For so many years, something always felt off in my life. I felt like I didn’t fit into the 9-5 lifestyle. This desire to bring more life into my life, not waiting until I had a day off or saving up all my vacation time, led me to yearn for something different—a way to blend more travel and world experiences into my daily life.
Hello! I’m excited to share my journey with you as I’ve navigated through life’s twists and turns, seeking fulfillment and embracing the unknown. In October of 2012, I stumbled upon an advertisement from [insert hyperlink] Cast-A-Way Cruise and Resort Hiring agency. Now, let me take you back a bit. For years, the idea of working on cruise ships had lingered in my mind since 2007, but at that time, more experience was required. The thought, however, never completely left me.
Overcoming Uncertainty: Embracing The Change
One day, with curiosity and courage, I decided to take a leap, stepping out of my comfort zone to apply for a position that could potentially reshape my entire life. What was the worst that could happen? What was the best that could happen? These questions were swirling in my mind as I contemplated leaving behind a comfortable job filled with opportunities and a pension plan.
I chose to silence the doubts, put on ‘blinders’ to the opinions of others, and embrace this new adventure with open arms. In February of 2013, I embarked on a career that not only was brand new but also uprooted my life, habits, and consistency. It fueled my desire to know more about people, the world, and cultures. Yet, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There was resistance to change, cultural differences among colleagues to adapt to, and a new way of life that challenged everything I had known until that point.
A Rollercoaster Of Emotions
The long days, the demanding job with no days off, the safety training, and dealing with sometimes…okat often unpleasant guests – it was like a rollercoaster for me. But amidst all this, I made lifelong friendships, and the joy of exploring and experiencing life in a profoundly different way made it all worthwhile.
During those 7+ years onboard, I had the opportunity to explore XX ports in the Caribbean, cruise across the Atlantic Ocean three times, and traverse parts of the Mediterranean. From cruising through the Panama Canal to crossing the Pacific Ocean, from arriving in Sydney, Australia, to visiting stunning ports in French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Fiji, and Vanuatu – it was an experience of a lifetime.
Looking back, I acknowledge that I often focused on the challenges and the negativity while living that life. I dreamed of being elsewhere and researched how to become a digital nomad during my vacations. However, those challenges fade today compared to the breathtaking experiences and personal growth I gained.
“My life changed. My lifestyle changed. My perception of life changed.”
Closing Thoughts: Inspiring Change
I share this with you not to boast about my adventures but to show you what is possible when you take a chance on yourself. I want to inspire you to look beyond what is in front of you and reach for your dreams. As you read my journey, I encourage you to reflect on your life. Where can you take a leap of courage? What dreams have you set aside that are waiting to be pursued? What is one step you can take to reignite it today?
In the coming articles, I look forward to sharing more of my experiences, lessons learned, and the inner work that has shaped me. Together, let’s embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Until next time, happy reading and happy reflecting!
