Notes to Home

In for 4, hold for 7, out for 8. Repeat. 

I heard that you can reduce stress like a Navy SEAL using the 4-7-8 breathing technique. With all of the stress they go through, I thought that sounded good enough to calm me down before I handed in my resignation. 

After a whirlwind 3.5 years in my current job, I decided it was time to travel the world. 

And I’m scared. 

But so, so excited.

!!!

That’s me at work👇 (not wearing activewear – shocker.)

Having planned to travel in 2020, I (like the rest of the world) had my plans cancelled because of COVID-19. It was heartbreaking to say goodbye to the year of travel I had meticulously mapped out but threw me full-force into career-mode. 

I’ve spent the last three years (gosh has it been that long already) working my socks off to climb the career ladder, gain every bit of experience thrown my way, and become the most well-rounded Digital Marketer possible. 

It’s not a career path I’d set out to follow, but one I’m so happy in. I love going to work each day.

And that the problem. 

I got too comfortable. 

I fell into the safety net of my comfortable home bubble; wake up, go to work, hit the gym, make dinner, fall into bed. Repeat. Now, that would be great if that’s what I’d set out to do. But it wasn’t. I’d set out to pursue my dreams of travelling the world, and instead of seizing the first opportunity to do just that post-pandemic, I started living through ground-hog day. I knew that I needed to do something drastic to reignite the spark. Not just to give myself more space to grow, but to chase the exhilarating combination of a big smile on my face whilst thinking “oh shit what have I done”.

And, with the interest on homes rising in New Zealand (thanks cost of living crisis), Mathew and I set our sights on saving for world-travel. Who wants to take on a cool million dollars of debt at 24, anyway?

What a privilege that is. To have the opportunity and means to travel. I’ll forever be grateful.

So, that brings us to now. I planned a year of travel, handed in my notice, and began packing my life up into one 40L backpack. 

Now, I’ve always loved writing but building a writing career (especially around travel) never seemed plausible or possible until recently. Leaving my 9-5 job to “follow my dreams and wing it” seemed risky, careless and irresponsible. 

But, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take (cheesy but true). And in the words of my boss (shoutout to my boss) “2023 is the year of yes”!

I want to travel and live on the go. I want to expand and develop on my writing skills. I want to chase big dreams in life. I want to be a writer.

For the first time in a long time, I feel like my life has undeniable direction and purpose. Whilst simultaneously being totally up in the air. I feel like I’ve got a wonderful little spark inside me, propelling me forward into the unknown. 

I’m scared of failing. I’m conflicted. Half of me thinks I might be throwing away a wonderful opportunity by leaving the safety of my job (a bloody lovely job) and life at home.

• What if I’m not successful?
• What if people don’t like my writing?
• What if I get laughed at?
• How many people set out to have a career in writing vs how many people succeed?
• What if this put me three steps behind everyone else my age?

What if, what if, what if.

But part of being human is being vulnerable, wearing your heart on your sleeve, diving head first into new and exciting challenges and knowing that at the end of the day, YOU are the only safety net you need. 

So, I’m taking deep Navy SEAL breaths; in for 4, hold for 7, out for 8 and diving in head first. Feeling the fear, yet doing it anyway.

For the next year, I’ll be travelling the world with nothing more than my 40L backpack, laptop and +1 in tow (hi Mathew !!). 

Wish me luck!

H x