Why it’s okay to dream big

I’m sure it’s happened to you, too. You start reading one article, then click on a link, read another story and before you know it, you’ve landed on a website and have no idea how you got there!

That’s how I stumbled across Remote Year and the seed was planted.

I devoured this website and read how professionals like me were living and working in cities around the world – they weren’t confined to an office or a 9-to-5 schedule. They had found a way to combine a love for travel while still growing their careers or businesses.

It sounded like a dream – a dream I longed to be part of.

I closed the website, thinking, “Wouldn’t that be nice! I’d like to do that but how? My boss would never let me…” all the things that are likely running through your mind right now.

I thought that was the end of it but my subconscious wouldn’t let go.

My dreams were full of images of me traveling the world, setting up my laptop in cozy coffee shops or on the beach or looking out at stunning views.

My heart ached for this adventure, so two months later I called Remote Year. And I started with my best excuse – “I’d love to do this but I don’t think my employer will go for it…”

Now I’m sure they’ve heard it all before but the admissions advisor kindly encouraged me to apply, advising they receive over 25,000 applications for 75 spots so simply apply and deal with your employer if you get accepted.

 

Life lesson #1 – Worrying about something that might never happen is a waste of energy!

 

I applied that day.

After a few weeks, I was invited to the second phase of the application process – my heart started beating a bit faster. A short time later, I was invited to the third and final phase.

I could hardly sleep.

I was in the shower by 4am and getting ready for my big online interview. We chatted for 45 minutes and he said they were reviewing all applicants and would be making decisions in the next few weeks. He’d let me know either way.

I tried to carry on with normal life, going to work, getting groceries, seeing friends but inside my heart was racing – was my life about to radically change?

I felt different and wondered if people could see a change in me.

Only a handful of friends knew I had applied – I was afraid to tell too many people in case I wasn’t successful.

 

Life lesson #2 – Surround yourself with people who believe in you, lift you up and cheer you on.

 

The sun rises early in the Okanagan during the summer and I found myself wide awake at 4:30am so I checked my email…

And there it was…

An email telling me they were pleased to invite me to join Remote Year in 2017!!!

I screamed, I cried, I jumped up and down, my body shook with excitement, tears of joy ran down my face and I kept whispering “thank you thank you thank you”.

It was one of those life-defining moments – a moment you know changes you, a moment you will look back on again and again and say, “that was when it all began”.

And so on March 1, 2017 my journey with Remote Year begins.

I’d love to hear from you: What have you stumbled across that you couldn’t stop thinking about?