Ruben Storm completed his industrial mechanic training and used his earnings to fund a year-long road trip across the USA, living out of a modified car. Upon returning to Germany, he was wrongfully arrested, tortured, and later served in the Bundeswehr. He founded a successful IT company but fell into a coma, leading to a challenging recovery. Despite these hardships, Ruben’s story is one of resilience.
In my youth, I was bullied by older boys until they were convicted in my final school year, which taught me resilience that later helped me during my military service. Ultimately, these experiences shaped who I became, helping me navigate future difficulties with strength and determination.
As a child, Ruben spent much of his time with his grandmother while his mother was studying. His grandmother shared stories of her homeland and their family’s history, including their escape during the war. Ruben asked many questions, learning about life on the steppe and their past. He also learned practical skills like chopping wood, as his grandmother lived self-sufficiently. These experiences deeply shaped his understanding of family and culture.
Ruben’s family arrived in Germany as refugees before his birth, settling near Stuttgart. He was born as they established their new home and became the family favorite, receiving affection from grandmothers at gatherings.
After losing nearly all his possessions in a traumatic event, Ruben realized that sentimental items and memories couldn’t be replaced. A foot injury in 2019 forced him to downsize, leading him to embrace minimalism. By 2020, he had reduced his belongings from 30 kg to about 10 kg, finding peace in living simply. Now, as a nomadic minimalist, he carries only what he truly needs and values the freedom of owning less.
An Unconventional Path to Freedom: From Captivity in Germany to a Self-Determined, Nomadic Life. My journey shows that change is possible, even under the most difficult circumstances.