From anxiety to Freedom

Entering my late 20s, I can say I’m living my best life so far. The experiences I’ve had since leaving the U.S. last year have been beyond anything I could have imagined. I never thought I’d be doing what I’m doing now, and it feels incredible.

I used to live in the Bay Area, where life revolved around one thing: making money. There were always bills to pay, even breathing in the Bay Area felt like it cost money. I wanted a nice car, a house, and all the other material things that seemed to define success. And, of course, there was the constant pressure to compare myself to everyone around me. Life there was driven by materialism, jealousy, and ambition. I tried to adapt, to fit into that highly competitive society, but I never quite did. I didn’t feel competent or smart enough, so I left. Looking back, I can’t imagine ever living that way again.

Seven months into my travels, I’ve met so many incredible people, experienced diverse lifestyles, and heard countless stories. I’ve built meaningful connections and realized something profound: life is vibrant and rich when it’s about human connection. Sometimes, you can learn more about yourself through a simple conversation with someone else—they become a mirror, reflecting parts of you that you might not have seen before.

Now, my daily mantra is “carpe diem”. Nothing matters more than my inner peace. I don’t feel the need to chase society’s definition of success anymore. I trust the path I’m on and no longer worry about the future. I’m grateful for what I have, which has allowed me to live this life of exploration and growth. My early 20s were tough, but now that I’ve awakened to what truly matters, I’m focused on figuring out what makes me happy. It’s not about what I have to do to secure distant future—it’s about embracing the journey and finding joy in the process.