It’s coming down to the wire now. There’s less than 3 weeks before I hop on a plane to the US to begin the 27 adventure. It’s big, and crazy and for the most part I don’t think I’m really recognising what’s going on.
I’ve finished up the design work and nearly everything has been booked and paid for. I still need to pack my things and pack what I’m leaving behind into boxes. Most of the hard work has been done. The money has been earned and the savings put away. The days of tears and doubts have been and gone like a blur, a half memory that seems like years ago now.
But how did I do it? How did I save over $18,000 in 6 months? I worked hard for it. When I first floated this idea by three people I trusted to tell it to me straight, Kathryn did (like she always does). She said to me, that it was a lot of money and she wasn’t sure how I could come up with it. But she also said two things that I repeated in my head over and over on those hard days: you’ve just got to hustle; and you own this. They became my mantra, and I did it.
I took on a day job where I liked the role but struggled in the environment. Going back to a corporate environment after 3 years of self employment is honestly one of the most difficult things I could do. I took on the job before the idea to make the move, but one came after the other. I also left that job well short of my goal and with little idea that I could make it the rest of the way based solely on my business that I had put on hold for 4 months. But somehow, opportunities popped up. I said yes and I worked as many hours as they needed to get them done well.
Leaving that job may have also been a crazy decision, but it was the right one. I was so burnt out after those 4 months that I don’t think I could have done another day even for the cash. Thankfully, I learnt a long time ago that my health is worth more than the money I could make and it worked out for the best in the end.
While it all feels so surreal right now, I’m ready to take on this adventure and to see where it takes me. I’m really looking forward to seeing things with fresh eyes and an open heart; to seeing friends and having fun and most of all to feeling inspired and feeling alive.
It’s nearly time to jump in and see where this huge move takes me.
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You are so stupendously awesome Danielle! I am very much looking forward to seeing you twice on your epic journey-once in SLC & again when I entice you to visit me in our magical Nova Scotia town:) I can’t wait to read along with your adventures and see where the next two years take you-I have a feeling it is going to be incredible! And I’m always here if you need to adopt a family while you are away from yours. Lets find time to chat in SLC about how I can support your transition to Canada. Giant hugs to you & remember while you are leaping you are never really doing it alone-there are always friends holding safety nets for you <3
Thank you so much, Jessika! I am really looking forward to seeing you too! :) I may just take you up on the adopt a family offer, it would be lovely to have one closer! Would love to chat with you in SLC, will definitely make time for that!
Thanks for all your support! See you in SLC in a few weeks! x
Wow…it’s so close now! Just remember to pack lightly…You’ll always be able to pick up what you need while you’re away! I learned that the hard way.
Thanks Kate! I think I’m taking about 10kg of my 2x23kg limit, so I’m trying to keep it light. Will see how I go. :) x
So so super proud of you. Yes, was a butt load of money, but you did it. YOU DID IT!!! No matter what happens here on out, you will always have the achievement of setting yourself a crazy arse goal and getting it done. YOU DID IT!
x
Thank you, lovely!! I couldn’t have done it without your support!!
Thank you for always reminding me of the things in front of my face that I just can’t see.
xx
How unbelievably exciting!! I wish you nothing but luck, safe travels and lost of fabulous adventures! I shall definitely be following and living vicariously through you x
Thanks Rach!! :)
OH MY GOODNESS! Time is flying by! How very exciting! And yes, that is an astonishing amount of money to save in such a short period of time, you’ve worked hard indeed. x
Thank you lovely! And thank you so much for all your help and support! You are such a great friend. xx
I’m serious when I say this Dannielle but you’re inspirational, brave and clever. I admire you immensely for being scared but doing it all anyway. Cannot wait to cheer you on in a different time zone! Xxxx
Thank you, Cat! That’s so lovely of you to say. xx