How I Learned to Rest by Accepting a Challenge

Sometimes big changes happen all at once, and it can be difficult to know which way to turn. There can be a multitude of paths in front of you.

Which One to Take?

I was newly divorced and had just returned to the UK after living in France. I had no idea what I wanted, where I wanted to be, or how to start building a new life.

I Just Knew I Had to Be Brave

With no clear plan in mind, I made the choice to set myself a challenge and see where it took me. I decided to go on a yearlong, full-time travel adventure, spending the same amount of money as if I was renting a small apartment and living in the UK. People thought I was crazy. They said I would be lonely, afraid, in danger. They said I was too old.

Read more about my budgeting here: Travel the World without Breaking the Bank!

But I Went Anyway

I travelled by train, plane, ship, bus and car, going anywhere that was affordable, often just booking a day or two before I left. Finding bargain trips was almost as much fun as the trip itself, and I became quite adept at doing deals and getting discounts. In a way, it was more enjoyable to do it on a budget than it was to have endless amounts of money.

It was the best thing I could have done and turned out to be one of the most wonderful years of my whole life. I met more people in a year than I had in a decade, many of them becoming friends. I ticked off bucket list destinations and did things I never imagined possible.

Here’s What I’ve Experienced to Date

My journey took me over 20,000 kilometres, where I have met hundreds of incredible people, swam with turtles and danced in the rain, in The Rain Forest.

I spent hours in hot tubs, cafes, restaurants, bars, trains and airports, listening to other people’s stories and tales of their travels, and sharing my own.

Sailed on breathtaking schooners, crossed the Atlantic Ocean, limboed to steel bands, sang until I lost my voice and smiled until my cheeks hurt.

Danced at parties on the beach, slid down a mountain in a basket, visited dozens of bars and restaurants, and paid my respects on the D Day Beaches.

I drank from an ice glass in an ice bar, climbed glaciers, and marvelled at spectacular waterfalls. The incredible views will stay with me forever.

I have learned about different cultures, experienced new food and understood a little of what makes people who they are.

Witnessed rain drops so huge they looked like giant diamonds falling from above, and colourful rainbows that stretched the entire width of the sky.

I glimpsed glorious sunrises and sunsets, with colours so vibrant and heartwarming, they honestly took my breath away.

After having previously lost my faith, it has been restored. People were beyond kind to me, and welcomed me into their lives, and their hearts.

I prayed in beautiful churches, chanted in magnificent temples with golden Buddhas, and grew both spiritually and emotionally.

I have learned to forgive, and that has lightened my heart.

Observed the full moon rising over the water and shimmering on the ripples of the sea, reminding myself of those I have lost, and the life that I thought was mine…

Once in a while, I have cried, but mostly I have laughed, and always, always, counted my blessings.

I have been strong and very brave when I didn’t know I could be. I have learned to smile again.

So, if your life is presenting you with challenges, make one of your own. Take control, be brave, embrace adventure and go live the life you were always meant to :).