“I travel not to escape life but for life not to escape me”
As I share month eight of the travel challenge #take12trips, I am drawn again to the quote above. These days when people (including my family) call me, the first thing they ask is which country I am in. For others they even go as far as asking which timezone I am currently gracing. It has now become the norm, my mum always used to say my child seat your back side down. I recently learned that she is actually proud of my travels and is living through me. All of her friends know I am always on the move and every time I speak to them or they hear me speaking to mum they will ask her again which time zone.
Seating here sharing month eight of my travel challenge, it got me thinking of how much travel has changed me as a person and how much it had opened my eyes. I have always been culturally forward and love learning & embracing other cultures but it is not until you get to experience another culture that you realise just how similar most cultures are and yet very distinctive too.
Month Eight
Since sharing month seven of the travel challenge, I have been to three countries: Paris, France; Primostek, Slovenia and Dublin, Ireland. To say June was a totally busy month for me would be an understatement. I spent 3 of the 4 weekends in June abroad and for July have been once with another trip planned for last weekend of the month.
Please do not take this post as bragging (though I do want to brag sometimes) but this has been as a result of me making a huge change in my life. After university I was stricken with so much debt I could barely see the end of the tunnel. I was living paycheck to paycheck trying to pay off my debt, that somehow I forgot how to live and enjoy life.
I made a decision to live as if tomorrow was my last, I am by no means living recklessly but I am putting me first and doing the #take12trips travel challenge has been my way of living by my decision. The fact that I am sharing month eight of this challenge tells me I made the right decision.
Positive Change
I did not abandon paying of my debt and being responsible, I abandon living for the future instead embraced what I can see today and not what is not promised me. I took positive steps towards my own happiness instead of waiting on people to do that for me. I chose the present me and not the me that I will be in the future. I chose to live with no regrets and whilst I can, I choose to travel and see the world.
Do not let the ‘uncertain’ future be a handicap instead embrace today, live for today and love the you today.
And that is month eight of the #take12trips travel challenge, 4 more to go.
Jenni says
Wow what an incredible month, this is a great challenge x
Miranda says
It has been an awesome month, thanks Jenni
laura dove says
Wow you have an amazing life with your travels. France is still one of my favourite countries in the world, Paris inparticular, but I have definitely been put off by recent events. You are right though, we cant let them win, we should still travel just as we used to, I think maybe next year we will pay a visit.
Miranda says
Thank you Laura, live your life how you want it is the advice I was given and I am sharing with you
Anca says
I love this idea. My husband and I bought a caravan 3 months ago and we’ve decided to have a holiday each month, even if it’s only a couple of nights away.
Miranda says
oooh how lovely, I would love to sleep in a caravan for a couple of nights each month
Kara Guppy says
Such an exciting adventure to do, are you working as you travel?
Miranda says
It is and no, since I usualy travel on weekends I do not have to take time off my 9-5 and if it is during the week then I just take half day
Ana De- Jesus says
Well said, I am in a lot of debt myself and I am finding it hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I need to live in the moment.
Miranda says
Sorry to hear that hun, make a plan and then live in the moment
Nazrin Miah says
Like they say, if travelling was free, you’d never see me again! I’m happy you have that chance! You keep living life to the fullest and explore every corner of this world!
http://www.shewillneverlose.com
Miranda says
If it was free some would still find an excuse but for us lovers of traveling definitely wouldn’t see me again lol
Rachel says
Dublin is definitely somewhere I want to visit at some point, it looks so beautiful x
Miranda says
It’s so beautiful and I loved it
Zena's Suitcase says
I agree with you entirely. Embracing the moment is crucial as you don’t know what’s around the corner
Miranda says
Exactly and thanks Zena
Jess says
I’d love to travel more! Looks like you’ve been to some amazing places <3
Miranda says
I have indeed and thanks Jess, wish you more travels too
Fi Ni Neachtain says
You have such a great life. I would love to be able to travel as much as you do and yay for you visiting Ireland ๐
Miranda says
Yay indeed, I can not wait to come back and visit Dublin properly and Cork too
DannyUK.com says
Sounds like a lot of fun. Paris is on my list of places to visit.
Miranda says
It is so much fun doing this challenge and seeing the world at the same time
Fashion and Style Police says
Wow I am so jealous. Enjoy seeing the world.
Miranda says
Awww bless
Jordanne says
That’s fantastic that you’re doing this, what a wonderful way to fill your life with amazing experiences!! No wonder your mum’s proud, it’s such an amazing thing you are doing.
Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
Miranda says
Thanks Jordanne, I figured I do this whilst I am young and free
Hannah says
I love that your friends have to ask which country you’re in when they speak to you – you really do travel loads!
Miranda says
Hahahah I do it’s funny when they do ask and I love it lol
Laura @dearbearandbeany says
Its great that you are living life to its fullest and what a great time you’ve had! You enjoy it x
Miranda says
Thanks Laura
Tooting Mama says
OOOh amazing! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. With two kids and a dog, holidays are now confined to school holidays and are decidedly family friendly. But at 29, have the time of your life!
Miranda says
Aww thanks hun, I am making the most of it now
Talya says
What an incredible challenge! A brilliant way of getting out to explore the world.
Miranda says
It sure is and I am loving it
Keely says
I’m finding this really inspiring and I’m planning some trips of my own soon!
Miranda says
Good luck with your trips and join in the challenge
Jessica says
Loving this series/travel challenge. No matter how busy we are, take time to travel and everything seems to be easy and rewarding. ๐
Miranda says
Absolutely, I am making the time
Vai Chin @Rambling Through Parenthood says
Well done to you for taking on and persevering with the challenge. That quote at the beginning is so inspiring.
Miranda says
Thank you so much Vai
Rhian Westbury says
Wow 3 out of 4 weekends abroad, that is impressive! x
Miranda says
Thanks Rhian
Jacqui Paterson (@Jax2000) says
I’m not sure if I want to read anymore, as you’re living my dream life and I’m getting far too envious!!!! ๐ But seriously, continue to have an AMAZING time – nothing feeds the soul better than travelling the world. x
Miranda says
Aww hahaha thanks Jacqui
Sarah says
What an amazing adventure for you. And what an achievement if you complete your challenge!
Good luck!
Miranda says
Thanks it has been fun so far
Dean of Little Steps says
How lovely that you are living life to the fullest and can understand why your mum is so proud of you! I’m in my 40s now and find you inspiring ๐ x
Miranda says
Awww thanks so much Dean, I want to do as much as I can now
Lyndsey O'Halloran says
Wow, what an amazing month for you! Must also be tiring doing all of this travelling.
Miranda says
It can get tireless but I love it so much can’t stop lol