Do what makes your soul shine

Now firmly into our career break, I have been reflecting on our time so far. We have spent three months exploring South America and have already been on such an adventure. From cities, to waterfalls, to welsh towns and tea houses, whale watching, volcano hiking, the inca trail, wine tasting, zip-lining and so much more. The diversity within each of the countries we have visited is staggering and I feel so incredibly lucky to wake up each day to a new adventure.

This time away has reminded me to continue to embrace life – take every one of life’s opportunities to enjoy yourself, challenge yourself and experience new things. Bounce off the positive energy of those around you, learn from them, and continue to grow as an individual. We really do only have the one life so we owe it ourselves to make it the best one we can.

This beautiful world has so much to offer and my life already feels so much more enriched by being able to explore it.

What has struck me from these experiences so far is the stark contrast to my every day life back home. We live in a success driven society, and ever since school I have been striving for the next success. GCSEs were a platform for A-Levels; A-Levels a platform for University; University a platform for my graduate training programme and chartered accountant qualification; and each promotion, a stepping stone for the next promotion. I have spent my life looking for the next success rather than stopping and really celebrating each achievement I have accomplished.

Whilst I don’t want to radically change the life I have back home, this experience has taught me that we should all take time away from our everyday lives to rebalance ourselves; reconnect with who we are; take a step back and really consider the direction we are taking. This may result in confirmation that you are on the right path, or it may result in you needing to make an adjustment – neither is a good or bad outcome, just the right one for you.

As part of my journey so far, I have to come to realise that some things feed my soul so much more than others. For me, opportunities to reflect and rebalance have been at their best when I am surrounded by the natural beauty this world has to offer. Hiking to remote locations not accessible any other way, watching the clouds silently dance over the mountains, appreciating the depth the sun gives to the landscape it shines on, listening to the hushed sounds of nature around me. This brings me peace and a sense of calmness I haven’t found anywhere else. And even more than that, it has recharged my soul. We can all lose our drive and sense of purpose at times, and taking a break helps you to recalibrate.

I now feel recharged with a renewed sense of direction; ready to take the next step forward in my life on my return from travelling. Nav and I have discussed so many different aspirations, plans and opportunities for the future, and I have come to realise that none of them are out of our reach – we can achieve anything we want to achieve if we truly want it.