Comfort Zone? Never Heard of It.

Some people dream about adventure. Others quietly plan it. And then there are those who simply begin — without waiting for the “right moment,” without guarantees, and without knowing exactly where the road will lead.
This is a story about choosing movement over comfort, experience over routine, and growth over certainty. About crossing not only countries, but also personal limits. About learning to listen — to nature, to the world, and most importantly, to yourself.
From a structured, traditional path to a life shaped by spontaneity, endurance, and curiosity, this journey is a reminder that sometimes the boldest decision you can make is to trust the unknown.
Because the real adventure doesn’t start somewhere out there — it starts the moment you decide to go.

Tell us your story.

Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of traveling and exploring the world. I was always curious about different cultures, places, and ways of life.
I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Project Management, and I speak English and German fluently. Alongside my studies, I was very active in sports from a young age and even completed basketball school, which helped shape my discipline and determination.
But deep down, I always felt that there was more waiting for me beyond a traditional path. One day, I made a life-changing decision — I chose to leave everything behind and start traveling.
That decision allowed me to truly live my dream. Since then, I have been exploring new countries, experiencing different cultures, and collecting unforgettable adventures that have shaped who I am today.

What did your life look like before, and why did you decide to change it?

Before, my life was quite traditional. I was always active and curious, and I did travel, but in a more conventional way — by car or plane. I enjoyed exploring, but I stayed within my comfort zone and didn’t take the kinds of risks I take today.
At that time, I was working, studying, and spending time with friends — building a stable and familiar life. It was good, but deep inside, I felt that I wanted something more.
The biggest change came when I realized I didn’t want to just visit places — I wanted to truly experience them, the journey to them, and the journey within myself. I wanted to challenge myself, step into the unknown, and see what I am capable of. That’s when I started traveling differently — by bike, by kayak, crossing countries not only in Europe but beyond.
Today, my life is about movement, adventure, and growth. I travel, I push my limits, I try to inspire others, and most importantly, I focus on becoming a better version of myself. I have learned to say “yes” to opportunities, even when they feel scary — because that is where real experiences begin.

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

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that you cannot conquer nature. No matter how hard you try, how much you push, or how willing you are to take risks — in the end, nature is always stronger. You can challenge it, you can resist it, but you cannot defeat it. Learning to respect that was one of the most important realizations for me.
I also understood that we create our own path in life. The more you try and experience, the clearer it becomes what truly matters to you. Every step, every challenge, and every decision adds value and helps you discover new sides of yourself.
Through these journeys, I realized that growth comes from doing — from stepping out, taking action, and not being afraid to explore the unknown. The more I do, the more I learn, and the more I understand who I really am.

Do you feel your life has turned out differently than you previously thought? Have you
found yourself different from who you once thought you were?

Yes, my life has definitely turned out differently than I once imagined. And honestly, I am really happy about the path I have taken so far. It has not always been easy or predictable, but it feels real and meaningful. I hope to keep going, to experience more, achieve more, and discover what else is possible.
I have also found that I have changed a lot as a person. Through my travels and new experiences, my mindset has evolved. The way I see the world, the way I think, and even the way I understand myself keeps changing.
Just like in life, every journey shapes you. And with every new experience, I discover something new about who I am.

If you could go back to the beginning, what would you do differently?

Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything. Both the good and the bad experiences brought me exactly what I needed and shaped who I am today. Every challenge, mistake, and success had its purpose.
If anything, the only thing I am trying to improve now is bringing a bit more logic into my decisions. I am quite an emotional person, and while that has helped me in many ways, I am learning to balance it with more rational thinking.
Overall, I believe everything happened the way it was meant to — and I am grateful for that.

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

Dream. Then go and do it. Suffer, cry, shout, survive, achieve, enjoy, cry again, share it with others — and then start all over again.
The most important thing is never to stop dreaming and never stop moving toward those dreams, no matter how hard or messy the journey gets.
Because in the end, it is all part of living the life you truly want.

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

Yes, absolutely. It is scary. There are always doubts and strange thoughts, and sometimes they even come from the people closest to you.
But in the end, what matters most is what you feel — what your heart tells you. A big part of it is psychological: you have to learn to control your thoughts, stay calm, keep a clear mind, and face whatever comes your way.
You have to overcome everything that appears on the journey, step by step.

What was happening in your head?

I simply wanted to travel and experience as much as possible — and that is exactly what I am doing now. I am grateful that I even have this opportunity.
In my head, it was quite simple: I wanted to explore, to try everything, and to push myself. I often aim for maximalism in everything I do, and that is reflected in my travels as well. I want to get the most out of every experience, every place, and every moment.
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What are the most amazing things about living this way?

The most amazing thing is that you can do what you want, when you want. You are free to decide your own direction every day.
I actually enjoy thinking about where to pitch my tent tonight more than worrying about everyday things like where to buy a nice plate.
It gives me a sense of freedom and simplicity that I truly value.

Living the way you do, what has been the hardest part of this experience?

Since this lifestyle is very active, the pace of life is extremely fast, and sometimes it becomes exhausting. It can be very intense — in just a few days, you pass through many countries or cities, and you don’t always have enough time to truly be in the moment or enjoy it fully.
Sometimes I wish I could slow everything down, but I believe that will naturally come with time.
Another challenge is that you constantly have to make important and rational decisions. In everyday life, but especially while traveling, you don’t have the luxury of staying in your comfort zone — you have to survive, stay healthy, and stay safe.
It is a life without limits, but because of that, you also have to stay fully in control at all times.

What would you suggest to people dreaming about this lifestyle?

First of all, ask yourself an honest question — do you really want this, and are you ready to handle it? I did not ask myself that at the beginning, and it is not an easy journey.
It is challenging to find balance, especially when you also have friends, family, relationships, and a social life. Sometimes you don’t even have time for yourself. Between travel, events, and everything else, even basic things like rest, sleep, and nutrition become very important — but also easy to neglect.
However, if you truly love it and are ready to move mountains for it, you will find a way to make it work and you will endure. For me, the biggest challenge is finding balance. I am not sure what yours would be.

What are the first steps in preparation?

For the bold ones, preparation is sometimes not necessary — you just start.
For others, the first step is to create at least a small plan. Then, don’t be afraid of what other people say, and start living the way you truly want instead of fitting into society’s expectations.
It is about making a decision, committing to it, and taking that first step out of your comfort zone. I believe it is important to start small and gradually move toward bigger challenges. Begin with short periods, then extend them over time — and through that process, you will understand whether this lifestyle is truly meant for you.

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

Yes, definitely. I always plan my year in advance, usually at the end of the previous year or during the season. At this point, my entire year — and even part of the next — is already quite full.
It is a mix of cycling, kayaking, sailing, events, projects, and exhibitions — a variety of experiences. For me, it is always project after project, event after event, journey after journey. I use spring, summer, and autumn for travel and adventures, and in winter I work to cover costs and manage the logistics of the season.
That is my lifestyle and my way of living — fully present, but always moving forward. There are many adventures ahead, and I am ready to experience and complete them all.

Follow my journey on:

erikajaand.com
@erika_jaand