an update on Joy! Oh yeah, our skoolie's name is Joy! #skoolie #busbuild #seekingjoy #diy
The Seeking Joy Podcast is LIVE! 🎙️🎧 Give it a listen on Spotify, Pocket Casts, or Apple Podcasts -- SO beyond grateful for my first three guests @gnmimages , @bradley_james , & Rev. Ryan Gabel. I feel so honored and privileged to get the oppo
The Seeking Joy Podcast is LIVE! 🎙️🎧 Give it a listen on Spotify, Pocket Casts, or Apple Podcasts -- SO beyond grateful for my first three guests @gnmimages , @bradley_james , & Rev. Ryan Gabel. I feel so honored and privileged to get the opportunity to share a bit of their story and truth with the world. I am forever grateful 💕
Seeking Joy Podcast -- COMING SOON! Mission & Intention: Real Conversations on Intentional Living – Creating a space where human beings can feel seen, heard, and valued, while having real and heartfelt conversations about what it takes to
Seeking Joy Podcast -- COMING SOON! Mission & Intention: Real Conversations on Intentional Living – Creating a space where human beings can feel seen, heard, and valued, while having real and heartfelt conversations about what it takes to live an extraordinary life. Unlocking the secrets to living a meaningful and intentional life rooted in the art of seeking joy. Be Brave. Dream Big. Stand Out. No Regrets. This is SO exciting -- Can't wait to share it with you all!! Interested in being a Future Guest on the Pod?! The answer is YES -- You are SO worthy of this and I can't wait to make the space to have a joy-filled conversation with YOU! Reach out, let's talk!
Sometimes in the stillness we can learn a bit more about ourselves -- We just have to be open, anchored in love, and let go. I had the privilege of a lifetime this past week, as I got to facilitate a custom human growth-based retreat experience along
Sometimes in the stillness we can learn a bit more about ourselves -- We just have to be open, anchored in love, and let go. I had the privilege of a lifetime this past week, as I got to facilitate a custom human growth-based retreat experience alongside a dear friend of mine, @gnmimages -- For me, it was a deep sense of being seen, heard, and valued through genuine conversations and personal introspection, challenging my physical body through cold plunging and working out, as well as being intentionally present in the experience and in the beauty of nature. I am so immensely grateful and my heart is full of joy. We even recorded the FIRST EVER Seeking Joy Podcast -- More to come on that beautiful exchange soon!
Seeking Joy is our intention. It’s the way in which we have chosen to live our life and adventure throughout the world. Every thought, every decision, every action - It all matters because it creates our story and the legacy we leave behind. Li
Seeking Joy is our intention. It’s the way in which we have chosen to live our life and adventure throughout the world. Every thought, every decision, every action - It all matters because it creates our story and the legacy we leave behind. Living a meaningful life is rooted in the art of seeking joy. Our logo is a reminder of this, with its mountainous peaks, hexagonal border, and minimalist design. The mountains remind us of the importance of the journey with all of its hardships and celebratory moments, while the hexagon is emblematic of our priorities of Purpose, Passion, Happiness, Wellbeing, Authenticity, and Connection. We aim to explore the art of living an intentional, curated life that focuses on these priorities, these core values, enabling us to access our highest human potential. Finally, it’s the simple things, rooted in love, that often bring us the greatest sense of joy. #lifestylebrand #seekingjoy #bestlife #humangrowth #purpose #passion #happiness #wellbeing #authenticity #connection
🚌✨ Skoolie kitchen part 2... After the hard efforts made during the first phase, watch Joy's kitchen transform with an oven, faucet, drawers, and more! #KitchenReveal #Skoolie 🚐🔧
🚍🔨 From bare to there: Watch Joy's kitchen come to life. Crafted over a series of intense, yet rewarding days. Many hands make for [slightly] light[er] work. Thanks Jim and @laurenveenema for the help! Stay tuned for part 2! #Skoolie #TinyKitchen #krauskitchens #newyearnewkitchen 🚌✨
2023 was EPIC: Trips to Paris, Greece, & London, a tattoo masterpiece from @trudy_lines_tattoo, LOTS of progress on the bus build & the official approval of my '24-'25 Sabbatical, @beckytookapicture Let's Get Weird Wedding in WA, a Body Recom
2023 was EPIC: Trips to Paris, Greece, & London, a tattoo masterpiece from @trudy_lines_tattoo, LOTS of progress on the bus build & the official approval of my '24-'25 Sabbatical, @beckytookapicture Let's Get Weird Wedding in WA, a Body Recomposition focus with "Be a SAVAGE" lifting (@bradley_james) & keto/animal-based nutrition (@the.lady.savage), and of course soul-filling @andygrammer concerts a plenty! But it doesn't end there... 2024 has the potential to be our best year yet, as @benveenema and I go all in on @seekingjoyadventure and building a life where, "the important thing is this: to be able, at any moment, to sacrifice what we are for what we could become." -- Be Passionately Intense, Follow your Obsessions, & Live a No Regrets Life! A HUGE Thank You goes out to anyone and everyone who has supported us along the way -- I am immensely grateful! #topnine2023 #dohardthings #strongisbeautiful #yolo #skoolie
From raw wood to cozy couch, our skoolie build is a testament to vision and craftsmanship! 🛠️🏡 Swipe to see the journey from blueprint dreams to comfy reality. Dream big, work hard, and cozy up in your own slice of paradise. Shout out to master c
From raw wood to cozy couch, our skoolie build is a testament to vision and craftsmanship! 🛠️🏡 Swipe to see the journey from blueprint dreams to comfy reality. Dream big, work hard, and cozy up in your own slice of paradise. Shout out to master carpenter Jim Veenema for creating this custom masterpiece! #DIYBuild #CarpentryLove #SmallSpaceBigLife #Homebuilding #CozyCorner #SkoolieLife #WoodworkWonder #FromSketchToHome #CraftsmanshipCounts
It's official! Here's to a year of growth, sustainability, and empowerment 🌱✨. This sabbatical is more than a road-trip; it's a mission to bring environmental issues and personal transformation to the forefront through #AmericanEnviroTour and #Seek
It's official! Here's to a year of growth, sustainability, and empowerment 🌱✨. This sabbatical is more than a road-trip; it's a mission to bring environmental issues and personal transformation to the forefront through #AmericanEnviroTour and #SeekingJoyProject. Let's ignite eco-consciousness and find joy in intentional living! 🌟 🎙️ 40+ podcasts to stir your soul 🌳 Visiting 24 national parks and forests 🛣️ 19K miles for change 📚 Weekly wisdom from environmental and lifestyle design thought leaders We're not just dreaming big; we're making it happen. One step at a time, one story at a time. Are you with us? Let's #MakeLearningConcrete and #PursuePassion. Because when we learn with purpose, we live with purpose. "Be fearless in pursuit of what sets your soul on fire" - Jennifer Lee #Sabbatical #InnovationInEducation #EnvironmentalScience #LifeLongLearning #Resilience #Empowerment #LiveWithPurpose #PodcastingForChange #YearOfTheBus
Sunshine pours in from every angle in our skoolie! 🌞 Clear skies above, endless possibilities ahead. #SkoolieLiving #Sunlit #SkyLight
Sunshine pours in from every angle in our skoolie! 🌞 Clear skies above, endless possibilities ahead. #SkoolieLiving #Sunlit #SkyLight
🚌💫 From Framework to Fabulous! Peek inside our skoolie's stunning wall transformation. #SkoolieLife #DIYJourney 🛠️🌟
Can we take a moment to celebrate? 🎉 Our skoolie just leveled up BIG TIME with spray foam insulation thanks to our friends @vermontfoaminsulation. No more echoes—just the sound of our future home taking shape! 🚌✨ Watch 'til the end to see the transformation. #skoolielife #busconversion #sprayfoaminsulation #milestonemoment
🚎🌟 One year ago today, we bought a school bus… At life's crossroads, we were lost between the noise of the housing market and a path less traveled. Then came the @andygrammer concert on his 'Wrong Party' tour in August of 22’, and ever
🚎🌟 One year ago today, we bought a school bus… At life's crossroads, we were lost between the noise of the housing market and a path less traveled. Then came the @andygrammer concert on his 'Wrong Party' tour in August of 22’, and everything changed. The tune of 'Joy' wasn't just a melody; it was our message, our calling. It spoke to our hearts, urging us to “Be fearless in pursuit of what sets our souls on fire”. We had sold our house, paid off our debt, and in that moment, we chose to be different. We chose freedom, we chose adventure, we chose a life without regrets. No more conventional paths, only #seekingjoy wherever that takes us. 🛣️#fearlesspursuit #skoolielife #roadlesstravelled #joyfuljourney #artofjoy
Rev up the engine, fasten that seat belt, and let's embark on our first #skoolie adventure! First stop: @vermontfoaminsulation for a warm and cozy transformation. Check out majestic Mt. Ascutney in the background – our journey's just beginning! 🚌🏞️ #journeybegins #skoolieconversion #seekingjoy #dohardthings
At long last, here's a tour of our bus JOY 🚌✨ #seekingjoy #skoolie #diyskoolie #joy #joybus #skoolieconversion #bustour #skoolielife #skooliebuild #skoolienation
Bus Updates: Floor and lower trim installation Upper trim with LED ambient lighting Curtains with custom mounts installed Shower tiled, grouted, and sealed Bathroom vanity and LED mirror installation Not pictured: Building the ottoman and drive Painting JOY was quite the process -- See the progression from classic school bus yellow to her crisp new two tone aesthetic! It took a lot of late nights with sprayers, rolls upon rolls of paper and tape, hand painting the projected logo, and hours Exciting news... Ben and I are going to start 75 Hard on MONDAY (7.19.24)!! I know it may sound insanely absurd with all that we have going on in our lives, but frankly that's when we need structure and routine the most (Check out the most recent Co Joy is looking FRESH with her new coat of paint! Thank you @lifepathqhht for helping me hand paint the Seeking Joy Logo -- I'm obsessed 😍
✨🚍At long last, an update on Joy! Oh yeah, our skoolie's name is Joy! #skoolie #busbuild #seekingjoy #diy
The Seeking Joy Podcast is LIVE! 🎙️🎧 Give it a listen on Spotify, Pocket Casts, or Apple Podcasts -- SO beyond grateful for my first three guests @gnmimages , @bradley_james , & Rev. Ryan Gabel. I feel so honored and privileged to get the oppo Seeking Joy Podcast -- COMING SOON! Mission & Intention: Real Conversations on Intentional Living – Creating a space where human beings can feel seen, heard, and valued, while having real and heartfelt conversations about what it takes to Sometimes in the stillness we can learn a bit more about ourselves -- We just have to be open, anchored in love, and let go. I had the privilege of a lifetime this past week, as I got to facilitate a custom human growth-based retreat experience along Seeking Joy is our intention. It’s the way in which we have chosen to live our life and adventure throughout the world. Every thought, every decision, every action - It all matters because it creates our story and the legacy we leave behind. Li
🚌✨ Skoolie kitchen part 2... After the hard efforts made during the first phase, watch Joy's kitchen transform with an oven, faucet, drawers, and more! #KitchenReveal #Skoolie 🚐🔧
🚍🔨 From bare to there: Watch Joy's kitchen come to life. Crafted over a series of intense, yet rewarding days. Many hands make for [slightly] light[er] work. Thanks Jim and @laurenveenema for the help! Stay tuned for part 2! #Skoolie #TinyKitchen #
2023 was EPIC: Trips to Paris, Greece, & London, a tattoo masterpiece from @trudy_lines_tattoo, LOTS of progress on the bus build & the official approval of my '24-'25 Sabbatical, @beckytookapicture Let's Get Weird Wedding in WA, a Body Recom From raw wood to cozy couch, our skoolie build is a testament to vision and craftsmanship! 🛠️🏡 Swipe to see the journey from blueprint dreams to comfy reality. Dream big, work hard, and cozy up in your own slice of paradise. Shout out to master c It's official! Here's to a year of growth, sustainability, and empowerment 🌱✨. This sabbatical is more than a road-trip; it's a mission to bring environmental issues and personal transformation to the forefront through #AmericanEnviroTour and #Seek Sunshine pours in from every angle in our skoolie! 🌞 Clear skies above, endless possibilities ahead. #SkoolieLiving #Sunlit #SkyLight
🚌💫 From Framework to Fabulous! Peek inside our skoolie's stunning wall transformation. #SkoolieLife #DIYJourney 🛠️🌟
Can we take a moment to celebrate? 🎉 Our skoolie just leveled up BIG TIME with spray foam insulation thanks to our friends @vermontfoaminsulation. No more echoes—just the sound of our future home taking shape! 🚌✨ Watch 'til the end to see the
🚎🌟 One year ago today, we bought a school bus… At life's crossroads, we were lost between the noise of the housing market and a path less traveled. Then came the @andygrammer concert on his 'Wrong Party' tour in August of 22’, and ever
Rev up the engine, fasten that seat belt, and let's embark on our first #skoolie adventure! First stop: @vermontfoaminsulation for a warm and cozy transformation. Check out majestic Mt. Ascutney in the background – our journey's just beginning!