Rytis story: “Take the smallest possible step toward making it a reality, and you’ll already be one step closer to your dreams”

Though his early career years were consumed by the traditional path of climbing the corporate ladder, Rytis eventually reached a turning point. Watching his wife explore mindfulness, he realized he wanted a deeper connection to life and began transforming his approach to everyday experiences. From traveling to Asia for a sabbatical to embracing yoga, Rytis has continuously sought personal growth, carrying insights that inspire those around him to live fully and intentionally.
Rytis now balances his 9-to-5 with his passion for adventure and sharing his experiences with others.

Tell us your story.
What did your life look like before and why did you decide to change it?

Hi, I’m Rytis, an outdoor enthusiast and content creator. I’m currently navigating the 9-to-5 world while striving to make the most of life and share my experiences with others.

From a young age, I was drawn to nature. I even spent time living alone in our summer house at the age of 7 while my parents were working (don’t worry, it was my choice, and they trusted me to take care of myself!). As crazy as it sounds, those days instilled in me the confidence and skills to be self-sufficient.
Growing up, I was quite reserved and didn’t stand out much. At 16, I moved to the UK to study. This was a challenging experience, as education wasn’t my strong suit. Looking back, I’m grateful for this path, as it shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined if I had stayed in Lithuania. It was also at university that I met my wonderful wife, who has played a significant role in shaping who I am today.
After university, we fell into the default pattern of climbing the career ladder. I was constantly worried about whether I was doing enough, stressing over insignificant details. I assumed everyone felt this way and that it was just how things were.
My love for nature took a backseat during this time, resurfacing only occasionally during travels and outdoor adventures. A turning point came when my wife became interested in mindfulness. I overheard a video she was watching and recognized myself in the descriptions of people clinging to illusions. This sparked my curiosity. I had to let go of some judgments and be open to the fact that I had flaws: I was judgmental, prone to overreacting, lacked confidence, and neglected my physical and mental well-being. This is when things became more interesting. I started paying attention to things I’d previously ignored, practicing self-reflection, replacing bad habits with good ones, and realizing how much negativity surrounds us and what truly matters.

What were the biggest lessons you learned on the trip and what did you understand
about yourself?

The most valuable “trip” for me was a sabbatical in Asia a few years ago. My wife decided to leave her 9-to-5 job to focus on building our own business, and I thought, “Why not?” So, I took time off work. We enrolled in a yoga teacher training course in Rishikesh, India, where we learned asanas (postures) and, more importantly, the philosophy of yoga.
Yoga, meaning “union” in Sanskrit, opened my perception of life. It introduced me to philosophies that initially seemed foreign, such as prioritizing the well-being of others. I learned about values that truly matter and had experiences that will stay with me forever.
After the training, we traveled and saw places with new eyes. We observed locals celebrating the small things that Westerners, including ourselves, often take for granted. We try to carry this perspective with us wherever we go. Although I strive for constant self-awareness, it’s challenging, especially when I can’t always be in my “happy place.”

Do you feel your life has turned out different than you previously thought? Have you found yourself different from what you always thought?

Life has taken some unexpected turns. In my twenties, I never imagined I would visit so many beautiful places, challenge myself physically and mentally in extreme environments, practice yoga and meditation, or focus on self-improvement. Now, I appreciate how much these experiences have enriched my life and the lives of those around me. I used to be quite differently—easily annoyed by minor inconveniences. But now, I feel like I’ve truly grown as a person. If I could, I would have started this journey sooner.

If someone is secretly dreaming about the lifestyle you are living now, what would 
you tell them?

Take the smallest possible step toward making it a reality, and you’ll already be one step closer..

Is it scary to go on the adventure of a lifetime?

Real adventure comes with anxiety and worry, but we’ve found that when you’re on the edge of a cliff, there’s no time for concern—you’re fully present in the moment. We prepare as much as possible and handle the rest as it comes.

Living the way you do, what was the hardest thing in this whole experience?

Maintaining self-awareness and managing my reactions. It’s challenging not to slip back into old habits, like skipping my morning routine. Some days, I feel tired and struggle to get out of bed, but it’s important not to let that become a pattern.
I feel great when I start my day with yoga or exercise, a few minutes of meditation, and enough time to enjoy a cup of coffee before work. Mornings like this set the stage for a better day. When I do skip my routine, I try to notice how it makes me feel to motivate myself for the next morning.

What are the first steps in preparation?

For any adventure or major change you’re planning, keep an open mind. Set a goal and focus on taking small steps toward it. There will be setbacks, but view them as lessons, not failures, and keep moving forward. Surround yourself with like-minded people who inspire and uplift you.
My wife and I are each other’s biggest supporters. We’re there for each other during tough times and celebrate each other’s successes. Because this journey means so much to us, we’ve started building a community that brings people outdoors and introduces them to mindfulness practices. It’s incredible to share moments of joy with people who have just completed their longest hike or achieved a dream, like trekking around Mont Blanc.

What are your next steps? Are there any adventure you are planning?

We’re currently planning our Tour du Mont Blanc treks for summer 2025 and building our website, which we hope will become a place for people to ‘treat their soul.’ Feel free to reach out to us @rytis.travels if you’re interested in what we do or would like to join our amazing community.

You can follow Rytis adventure on :

https://www.instagram.com/rytis.travels/