This blog is going to be a little different than my past posts. I’m going to get real with whoever is reading this, in whatever part of the world you are in. This blog might not help anyone or even make sense to anyone but it is MY story and my thoughts, It is my story of how I struggled to get to my comfort zone.

Travel is all about getting out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself to the limits then pushing a little more. Physically, mentally and emotionally. Pushing myself to my absolute limits and seeing what I can do on my own is exhilarating. Being in my comfort zone of travelling makes me feel more like me, makes me be true to myself and it lets me learn new things about myself every day. For me, I believe that travel is my comfort zone. It is where I feel most safe, at home and at ease.

If you have read any of my following blog posts or follow me on any of my social media, you would know that I went on a solo backpacking trip to Southeast Asia in 2017 when I was just 18 years old. From then on the only thing, I really thought about was getting back on the road and seeing the world. Days and nights I was on Goggle, Pinterest, Facebook groups, Instagram, every social media hub you can think of, trying to come up with a way I could travel but still be making money online or working in a different country where I could support myself for long term travel. I was determined to find a way to get myself back to my comfort zone.

I was back home in Canada for little more then a year and I can honestly say that I was the most unhappy, and most untrue to myself. I didn’t like where I was physically, emotionally or mentally. I was drained, I was frustrated and I felt stuck. I was in a rut where it felt like I was drowning and I couldn’t find a way out. I was not me. I was looking back at the past instead of looking towards my future. I lost sight of what could be and I was stuck in what I have done. I needed to do something to make me excited about my future and what it could hold.

I got an email on July 2018 from a school offering me a job in China teaching English. I instantly jumped at the opportunity and emailed back, later that week I had an interview on Skype, the very next day after the interview I got another email offering me the job. I remember the excitement and the pure happiness but also the absolute terror I was feeling, but in my gut, I knew it was meant to be and it was at the right time in my life. I got about a week to go over the contract and sign it. I knew deep down I was going to take the job but it was hard for me to sign the contract because that meant me leaving my family and friends for a very long time, but it was also an easy decision because it meant I was going to be making money but also travelling and having the opportunity to live in a completely different country across the world. I took the job, and instantly went into the panic mood because I only had about a month from the time I signed the contract to when I would be leaving Canada to head to Beijing!

(at Jingshan park view of the forbidden city)

Once I found The comfort zone I never wanted to leave. The struggle I had getting back into it was a roller coaster, but I stuck it out and I made it to the other side. I am now living in Beijing, China living my best life and I am beyond stoked about it!

It was hard to say goodbye to my friends and family but they all understand who I am and why I travel. I found my comfort zone in travelling and they all support me. I am grateful for my family and friends back home and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them all by my side.

I know this blog was a little all over the place, but if you stuck it out to the end I just wanna say Thank you! I appreciate you and I hope you find your comfort zone and you live your best life. (the family that came to see me off at the airport<3)

 

**Traveling leaves you speechless, but turns you into a storyteller**