Some of my friends and family already know this, but I had held back on posting a big announcement until I had more details, more of a solidified plan, and more reassurance that this is something I can, in fact, embark upon.
Since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of exploring, of embarking on adventures, of encountering experiences that would make the most of my one chance at life. If life is a cup, I intend to fill it right up to the brim. My biggest fear is regret, and I have no intention of putting off something for reasons that can easily be overcome. I don’t want to lie on my deathbed in 70 years and wish I had done something that I avoided or put off when I was younger.
I graduated college last year, and in the anticipation-filled months leading up to graduation, I was overcome with the burning desire to finally make my dreams reality. I planned a backpacking itinerary throughout Europe, which had to wait for this year since September 2011 didn’t work out. But then I decided that, instead of scraping my money together and taking off for Europe this fall, I wanted to wait a bit longer and do more.
Therefore, I am excited to announce that in January, I will take off for Australia, as the first stop in a long-term world exploration trip.
I plan to work “down under” in Australia’s government-run holiday work visa program for a few months, then move on through New Zealand and some South Pacific Islands, up through Asia, and (hopefully) over through Europe. I have a friend in Japan who has insisted I stay with her “for at least a month” (if she insists!), and I of course always have a place to stay in the Netherlands.
I’ve wanted to do this for years. I’ve dreamed up itineraries, planned trips I knew I couldn’t take yet, devoured guidebooks and travel writers’ blogs, and watched Rick Steves and the Travel Channel until my eyes bulged. I am now working two jobs and have two on-the-side home jobs that generate income, and I have set up a modest budget that includes downsizing some of my biggest habits (Starbucks, you were a dear friend but we must separate for now) so I can save as much money as possible by January. And I have spent a nauseating amount of hours reading, researching, and planning to make sure this can work.
At this green age of 23, I think it is essential to take time off and explore. Traveling is the quickest and most wholesome way to learn what life is all about – by encountering different cultures, meeting new people, seeing the planet’s most incredible nooks and crannies. It makes you a better person, knocks down your stereotypes and prejudices, opens your mind, and kicks you in the ass to make you grow up a little bit more. You come away wiser, more experienced, and perhaps even more patient a person than you were before.
I think it is the greatest gift you can give yourself. I want to give myself that gift – and I want to bring it to my future, in the job I have and the man I marry and the children I raise. Not to mention that experience is the only non-optional prerequisite to becoming a writer. Without it, you are nothing.
So off I go into the great unknown – excited and terrified and filled with anticipation. I’m sure I’ll be experiencing every emotion over the next 6 months as I prepare for my giant leap, but I’m prepared for moments of doubt. What I don’t doubt though, is that this is the best decision for myself and my life right now. My 90-year-old self will thank me.
A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. – Lao Tzu
And, of course, you couldn’t have said it better. Fly, my child. I am the wind beneath your wings. Always. 🙂
Well that made me cry. Thanks Mom. <3
So proud of you Becky!!
Thank you Jo! 🙂 I hope everyone will enjoy reading about my adventures, trials, and tribulations on this blog, too.
So proud of you Bex! I can’t wait to read about your adventures!
Gus
Exciting!
Wow how exciting!!!! 😀
Thanks ladies! I hope you’ll continue to read and follow my adventures. 🙂
This is so exciting Becky!! Best wishes on this adventure!!!
Becky this is AWESOME News!! I am so Happy and Excited for you! Doing what you have wanted to do and no holds bar Full Force…Love it!! Be Careful, which I know you will…but most of all have FUN!!!!
Truly amazing stuff, Becky!! I’m so happy for you. This is going to be one helluva trip. Can’t wait to follow you around the globe via posts and pix.