Every morning I wake up, open my eyes, and whisper to myself “What the f***?”
I guess that’s not how everyone normally wakes up is it? But me whispering that to myself every morning is actually a great thing, my own little mantra!
I whisper vulgarity because I have finally (FINALLY!!) made a move to create the best life for myself, and it’s the best damn feeling I have ever felt. But it’s also the scariest, and most intense, which is probably why I don’t wake up saying “Yippee!”.
That is because in less than two months time, I will be saying goodbye to my fellow Canadian friends and poutine, and สวัสดี (Hello) to eager students and an abundance of Thai food. Packing up my whole life in a 60L purple backpack for many months of travel and soul searching in the beautiful Thailand.
A lot of people shoot their doubts toward me, or say “I could never do that”, “How can you leave home for so long?”, “Won’t you be home sick?”.
OF COURSE I am going to miss home at points! I’m sure there will be days where I literally ache to sit by the Halifax waterfront and breath in that *fresh* harbour air, or walk down the pathways of Point Pleasant and mentally tally which dogs I can steal without their owners noticing.
But that is the point of this solo adventure. To push myself to the limits and get out of my comfort zone. To embrace the absolute amazing times, and to brace myself for the awful. By the end of this journey, I hope to be a more open minded, positive individual. I hope to practice gratitude and gravitate good energy towards myself.
I hope to keep up with this blog while on my trip, with tips/tricks on solo backpacking as a female, how to become a Thai teacher, some of my very best adventure days, etc!
The only way to change your life, is to suck it up and make the change. There’s no point in waiting on someone else or something to happen. Go out and get your dreams. That is my plan.
You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will. – Stephen King
Thank you for being one of my greatest inspirations and friends. I am so proud of you.
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I love you so much Ash! One of my truest friends, so lucky to have you.
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You are a brave, talented, smart and beautiful “baby girl”. So very proud of you. Love you lots, Trina xoxo
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Thank you so much. Love you lots Trina!
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Ashlyn, I am so excited for you and envious at the same time. I wished I had done that when I was younger. I know I could still do it and maybe in years to come I will, I always had the kids to take care of and now I have the parents to take care of but someday I will have just me. You go out there and live darling because you will only be this age once. You will be fine because you have the best Guardian Angel with you and I know she is so proud of the young woman you have become. Enjoy the adventure and I will be a loyal reader of your blog!! Love forever BooBoo xoxoxox
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Wow make me tear up much! I love you lots BooBoo, I’m excited to share the journey with you and our family! Xoxo
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Good for you Ashlyn, you go girl!!
Can’t wait to follow adventures xxx
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Lol you always give me the best support from across the pond!! Thanks Sarah!
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We’re so excited for you and can’t wait to hear all about your adventure!
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Aww thanks a lot Lisa, I’m so excited to share it with you guys!!
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Can’t wait to read all of your adventures!!!! GOOD LUCK JUNGLE GAL PAL XXXXXX
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Eeeek!! I love you lots, thank you kindly Holly 💕
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Amazing!! It will be the best thing you ever do without a doubt!! Which parts of Thailand do you plan to visit? The food there is SO GOOD 😍 can’t wait to follow your adventures 🙂 xo
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Aw thank you so much for your kind words!! I’m going to be living in Northern Chiang Mai but I definitely want to travel all over 🙂 Ah good to hear, thanks for the heads up!
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Good luck with your time in Thailand. Teaching is an interesting job, and whilst I work in China, I’m sure you’ll have as much fun – and have as interesting time – as I have. The students can be the biggest challenge but also bring the most joy. Enjoy it!
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Thanks so much Mark, I appreciate the wise words!! It’ll be an interesting adventure that’s for sure.
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You’re welcome. Thanks for following my blog. I am sure you’ll enjoy yourself in Thailand!
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