I am currently sitting at the Abu Dhabi airport, a traveller’s hub that seemingly sprung up from the dry desert like some sort of oil-fuelled oasis. I am surrounded by American high fashion shops and all-around Western-influenced consumerism. But, then again, at least I have a proper Americano coffee to keep me going after the long 13-hour flight from Toronto. Better yet, the flight was made more enjoyable as I met a super interesting girl from Islamabad, Humaira, who works in international development and recently quit her job in Pakistan to find new opportunities in Canada (I can relate!). Later this evening I will land in Kathmandu, Nepal as an inspired wanderer – and I cannot believe I actually went through with this bold plan of quitting my job, leaving Canada, and exploring the farther reaches of Earth to become a more complete person.

Those closest to me know that I have been dealing with a difficult period in my life since October 2016. Through strong headwinds and heavy turbulence I have more than once doubted myself and often felt like I was in a tailspin that I could not snap out of. One day in December, driving from Toronto to Ottawa, I realized that life is what you make of it and if change did not come to me, I was going to create it for myself. And now, here I am – sitting at the CNN Traveler cafe at Abu Dhabi airport, surrounded by thousands of people hustling to their next destination, hurried by a calling of their own. Yet as I sit here, I am suddenly at peace with the fact I am going somewhere totally new, slowly, on my pace, on my own time, by my own free will. Rare is the opportunity to jump into the unknown to get wider perspective of life, and I am cherishing every succulent second of it. This is my preface to a wonderful adventure and I do not for a second feel guilty about “giving up” on my career or what is “expected” of me as a young professional. In time, this will enable me to give so much back to those I love.

Next stop: the beautiful chaos of Kathmandu, where I will spend three days roaming the Thamel neighbourhood, climbing the Monkey Temple, touring the Ancient Durbar Square, dining with the locals, imbibing local libations, attending mass at Bodhnath Stupa, one of the world’s largest Buddhist temples, and strolling through the Garden of Dreams.

Life is meant to be lived. Go out there and enjoy, even if it is not as drastic as the move I made.