I genuinely cannot believe I have to say this so early on, but I'm exhausted.
I knew that travel was challenging from previous experience, but it almost feels as if something is pushing me in the opposite direction. And when you feel this way, it's difficult to feel inspired to create moving content that resonates with others.
That being said, if I'm going to grow a community that 'chases their dreams,' I believe it's important to provide a realistic view of what that pursuit can entail. These past two weeks have been very tough—so much so that I've found myself wishing I could be back in the comfort and safety of my family's home in Michigan. When I take the time to think logically, I know this isn't the solution; it's just my emotions running high due to stress.
I've taken on a lot of changes all at once—starting a new business that involves weekly podcasts, travel blog posts, YouTube vlogs, and daily social media updates, all while traveling full-time. I've reached a point where I'm feeling slightly burnt out from juggling so many new responsibilities.
From an outside perspective, it was evident that this would entail a lot of pressure. However, as I've mentioned in past blog posts, I embarked on this journey with an almost clumsily optimistic mindset— sometimes unprepared for the obstacles that lay ahead.
You may be wondering what specific 'travel challenges' I keep vaguely referencing in recent posts...
First - The Whole Cult Issue
As many of you know, Zach and I travel 'budget-friendly' by participating in programs such as WorkAway & Worldpackers, which allow us to stay with hosts worldwide for free in exchange for volunteering at hostels & eco-lodges. However, this time, we made a mistake in choosing our host.
It started with unfavorable sleeping conditions—bedrooms housing upwards of 15 people, leading to only about 3 hours of sleep per night. Then, we began noticing strange characteristics about the place. Without delving too deeply into specifics, after extensive research, we discovered that the hostel we were working with was run by a French-Canadian cult.
I genuinely wish I could say this was a joke, as it certainly feels like one. To clarify, this isn't speculation; it's a verified fact that we completely overlooked. Admittedly, we would have had to specifically search for "Is Blank hostel a cult?'" to find any results, so I don't blame us too much for missing it. Nevertheless, from now on, we'll definitely be doing that specific google search before staying anywhere.
Some of you have expressed interest in knowing more details about the location and the cult involved. Perhaps someday soon, I'll share more, but for now, while I'm still on the same island, I think it's best to remain as vague as possible. Although we didn't feel immediate danger during our stay, learning about the cult's past was enough for us to pack our bags and seek new accommodation the same day.
Second - No Housing for Three Weeks
We were initially scheduled to stay with the said cult hostel for three weeks (for free as previously mentioned). Therefore, when we found ourselves displaced, it placed an unexpected financial strain on us. Not only were they meant to provide us with accommodation, but also two meals a day.
Both of us understand that surprises like these are par for the course when traveling full-time. However, when they do occur, it's still challenging not to feel anxious about finances. Fortunately, we have our next accommodation secured, but in the meantime, we're chilling out on Ometepe Island, covering the costs of our hotel and meals. In just one week, we've switched hotels/Airbnb's four times due to pricing and availability, but we believe we've found a good option now.
Third: Illness Strikes Again - But This Time, We're on an Island with No Doctor!
Yeah, this one was just the icing on the cake. We were probably more susceptible to contracting whatever sickness is going around due to our bodies' stress levels. Zach has been diagnosed with bronchitis by local pharmacists, and I'm dealing with a lovely case of food poisoning. What a fun duo!
Moving Forward
I'm at a point where I recognize the need to take some time to recuperate and regain a more positive energy. The pressure of meeting these self-imposed deadlines has left me unable to truly relax and feel like myself for quite some time now.
Not to mention, because this business is entirely based on the internet and social media, I've found myself practically glued to my phone.
It's incredibly easy to become fixated on numbers, especially when it comes to followers and viewers, particularly during times when you feel like you're not doing enough. This is something I've never wanted for myself, and I'm determined to establish healthy boundaries from the outset.
Overall, I understand that these obstacles aren't meant to deter me. I've learned similar life lessons when it comes to maintaining healthy relationships. Sometimes, the universe tests your resolve in the beginning to see how much you truly desire something. Challenges exist in every life path; there's no "easy" or effortless lifestyle to choose from. Instead, it's a matter of deciding which lifestyle is worth facing these challenges for you. Considering that this is what I've dreamed of since I was a little girl, I'm going to say that this one is worth it.
I hope that those of you who are reading this and perhaps facing similar challenges, you can take a moment to remind yourselves that you have overcome every other challenge in life so far—just as you will overcome this one too.
Our minds and bodies are capable of far more than we often give them credit for. Allow yourself some space to breathe, recuperate, and reconnect with the reasons why you're pursuing your goals. If you're feeling stressed about numbers (of any sort) or struggling with insecurity, like myself, it's time to take a step back for a bit and give yourself the opportunity to rebuild and strengthen yourself.
With that said, This is Why Travel Challenges have Put us at a Standstill.
I simply haven't felt in the right mindset or healthy enough to create a podcast or video that I'm genuinely proud of. I figure this is better to take care of now rather than pushing my mental health off and letting it turn into a rolling dumpster fire simply getting bigger as the weeks pass. Now that I'm giving myself some more space, I hope to return with a brighter mindset.
Rest assured, we have no intention of halting any of our current projects. In fact, we've solidified numerous upcoming travel plans for the next year (and ensured they are 100% cult-free).
We eagerly anticipate returning to you all with the lessons we've learned, business values, and the inspiration to pursue those childhood dreams soon.
See ya'll soon,
Syd & Zach
I’m loving your podcasts and hope this rest will re-energize you. You definitely have a talent and look forward to your next podcast!
Lynne - Indianapolis
As Zach’s Pepop always said in instances like these, it’s another character building exercise. It sounds like you’re dealing with it just fine. Love you guys.
While it made me sad and a bit anxious to hear of your struggles, I am truly inspired by your fortitude and self awareness. You’ve got this! Just like everything else that has been put in your path.