Psst! Grab the audio here if you don’t have time to read.
Serendipity
A year ago, almost to the day, I read an article in the Emirates Airlines in-flight magazine,Β Open Skies. The article was about a photographer who walked away from the comfort of her day job to pursue a life of travel and freelancing. The issue was their wanderlust issue and there were several storiesΒ of travel and adventure, but something about that story stayed with me.
It was the April 2017 issue, and I was en route to Indonesia for the first time, by myself. I remember feeling inspired by the article, so much so that I cut the page out of the magazine, framed it and placed it on the desk in my home office when I got home. And that, as they say, was the proverbial beginning.
Like most, I toyed with the idea but didn’t take it too seriously. Ever so often I would glance at the article and allow myself to dream about the possibility, then I’d return to reality. The reality of a good job – a senior role in a company poised for growth – and a life of predictability and certainty.
Saying Yes
Then somewhere in January of this year, the decision was made for me. I say it was made for me because I can’t exactly recall what shifted but there was a shift and I knew, just like that. I was leaving my life behind for something new. There was a conversation with my landlord, then everything else started moving into place. I began applying for visas for the countries that required it (I already had a US visa but that was just the tip of the iceberg based on what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go) then I put to use all the travel hacking research I had done during the previous year of dreaming.
The first leg
As I sit here in the departure lounge in Dubai awaiting my connecting flight to Cape Town, South Africa I am technically unemployed without a permanent address (unless you count my parents’ address that I still use on official documents). This is my first trip to Cape Town and I am ecstatic. In fact, it’s my first trip to the African continent. But, more importantly, it is the beginning of an audacious journey, a journey many wait for permission to take – a journey I have given myself permission to take.
Journey with me
If you’re reading this you’ve obviously stumbled upon my blog, in which case I really hope you will join me on this journey, whether to live vicariously through me or to be inspired to take an audacious step of your own. It needn’t be as drastic as turning your life upside down and selling all you own to see the world in all its glory. Maybe you will feel inspired to take smaller steps – perhaps to join that dance class, write that book, start saving toward that trip – toward you own incredible life-altering moment.
Cheers to the unknown
I don’t have all the answers. And I am by no means delusionalΒ about this journey I’ve undertaken. There will be challenges and I know well in advance that there will be days when I will yearn for nothing more than the comfort of the life I’ve left back home. But I am prepared to ride through those moments – definitely not on my own, but perhaps, with your support (call me presumptuous but I do believe we’re going to be friends) and the support of all the zealous cheerleaders I’ve left back home.
Until next time, as we Jamaicans say, likkl more.
Iβm Anna, Jamaican born and raised.
I'm a former senior operations manager turned full-time traveler who pays the bills by writing high converting direct response copy and developing marketing strategy for brands.
Travel and words are my two first loves, and blog is a way to chronicle my journey. I offer useful advice to other would-be travelers who may be interested in this path but donβt know where to start or those simply in need of additional information (or inspiration) to plan their dream vacation (or follow their wildest dream).
You go girl….so very proud of you. Through you, I know my own unique journey will unfold. Walk good!
Thanks for being in my corner every step of the way love! Appreciate you π
Lovely read and I will be looking for more blogs as I will be journeying through your eyes. Stay safe
Thank you honey. There will definitely be more soon :-).
One of your zealous cheerleaders back home here. Adventure fully loaded π Can’t wait for more π
Thank you Yvette! More posts coming up very soon π
Lovely read . I read it your own voice . I cant wait to follow you on this journey so that i can i can use ur words to see the world . π€π€π€π€π€
Thank you Sasha. More to come π.
This is just awesome. Enjoy every moment and I cannot wait to explore more vicariously through you. One of the best feeling is to travel alone. Explore so much and learn a lot about yourself. Kudos to you love.
Thanks cuz :-*
Anna! You know I am proud of you. All the best.
Thanks Nicole π
Twas fun reading it …wish you the best ,enjoy every moment like it’s the last…Am rooting for you …have me my pompom and minisππ
LOL.
Thanks Romane!!!
I β€οΈyour blog reading about the wonderful adventure you gonna have … be the wanderlust person you wanna b and enjoy as life takes you to the journey of un revealing beautiful things in Africa and many other places you go !!!
Thanks love! For everything. You have been amazing! Looking forward to some adventures with you too (fingers crossed) π
Look at you – living the dream. Looking forward to reading all about you and your adventures.
Hi Anna… You are living my wildest dream… Bold and great…. Loved reading your articles… Looking for more…. Pictures?
Thanks Miguel! My future blog posts will have photos but in the mean time you may follow me on Instagram for photos (@jamaicangirlabroad). π
Okay…. Following….
Anna, this is wonderful. Another ambassador leaving bits of Jamaica across the world and bringing bits of the world home. Please let’s get together when you get home.
Thank you Aisha π
Girl! You make my heart melt! Happy to be travelling vicariously through you. Enjoy π
Thanks love π
Super duper proud of you!!!! Cheering you on this journey and happy you have somewhat included us all in it…love it.
Thanks Anna π
I love reading about your journey. Keep exploring. I can’t take a big step like you did but I will visit places as life permits.
What can I say but that Serfie would be super proud !
Zealous cheerleader over here ππππβ€
And I appreciate every single bit of it with endless gratitude. Never taking it for granted π