What happens when everything goes wrong—and you have nowhere to run?
Have you ever found yourself so overwhelmed, so emotionally and physically drained, that the only thing you wanted was to go home… but then realized—this is home?
That was me. Sitting in my truck. Staring at my fifth wheel lodged in a Kentucky ditch. Wondering if I’d somehow driven myself into a metaphor.
I didn’t set out to star in a backwoods RV drama, but life seems to have a flair for plot twists lately. The plan was peaceful: a Corps of Engineers campground tucked into the trees. A little rest, some sightseeing with my friend Lanae, and space to process the grief that’s still wrapped around me like a weighted blanket after the loss of my mom.
What I got instead?
💥 A tree bump
💥 A ditch dive
💥 A busted axle
💥 A flat tire
💥 No cell service
💥 And a growing list of "you can’t make this up" moments.
But somehow—I stayed. I stuck it out. I kept showing up for my own story.
And that’s what I want to share with you in this week’s video:
🎬 “Stuck in Kentucky: A Hero’s Journey of Resilience”
The Badass Toolbelt Was Working Overtime
If you’ve followed my journey, you know I preach about flipping the format on fear—and believe me, this experience gave me ample opportunity to practice what I teach.
Anxiety? Present.
Fear? Sure.
Self-blame? Oh, she tried to take the wheel.
But this is where years of mental health tools, resilience-building, and stubborn optimism showed up. I didn’t melt down. I didn’t throw in the towel. I put on my proverbial hard hat and figured it out.
With the help of some kind and capable Kentuckians—Leanne, Steve, a few good-hearted strangers, and a welder who showed up like a miracle—I got back on solid ground.
No, the repairs aren’t done yet. Yes, I’m still stuck here for a bit. But I’m okay with that now. Because this isn’t just a story about getting stuck—it’s about staying the course.
This Is What the Hero’s Journey Really Looks Like
You don’t have to slay dragons or return magic rings to be on a hero’s journey.
Sometimes, the “call to adventure” comes in the form of a breakdown. Sometimes, the threshold you cross is paved with potholes, tears, and triple-digit repair bills. But if you can breathe through the panic… if you can find a little humor in the chaos… and if you’re willing to stay when everything in you wants to flee—that’s courage. That’s transformation.
That’s being a badass.
And let me tell you—when the campground host calls you a badass before she even knows your brand? You know the universe is winking at you.
So Here’s My Invitation…
✨ Watch the video. Laugh with me. Gasp with me. Shake your head and say, “Oh no she didn’t.”
✨ Share it with someone who’s having a hard time right now—they might need the reminder that this too shall pass.
✨ And leave a comment if you’ve ever been stuck—in a ditch, in a dream, or in a season of life that tested everything you had.
I’d love to hear your story.
🛠️ “Stuck in Kentucky” is just one stop on the road.
There’s more to come—from Nashville, the Ark Encounter, and beyond.
Because radio isn’t dead, and neither am I. 😉
Thanks for traveling with me.
Stay badass,
Kelly Orchard
🌳 Licensed2BBadass
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P.S. If you haven’t subscribed to my YouTube channel yet, now’s a great time. You’ll find behind-the-scenes stories, travel updates, and real talk about mental health, grief, creativity, and RV life—all wrapped up in a hopeful message you can take on the road.
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