This summer was packed with new experiences, but camping with two of my sons was the one that really stood out. My 8-year-old, Rene, had been begging to camp in a real tent. The small tent we got him for his bedroom wasn't cutting it, so I finally decided to make it happen while the rest of the family was away.
After arriving at the campground, we set about pitching our borrowed family tent, which was a whole mission in itself. While organizing our gear for the night, setting up sleeping bags and mattresses, I began to accept that a good night's sleep probably wasn't in the cards.
Needing a moment, I headed to the shared kitchen to make a cup of tea. There, I met Alison, a serene, white-haired woman in her 60s who seemed completely unfazed by the night ahead, so I decided to approach her.
"Hi, can I ask you something?"
"Sure," she replied.
"Are you sleeping here in a tent?"
"I sure am." She said,
"Do you find it comfortable? Are you sleeping well?"
I asked, feeling a bit spoiled for even asking.
"It's the best sleep I've ever had in my life,"
she said, leaving me completely taken aback.
Still surprised, I asked how long she'd been camping, expecting her to say a few days.
Her response floored me.
"I left my house in Scotland on Christmas, and I've been biking and camping since."
Wait, what ?!?!?!?!?!?!?
For 8 months, Alison has been traveling alone across Europe on a basic, no-frills bike, carrying her gear and sleeping in a small tent.
It took me a minute to pick my jaw off the floor, but once I did, I had so many questions. She shared fascinating stories about the incredible people she'd met - like the stranger who invited her to stay in her home during a downpour - and the challenges she'd faced, like spending her first wild camping night behind a cemetery in Spain.
I could've talked to her all night, but after all, I was there to spend time with my boys.
But there were two things Alison said that really stuck with me -
The first was her answer to the question, "What has been the best part of your journey?"
I expected her to mention a beautiful place she had visited, but instead, she said:
"People's kindness. I received countless random acts of kindness along the way".
Hearing that so much kindness still exists in a world that often feels chaotic and harsh was incredibly heartening.
I find it so hopeful, don't you?
The second thing that inspired me was how this entire adventure began. As she was nearing retirement and starting to think about the next chapter in her life, a friend asked her a simple question: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
That question made her realize there was no reason to wait to fulfill her dream. So, she made the necessary arrangements and set off on this amazing journey with no end date in sight. Just like that.
Wow, what an independent, brave, fearless woman!
Meeting Alison had a lasting impact on me, long after that night. She made me reflect on my own goals, wishes, and dreams, and I began asking myself the same question: What am I waiting for?
Sure, there are always reasons why now might not seem like the right moment to go for it.
I'm not experienced enough…
I don't have the time…
The kids are too young…
I’m too old…
I can't afford it…
My parents expect something different from me… the list goes on.
But the truth is, these are all excuses we tell ourselves. The path to happiness lies in pursuing your dreams.
Whether it's leaving your job to start a new business, relocating to a different country, climbing a mountain, writing a book, taking dance classes, or any other dream,
I guarantee you - it's within your reach.
So let me ask you - what are YOU waiting for?
When will you start working toward fulfilling your dream?
I'm not suggesting you do anything rash, but know that even just starting to plan can make you happier.
A study by Kennon Sheldon and colleagues (2010) found that people who actively work towards their personal goals, especially those aligned with their values, experience greater happiness.
STOP WAITING.
Life is too short to postpone the things that bring purpose to it.
Not sure where to start?
Reach out to me, I'd be happy to help you find your path and start taking the first steps.
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