Recently, I turned 30 and found myself reflecting on the past decade of my life.

Sometimes it feels like a lifetime has passed. Other times, it feels like just yesterday that I packed my bags, left my parents’ home, and moved to a completely new country.

  • I never went to university.
  • I don’t have kids.
  • I haven’t climbed a traditional career ladder.

But what I have done is explore the world, uncover parts of myself I didn’t know existed, and follow what truly makes me feel alive.

  • I moved to a foreign country at 19.
  • Spent a year traveling solo in Australia.
  • Backpacked alone through Vietnam.
  • Returned to Amsterdam and traveled constantly.
  • Danced at countless festivals.
  • Took a year off work just to wander.
  • Lived on a rural farm in Australia.

Along the way, I discovered love, yoga, and a deep interest in wellness and self-growth.

Every experience shaped me in ways I’m deeply grateful for.

How Travel Became My Escape and Teacher

What most people don’t know is that my travels didn’t start from curiosity alone.

They started as an escape.

Losing someone I loved at a young age left me with grief I didn’t know how to hold. I didn’t know how to face those feelings, so I ran. Travel became my way to breathe again, to feel alive, to forget — even if just for a moment.

Amsterdam is where that escape turned into something magical.

Some of the best years of my life were spent there: late-night parties, endless festivals, friendships that still feel like family today. I found independence, joy, and a freedom I had never known before.

Travel wasn’t just distracting me — it was quietly teaching me who I was becoming.

Australia, New Zealand & Running Back to Safety

After Amsterdam, I decided to go to Australia for the first time. My sister was there, which felt comforting, and we created some beautiful memories together.

But the emotions I had been running from started to surface, even though I didn’t realize it at the time. I acted from places that weren’t healthy, and I didn’t feel like myself.

So I ran again.

Back to Amsterdam. Back to what felt safe.

Before returning, I spent two unforgettable weeks in New Zealand with my best friends from Amsterdam. Those weeks reminded me of connection, laughter, and shared adventure.

After that, I booked a solo backpacking trip through Vietnam, a decision that changed a lot for me.

Finding Confidence Through Solo Travel

Vietnam was different.

For the first time, I was completely on my own. No familiar faces. No safety net. Just me, a backpack, and a country I’d never seen before.

I bought a one-way ticket to North Vietnam, a return ticket from the south, and promised myself I’d go with the flow.

And I did.

I stayed in hostels, met people from all over the world, and crossed paths with familiar faces in unexpected places. Some days were full of social energy, others were quiet and entirely my own.

That’s when I realized something important: being alone doesn’t mean being lonely.

Traveling solo gave me space to listen to myself, trust my instincts, and make decisions without outside influence. I discovered resilience, confidence, and a deep appreciation for my own company.

Every bus ride, every street corner, and every small adventure taught me to trust myself and life.

Returning Home & Facing Myself

After years of traveling and living in different countries, I felt a pull back to Estonia.

The feelings I had been avoiding finally caught up with me, showing up as anxiety. And it became clear that no amount of travel could replace inner work.

I moved back in with my parents and took a year off from work. That’s when I discovered Osho’s books and began learning new ways of thinking, healing, and relating to myself.

Healing takes time.
There’s no shortcut.

But when you truly commit to it, when you have the right tools and the willingness to look inward, things slowly begin to soften.

Day by day, you feel lighter.

Love, Isolation & Deep Inner Work

Two years later, I met my now boyfriend. For the first time, I experienced a healthy relationship where I felt heard and loved.

Together, we moved to a farm in Australia for 1.5 years.

It was beautiful, and also deeply challenging.

During high season, Indrek worked a lot, and I spent a lot of time alone. As a very social person, the isolation was hard. It brought up emotions I didn’t even know were still there.

I realized I still hadn’t fully learned how to feel my feelings.

Whenever sadness appeared, my instinct was to distract myself. Go out, do something fun, and avoid sitting with it. But this time, there was nowhere to run.

So I stayed.

I turned inward.
I leaned into yoga, wellness, and personal growth.
I learned how to sit with discomfort instead of escaping it.

Those months changed me forever.

Bali & Finding My True Passion

That period eventually led me to Bali, where I completed my yoga teacher training and discovered what truly lights me up:

  • Writing.
  • Creating.
  • Bringing people together.
  • Spreading positivity.
  • Fully enjoying life.

I’m still on this journey, but now I understand why every chapter was necessary.

Each challenge taught me resilience, independence, and self-love.

Even when something feels missing, I remind myself that we are the creators of our own stories. Every morning, we get to choose how we want to feel.

I choose to feel good. And I choose to inspire others to do the same.

Lessons Travel Can Teach You

1. Step outside your comfort zone.

Travel forces you to adapt, try new things, and discover strengths you didn’t know you had.

2. Embrace solitude.

Being alone isn’t loneliness—it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself and reflect.

3. Notice small moments.

Sunsets, markets, local music, or quiet streets help you stay present.

4. Learn from challenges.

Difficult moments teach resilience and self-awareness.

5. Reflect daily.

Journaling, mindful walks, or quiet reflection help integrate lessons from travel into your everyday life.

6. Travel intentionally.

Ask yourself, “What do I want to discover about myself on this trip?”

7. Celebrate growth.

Recognize how far you’ve come and savor small victories along the way.

A Gentle Invitation for You

Travel is more than visiting new places, it’s an invitation to meet yourself.

The next time you go somewhere new, slow down. Observe. Reflect. Step outside your comfort zone.

Notice what excites you, challenges you, or brings peace.

Where could your next adventure take you both outward and inward? 💛

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