It was a Friday in late March when I first felt a strange pain in my stomach.
During a corporate photo shoot in Austin, I brushed it off as just overeating. But the discomfort lingered through the weekend. With a doctor's appointment scheduled for Monday regarding some travel vaccinations, I mentioned it. This led to tests revealing a concerning finding, necessitating further examinations to rule out cancer.
Those five days of uncertainty were agonizing. Our minds can be our worst enemies.
My thoughts drifted to my British friend in Australia, who visited the doctor for stomach pain and was gone seven months later. She succumbed to bowel cancer at just 30. Her passing serves as a harsh reminder of life's fragility. It's been two years, and it still feels unreal.
During those days of worry, I re-evaluated my life choices. What if I had just six months left? How would I spend that time?
I would finish the semester and quit my side jobs immediately. Then, I'd return to my parents' farm and take my 15-year-old nephew on a trip to Europe—his graduation gift. I'd spend time building furniture with my dad, who crafts 18th-century pieces professionally. And I'd buy baby alpacas to raise on the farm.
Suddenly, I felt immense gratitude for my travels. Having explored 46 countries, I regretted nothing about quitting jobs to pursue adventures. My only remorse came from the time wasted in unfulfilling jobs, held back by the allure of good health insurance and the fear of financial instability. I was frustrated by how often fear caused inaction.
The test results came back: a benign ovarian cyst, which is common. Despite the anxiety, my physical health was fine. However, my mindset had shifted dramatically.
Here's the key lesson in life: the timing will never be ideal. Sometimes, you just have to act on your desires, even if it means leaving your job and selling your possessions. Who cares what others think? It's your life!
Since writing this in April, I've cut out everything that didn't align with my travel and career ambitions. When my best friend in Tokyo playfully invited me to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in September, I immediately said yes and booked my flight. I've never regretted investing in experiences. No one looks back at life and wishes they had spent more time at home instead of exploring.
You don't need anyone's approval to live your life or travel. If you're seeking permission, consider this your sign. That's why I share my journey. Go, now!
Today marks my birthday. Time waits for no one. This health scare has been a wake-up call. I'm already planning incredible adventures for next year and have exciting photo and travel projects in the works. Africa will be my sixth continent!
Life is short. Travel now!
