This week we had a lesson in bravery.
A while back we wrote about our new friend, Cat, who was turning to us for some inspiration. More specifically, she was looking for some advice on turning her seemingly perfect world upside down in order to pursue a volunteer opportunity in South America. At the time, she didn’t know where to begin or even what to think of her newfangled idea.
We had gone through much the same process, so we were happy to rally behind her in her quest to step out of the box. That was then.
Now, just a few months later, it seems that she has it all figured out. She found a promising opportunity in Bolivia, and takes off this spring for her new adventure. What struck us most when she provided this update was the fact that she is now proceeding with such boldness and ease. When we first met up with her in the summer, she was unsure of nearly everything. Moreover, she was letting others’ negative opinions get the best of her. It was really bringing her down when friends and family told her that she was crazy.
After our talk, she was inspired to make her dream come together. That’s just what she did. She says that it took some time, but she was able to stand behind her dream. Rather than avoiding conversations (and confrontation) with her inner circle, she started to welcome the opportunity to defend the decision she had made. She quickly learned that most people were coming from a place of jealousy.
The coolest thing about all of this is not simply that Cat has ironed out the details of her amazing journey to Bolivia. It’s that – through the process – she started to gain more confidence in all aspects of her life. As she got more confident and comfortable in her own skin, she started to like herself more and more. It shows.
So, here’s to being brave and to living courageously. Last year, Cat found inspiration in our story. This year ahead, we’re going to think of her when we need a jolt of gumption.
Whether you’re planning your dream volunteer excursion to Latin America or, perhaps, trying to find your purpose in life, our wish is that you, too, can take a cue from Cat’s story.
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- 5 Surprises About International Volunteering: #5 - We're All Connected - October 21st, 2009
- Help Keep the World Amazing: Blog Action Day 2009 - October 15th, 2009
- 5 Surprises About International Volunteering: #4 - "Wow" Moments - October 13th, 2009
- 5 Surprises About International Volunteering: #3 - Living With Less - October 1st, 2009
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