Until 2 years ago my biggest adventure had always been the travelling we (my hubby and I) had done on our big OE 27 years ago. I’m sure you know how it is; you finish your training, or study, save like crazy and sell everything off and away you go. Off to see the world. Generations of kiwis have done it, and plenty more will continue to do so, almost as a rite of passage.

For me though I would not have considered doing my O E on my own, I always needed the comforting support of someone else to travel with. My adventurous spirit was rather dormant when I was younger. That all changed when my husband got a job working in Egypt, in 2008 and was working away from home for extended periods of time.

Nothing like a little added pressure to test resilience!

This created a big change for all of us, as a family, and for me it was it was an opportunity to kick that dormant adventurous spirit into life again. I was determined to look on this as a big adventure and an opportunity for us all.

The yearning to see more of the world came back with a vengeance, and putting any doubts firmly out of my mind I booked our 2 week once in a lifetime holiday in Egypt. Only trouble was of course that you can’t take a boat to Cairo…. You have to fly and for me this was the scary bit.

I was really stepping out of my ‘comfort zone’ with this. Travelling on my own, all the way to Cairo and home again was huge for me. I was pretty nervous at times, I will admit, however the excitement and the adrenaline kept me going, I negotiated my way through the massive Changi airport at Singapore, and found my way to my onward flight. When I had my passport taken off me at the airport in Cairo, without any explanation, and was told to wait for a rather long period, I certainly felt rather concerned, however once I was ‘rescued’ by the travel agent, I was fine again.

The incredible culture shock of Cairo, the noise, the traffic, the language difference, the overwhelming sights and sounds, as well as being a woman alone in a muslim country, even for 24 hours was massive.

Our holiday was a wonderful adventure for us both; we visited some incredible places and experienced the magic of Egypt and its wonderful people in a very special way.

What did I learn? For me it was a timely reminder that it is incredibly important to challenge ourselves every day, to step out of our often self imposed limitations. It can be so easy to say ‘I can’t do that,’ or it is too hard,’ when with a little planning and lots of determination that sense of adventure can keep us striving for bigger and better things in all areas.

I love the quote: Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions. (Oliver Wendall- Holmes)

For me nothing will ever be the same again, and I remind myself every day to keep looking ahead for the next adventure, where ever it may be.

About the author

I work with primarily with women in professional careers, including nurses, accountants, teachers and small business owners. I inspire my clients to have maximum sustainable energy and minimal stress. My extensive background in primary health as a practice nurse as well as my coach training and NLP give me a unique perspective to inspire, encourage and challenge you to reach for what you want.