Then, Now, and What’s Next

posted 29th July 2011    Written by: Katharine    CATEGORY: All Posts, Inspiration, Katharine, Life Lesson, Quarterlife Crisis, Season 4, Travel, Travel/Adventure, What I've Learned

Somehow over the last six months, I learned to connect the dots.  Somewhere between the Czech Republic and Australia, I learned to fix the broken pieces and repair the damage.

It’s hard to believe that this is the last time I will write for Stratejoy.  What an incredible journey its been.

Six Months Ago…

I was broken, damaged, depressed, and spiraling into a scary black hole.  I had just lost my comfortable Corporate job and didn’t know what the next step was because no one prepared me for a devastating job loss.  I decided that the only way I could save myself from an unhappy lifestyle was to leave it.  So I packed my bags, said goodbye to friends and family, and moved to Prague to get certified to teach English as a second language.

There, I met 23 wonderful people from all over the world and discovered a new passion for education and for life.  I struggled with language barriers, culture shock, and the stress of lesson planning, but I created some priceless memories in Prague that outweigh any negative feelings of the experience.

Of course, little did I know that that certificate would open so many doors for me and lead me on a journey of a lifetime.

Now…

I’m living in a 4-bedroom flat in Sydney, Australia that I share with three other men.  I’m teaching private lessons and taking on more freelance writing projects.  I’ve created a good friend-base in Sydney, connected with a blogger from back home who has been living here for over a year, reconnected with some friends from America whom I haven’t seen in a few years, and I’m in the healthiest relationship of my life.

I went sky diving, discovered forgiveness, and uncovered loneliness in the Land Down Under.  I learned to cover the scars and open wounds with new adventures and experiences full of love, passion, and gratitude.  I gained confidence in traveling solo.  I shattered comfort zones and crossed boundaries.  I struggled with language barriers and culture shock.  But most importantly, I found happiness in Australia.

What’s Next…

I’m going bungee jumping in New Zealand in a few weeks and celebrating my 28th birthday in September in my new home with my new friends (and some old ones).  I’m going to Cairns to see the Great Barrier Reef and this summer (or winter for all of you folk in America), I’m going to learn how to surf.

I’m planning trips to South Africa and South America in 2012 and I added “build a language school in Africa” to my life list.

I’m taking life by the balls and running with it.  Wherever it takes me and whatever it throws at me, I’m going to face it all with courage and grace.  I’m going to open my heart up to extraordinary possibilities and never look back. 

Some Advice:

Life doesn’t always turn out the way we want it to, but that’s no reason to stop living for the moment.  I know it’s hard, I know it can become overwhelming, depressing, and stagnant at times, but you have to keep pushing through it, figure out what you want to do with your life, and then go do it.

I won’t lie, it’s fucking scary as hell to leave everything you know and start over, but it’s even scarier to know that you never tried to make a change, chase your dream, quit your job, or travel the world.  Stop settling for a mediocre life.  Stop making excuses.  Stop complaining about not being able to do certain things with your life.  You can do whatever you want, but you have to have the will to try.

Start living with passion and intention.  Start making a list of all of the things you want to do with your life and then go do them. Tomorrow is promised to no one.  We only have today and we only have one life to be happy, live passionately, and smile intently.  So, go out there and live your best life.  And while you’re at it, stalk me stay in touch:

facebook | twitter | travel blog

Thank you to all of my readers for supporting me through this amazing experience.  Thank you to my Season 4 Sisters for letting me share this experience with you.  Thank you to Katie for all of the brainstorming g-chat sessions and ‘behind the scenes’ stuff that you do for Stratejoy.  Thank you to Molly for creating Stratejoy, letting me be a part of Season 4, and empowering women to fight the QLC and take control of their lives.

Sending you all mad love from the wonderful world of Oz!

 

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Comments (7)

7 Responses to “Then, Now, and What’s Next”

  • suki Says:
    July 29th, 2011 at 8:14 am

    :) so so happy for you and all the changes!

  • Katie [blogs] Says:
    July 29th, 2011 at 5:28 pm

    You've got big plans! Can't wait to see photos and read all about your new adventures!

  • Gina Says:
    July 30th, 2011 at 2:59 am

    Wow, Kate. You continue to blow me away in every way possible. I read about how far you've come in the past six months and it amazes me. But then I think about the time you visited me and told me all about your life story, and I can't help but want to point out how far you've come throughout life in general. You've been through so much with the loss of your parents, past relationships, depression, etc. However, you're not letting the unfortunate events of your past hold you back from attaining a bright and exciting future. I admire you passion and determination for life so much! I am so happy for you and your new found happiness in Australia. I wish nothing but good things and so much more happiness for you. <3

  • Kate Says:
    July 30th, 2011 at 8:04 pm

    Thanks, Suki, for following my journey and supporting me over these last 6 months! You rock!

  • Kate Says:
    July 30th, 2011 at 8:04 pm

    I've got big plans…..that involve BRINGING YOU BACK WITH ME TO AUSTRALIA. Somehow.

  • Kate Says:
    July 30th, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    It's kind of crazy to think about how much has changed in my life over the course of 6 months. I mean, I didn't think I had the balls to do something like this… but now that I have I feel like I'm unstoppable!

    I'm so incredibly happy that we got to meet in South Korea! Seriously, you're one amazing woman and I know we WILL see each other again (you know, I've never been to Sacramento! Just sayin'…..). Thank you SO much for following my journey and supporting me every step of the way.

    Much love to you, lady!! xx

  • Big L Says:
    August 2nd, 2011 at 8:40 am

    Holy, girl, what a journey it's been. In another six months, I'm sure you'll be awe-struck again, as I have no doubt this entire year is going to be HUGE for you! Keep pushin, playin, and believin – I can't wait to see what else this new life of yours brings!! xo

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