I’ve had a positively wonderful weekend this weekend. From the most random meetings great inspiration and encouragement have given me a new determination to dream, talk, plan and most importantly take action to achieve.
This story really begins 2 and half years ago shortly after my arrival in UK. Due to some misinformation and misadventure I had to return to the other side of the globe to get a stamp. A simple stamp. A stamp that gave me the ‘OK’ to be here. To make me ‘legal’ and certified in the UK.
I boarded the early afternoon Gatwick Express, not knowing whether I would be successful in the quest for said stamp. As I took in the passing cityscape I wondered if I’d return. Each minute moving further and further out of the city I had only enjoyed for 4 brief weeks. The city I had come to with the determination of making it home; the new base for my future adventures in the northern hemisphere.
‘Tickets please’. Oh yeah, where’d I put that? I rummaged through my purse and smiled as I showed my ticket, while the person sharing my space politely looked at the guard and asked if he could purchase one on board. ‘You’re £2 short’ I heard. I looked over to see my travelling companion looking slightly awkward. Maybe London wasn’t his home either. Ah, an instant connection to a total stranger…. He’s probably just like me. Strange town, uncomfortable situation, not yet validated. Poor guy needs a ticket.
I instantly dug out some spare change and covered the shortfall, recognising everyone’s need for a saviour sometimes. Besides, £2 was going to be useless to me in Australia if I didn’t get that stamp!
It turns out Fred was collecting a visiting relative from the airport and did in fact live in London. Here to further his career in Computer Sciences he was studying and working long hours to achieve his PhD. He had little time for socialising, didn’t know many people in London and was completely dedicated to the long term goal despite the loneliness and sacrifices he must have experienced along his road to success. Strength of character. I decide that should I be granted my Right ToAbode, I would contact Fred and make him one of my London connections. This is someone who has relocated to a foreign city in pursuit of a dream. Just like me.
I did in fact receive my stamp and I returned to London. Loneliness, frustration and an overwhelming struggle for ‘the sense of belonging’ greeted me with open arms. Man, London’s a tough city without someone to talk to. I need to contact Fred. I need that connection with someone who is also far from home. We caught up only briefly on a couple of occasions, whether for a coffee or a game of pool, contributing in small ways to our ‘sense of belonging’. It’s fascinating listening to other peoples stories, where they’ve come from and where they’re going. So many people with wonderful tales. Various backgrounds, various cultures. Individual dreams, individual styles.
Sadly ‘life got in the way’ and I failed to keep contact with Fred. After a year or so I received a message saying that he had completed his PHD and was returning to his homeland Botswana the following weekend. He wished me all the best. It was evident I was not going to be able to see him before he left. How sad that I missed this opportunity to establish a good friendship with an inspirational human being. Here he was, achieving his goals… and I felt I’d done nothing (which was not the case… I had just taken a detour!).
Four months later I received an email from Fred saying that he would be coming through London very briefly on a stopover from San Diego via London to Botswana. I was so pleased to hear that Fred had found success and was reaping the benefits of his dedication. I was also very pleased that I was given another opportunity to catch up and talk of our tales.
We met at the airport for another brief coffee shop rendezvous. I rambled on about what I’d done during my ‘dissappearing act’, the various adventures I’d been on, the ‘evolution’ of my career goals and most importantly the need for an inner super hero alias to get you through the tough times. I have to give Fred a super hero alias. He’s a trooper. Just like me. He chuckled humbly with childlike qualities at the mention of being ‘DR’ Fred Mampadi, something he says will take some getting used to. It made me wonder if I could make such sacrifices for my desired outcome.  Sometimes I think I’m afraid of failure and that’s what stops me… other times I’m convinced it’s a fear of success.
Anyway, I bid farewell to Fred with an energetic hug and a promise we’d stay in better contact this time around. There went my sharply dressed friend, self-made and confident, trailing an air of success that was infectious. I felt like a proud sister.

This same weekend I happened to meet another positive and encouraging person, a lady called Aman. She had joined the local sailing club recently and had come along to the annual summer ball. I took my seat next to her and instantly engaged in the kind of uplifting conversation that rarely comes from polite chat with complete strangers. She was interested to know what it was that I did for a living and I found myself unloading upon her my dissatisfaction in my current position and continued to spill all my career hopes and dreams to this colourful soul as she listened excitedly about my ideas.
Simple enough really. I want a job that involves a little creativity, a healthy dose of planning and development, time in the outdoors in ever changing locations, hopefully with some physical activity, meeting people from different backgrounds, cultures and walks of life. Oh and if I can include it why not the occasional need to socialise and celebrate. Yes. That’s what I want. I want to be a location scout I told her. One who moonlights as a travel writer or part time adventuress….contributing to the publications I’ve previously devoured with wistful fantasies. Her excitement grew and Aman shared her own personal experiences and gave me ideas about where to start with a certainty that it was all entirely possible. Know I knew it too.
I’m surrounded by successful, motivational people. People who will gravitate to my personality, my ideas and encourage me along the way. Individuals that I will look to for inspiration, who were brave enough to take the risks I had not. People who will take 10 minutes or an hour to listen to my crazy aspirations, who will pick me up when I’m feeling defeated, for they love my adventure as much as I do! People who will still be there even if I fail.

So thank you to all who where part of my wonderful weekend, who without knowing it made a difference all at once and made me realise ‘I must and I can’ do so much more. Thank you Dr. Mampadi, Aman, Lindsay (I did receive your text!), Sid from Oz, Bart & Camilla. Our exchanges have been invaluable and encouraging.

Mum, Nan - much love and respect.

Lastly, but of course not least, thanks to my wonderful man who taught me how to use this website. Now the whole world’s in for it!! I’m going for gold.