Ever since I was 25, my dream was to go to Brazil for carnival before my 30th birthday. I don't know why it was Brazil -- I didn't have any Brazilian friends -- but I read an article about Salvador, and I was hooked. Since then, every year friends would ask what I wanted for my birthday. "Just be there with me in 2008 for carnival," I would respond.
I started sending out reminders in 2006. One of my dearest friends couldn't make it; she was moving to Trinidad. Others had family and work commitments, but a few confirmed. Then in April 2007, I finally started making plans: this was what I'd been waiting for. Alas it wasn't to be: the friends who had confirmed could no longer go. I was devastated. I tried to console myself with the thought that it wouldn't be the same without people I loved around me. It worked for about a month, then the longing came back.
I ignored it; I'd heard that Brazil wasn't safe for a single woman, so going alone wasn't an option. I made plans for trips to other countries and convinced myself that it wasn't meant to be. Then last week I was at work, and a thought popped into my head: "What if you don't make it to your 30th birthday?" Morbid, I know, but it made me realize that although I didn't make it there for carnival before my 30th birthday, I could still make it there. I got online and booked my flight within 10 minutes, with no place to stay, no itinerary, and without knowing a word of Portuguese.
So in a little over two weeks I leave for Brazil, and because I took the first step, I also have a friend coming along. I'm excited to be sharing one of my big dreams with her. All these years, I was planning for an event that I could have done back when I was 25. But thankfully I'm doing it now.
What have you been denying yourself that could potentially increase your enjoyment of life?
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3 comments:
that's hot im jealous ...i want to go brazil as well!! but glad you are going... i remember your birthday wish... well you still look way younger than 30 so you still get to live your dream ;)
..take plenty pictures!
Wonderful, I'm so happy for you! You can't wait around for other people. Years from now you don't want to have any regrets. Do it while you're young...tomorrow isn't promised.
Sheree
Hey! I've been following you off and on via your "other blog" hahaha. and i just found this one and i love it! i had a similar experience and gave up the great job, house etc packed up after two years of planning and have been traveling and freelancing since. it has been 90% easier than i imagined and 100% undeniably one of the best things i've done. i praise your for pushing, growing, moving, risking and loving...yourself first....
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