The Wanderer's Mindset

Life has been life-ing. And that’s definitely why I keep making up excuses about not having time to write a blog. The whole reason I wanted to create this platform was to share the truths about travelling, running a business, and living away from home. Not just the glossy posts that look great on Instagram, but the nitty gritty, not-so-fun moments too. And honestly, with how chaotic things have been lately, I felt like a bit of a fraud writing about hikes and sunshine when it hasn’t all been rainbows and unicorns (Spoiler: sometimes it’s more clouds and questionable decision-making. My friends will definitely agree with that last point 😂).

Lately, the highs have been higher than I could have wished for, but the lows have felt like a punch in the face. I set myself so many goals this year (personal and professional), probably too many, because apparently I think I’m Superwoman. But me being me, I’ve had the determination (or stubbornness, let’s be honest) to tick them off. Halfway through the year I had to re-prioritise, and recently I had a wobble where I felt like I didn’t have personal goals anymore, just business ones. Luckily, a few people reminded me that I do. Like trekking to Everest Base Camp this November.

Juggling training for that, growing my business in a new direction, keeping clients happy (as we are working on some VERY exciting projects right now), and maintaining a semi-normal routine has been… a lot. Then, a few weeks ago, I got struck down with an injury, and after a few personal curveballs, I found myself wondering: is this the straw that broke the camel’s back? 🤯

I’m not sharing this for sympathy, but to show that life really is a rollercoaster, for all of us. No matter who you are, where you live, what you do or things you post on social media, it’s never a straight road. The twists and turns can feel incredible, but they can also leave you questioning everything. And I know I’m not the only one. So many people have told me lately about the turbulence they’ve been dealing with too, and it reminded me why it’s important to share the not-so-perfect chapters. If you’re feeling a bit all over the place right now, I want you to know you’re not alone.

The other day I was asked how I balance everything. The honest answer? I cry. A lot. But I don’t let it stop me. I hibernate. I take a down day. I write lists: what I’ve achieved, what I’m looking forward to, what I’m grateful for. I go outside. I eat good food. I binge podcasts like they’re therapy. These little resets keep me going. What I don’t do is stop or give up. And if you’re feeling weighed down too, maybe try one of those things. Apparently blaming it on Mercury retrograde still doesn’t count as self-care, or “the planets spinning backwards in the microwave” as I like to call it. 🪐

There are definitely times I should slow down. Especially when my body is basically screaming at me. When I’ve hardly slept, trained twice in a day, worked 12 hours, and still made social plans, I do wonder if I’m addicted to being busy (the answer is yes). And I know a lot of us are guilty of that. It feels like we’re programmed to keep moving, even when being a sloth on the sofa with snacks and having an early night are the better options.

These past few weeks, I’ve felt broken, but also ridiculously excited for what’s ahead. In November, I’ll be trekking to Everest Base Camp with an amazing group brought together by Liverpool-based company Adventure Code. From chatting to a few of them already, I know I couldn’t be going with a better bunch of people. ♥️

I’ll also be raising money for the wonderful organisation Happiness For All CIC, who I don’t shout about enough. The work they do to support people and their mental health is incredible. I especially love their school programmes, which teach children how to handle their emotions (imagine if we’d all had that instead of just “you’ll be fine” as advice).

With the past few months being so challenging, knowing about an organisation like Happiness For All CIC has felt like having a hand to hold. They make support so accessible, without the intimidating label asking for help sometimes carries. And for me, that’s one of their biggest strengths. 🥰

So, if you can, please donate to this brilliant organisation. Check them out. Tell your friends and family. You or someone you know might even benefit from their services right now.

Remember: tough times never last, but with the right support beside you, we always find the strength to keep going. ✨

Allllll the love,
Zoe 🫶🏼

PS. I promise the next few blogs are going to be adventure ones. I have SO much to share! 🤩