A Journey from Travel to Self-Discovery: My Five-Year Evolution
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Chapter 1: The Beginning of an Intuitive Journey
In 2016, I embarked on a spontaneous journey around the globe, armed only with one-way tickets and a deep curiosity. It may have seemed like an impulsive decision—leaving behind the comfort of a stable life at 33 to explore the world.
As I traveled, I sought answers to profound questions about my existence and purpose. Perhaps it was a mid-life awakening or simply the result of too many internal nudges urging me to make a meaningful impact.
This blog became my platform to document personal revelations, share the stories of fascinating people I encountered, and capture the vibrant experiences that unfolded. It was exhilarating.
I found myself in cafés across Bali, Thailand, Sweden, Germany, Maui, and even Costa Rica, with an iguana lounging by my side, pouring my thoughts onto the page. This was when my passion for writing truly blossomed.
On the road, I experienced an exhilarating sense of freedom. I embraced my adventurous spirit and instinctively followed my intuition. There was so much creativity to express. I often think back to my time in Berlin with my Balinese guide, who remains one of the most uplifting individuals I’ve ever met.
However, as many travelers soon learn, perpetual travel isn't sustainable. Eventually, the funds dwindled, and I returned home.
I longed to continue writing, to keep the vibrant stories alive for my followers. I recall sitting at my parents' table, feeling a physical block preventing me from opening my laptop.
Home felt dull, lacking the vibrancy of my travels. It felt confining and stark, while my adventures had been like vivid daydreams.
So, I did what was expected and returned to the workforce. I worked with some incredible organizations, and while I enjoyed parts of it, something essential was missing. At one point, feeling disheartened by the contrast between my travel life and my current situation, I took a six-month break to house-sit.
While my travels were focused on discovering my purpose, my return plunged me deeper into a life I didn’t want.
Don’t misunderstand me; life was comfortable enough. It checked the boxes, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t truly me. It felt as though some unseen force was asking, "Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone and embrace who you are?"
I spent the next three or four years wrestling with my inner struggles, experimenting with various ideas, and even immersing myself in a beautiful love story.
Fortunately, in 2021, clarity returned. Projects came to an end, and I welcomed a moment of stillness. A small book titled The Artist's Way reignited my passion for writing.
It felt like a rediscovery. Much like how pianists or marathon runners experience muscle memory, I felt a familiar joy in reconnecting with my craft.
This led me to further my education—“Why not take a writing course?” I thought. After my first class, I discovered copywriting, which led me from one course to another. Before I knew it, I had built a thriving business with satisfied clients.
So here I stand. No, this isn’t a tale of instant riches (far from it!), but I believe I’ve achieved something even more meaningful: inner peace. I now possess a sense of fulfillment and confidence from engaging in work that resonates with me.
I’ve ceased working for others, not even part-time. I am now my own full-time boss, doing what I love without the dread of Sunday night anxiety or pre-presentation panic.
I’ve come to realize that my free spirit doesn’t fit into someone else’s mold. I work diligently, but I prefer to do it on my own terms. If the sun is shining, I take my dog for an extended walk or head out for a camping weekend. Dog cuddles have become an essential part of my workday (Meet Bonnie, the ultimate snuggler and food thief!).
You might say I should have kept writing and perhaps I would have found my path sooner. Maybe. But I’ve learned that life isn’t a straightforward equation (and I’ve stopped "shoulding" on myself so much :D).
Each experience nudges us like bumpers in a bowling alley. Some individuals strike on their first try (go you!), while others meander, bouncing off the sides repeatedly before hitting their target. While this may lead to more bumps and bruises, I know these experiences create valuable lessons and stories worth sharing. The mural in Tamarindo still resonates with me to this day.
To my loyal followers, thank you for sticking with me over the past five years since my last post. I assure you, the next update won’t take nearly as long. While I plan to share more about business in the future, I hope you continue to enjoy the content.
I’ve come to view business as my new playground for growth and exploration, just as travel once was.
Are you ready to join me on this adventure? Sign up for my weekly newsletter, where I’ll share insights on business, life, and human experiences. See you soon! ❤