Ieva’s story: “Looking for Freedom, Finding Myself”

From the forests of Dzūkija to the beaches of Bali, Ieva’s journey is one of courage and awakening. What began as a search for freedom became a path back to herself — to nature, to simplicity, and to a life lived with open heart and fearless soul.

Tell us your story.

My story began in a small town in Dzūkija, Lithuania. I grew up there with my loving parents, younger brother, and sister, surrounded by forests, rivers, and lakes. As a child, I was completely in love with nature. But then came my rebellious teenage years and university in Vilnius, and I lost that connection. I forgot my hobbies, my bond with nature, and, in a way, who I really was.
After university, I got a job and fell into routine. Life became about chasing what everyone else said I should want: a steady paycheck, a car, a house, maybe a vacation twice a year. That became my whole world.
Then Covid happened—and honestly, it was the best thing that could have happened to me. Isolation forced me back to nature, and back to myself. I realized I was living someone else’s version of life, doing what looked “right” and “normal” instead of what I actually wanted.
I’d never been much of a traveler, but something inside me shifted. I had always felt drawn to Southeast Asia, so in spring 2022, as Covid restrictions were lifting, I took a month-long solo trip to Thailand. That trip changed everything. I’ll never forget lying under a palm tree on Koh Phangan, looking up at the stars, listening to the ocean. Right then and there, I made a decision: I would return to Lithuania only to quit my job, tie up loose ends, and then come back to Southeast Asia for good.
That’s exactly what I did. I spent the summer in Lithuania, living in my childhood home, reconnecting with nature, and preparing for the biggest adventure of my life. By autumn, I had left my job, sold everything I owned, and boarded a plane. But life had other plans. Instead of Thailand, I ended up in Bali, Indonesia. I thought I’d stay a few months before continuing on—but here I am, still in Bali, answering these questions from what is now my home.

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

My life was completely ordinary. I worked 9 to 5, met friends on weekends, went to parties, or spent time alone trying to figure myself out. By my late 30s, life in Lithuania became too heavy. I was always swinging between extremes, and it wasn’t until Covid isolation—just me and my thoughts—that I realized I needed something more.
Don’t get me wrong, I was happy. But I never felt like myself, never felt truly understood. I had a good life, but I needed more than “good.” I needed freedom. Real freedom—not the kind I saw everyone else living.

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

My journey isn’t over—it’s happening every single day. I went looking for freedom and found myself instead. Travel forces you out of your comfort zone. When you can’t just run home to your parents when things get tough, you grow faster. You realize you’re the only one responsible for every choice you make.

Do you feel your life has turned out differently than you once thought?

Five years ago, I couldn’t have imagined this life. Not just living on a tropical island, traveling through the US and South America, or having friends all over the world. The biggest surprise is who I’ve become. My personality has changed. My worldview has expanded. I know what I want now, and I trust my gut.
I used to think I knew myself—what kind of life I wanted, what I expected from others. But I was wrong. To truly know yourself—not the version shaped by other people’s expectations—takes serious work. But it’s possible, if you keep your mind and heart open.

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

I could list a million things—maybe I wouldn’t have gone to university, maybe I’d have made different career or relationship choices. But today, I can honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing. Every choice, every mistake, every person I’ve met brought me here. And I’m grateful for it all.

If someone is secretly dreaming about this lifestyle, what would you tell them?

Don’t be afraid—especially not of yourself. Taking that first step is the hardest. My journey hasn’t been perfect—it’s been painful at times. But pain teaches. Pain brings change.
I don’t want to romanticize this lifestyle—it’s not for everyone. Dropping everything and moving abroad can be lonely and overwhelming. But it can also be deeply transformative. The most important journey is the one within yourself.
If you’re dreaming about this life, start with self-work: learn to be comfortable alone, spend time in nature, journal, meditate. Those are the real building blocks of a fulfilling life.

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

If buying a one-way ticket to Bali counts as my life’s biggest adventure, then yes—it was terrifying. Honestly, it still is, because I’m still living it. But staying in my comfort zone scares me even more.
Traveling through the US and South America with my partner was another huge adventure. We met in Bali, and going together made it easier. Most of the time, fear comes from the unknown. Now I know I wouldn’t be afraid to visit Brazil or Colombia alone. We fear what we don’t understand.
Of course, you need common sense: don’t flash valuables, avoid unsafe areas, trust your instincts. But I’ve learned that we attract what we put out. If you approach travel with respect, openness, and kindness, things usually work out.

What was happening in your head?

Whenever I start a new journey, I go in with zero expectations. I don’t feel panic—only excitement. I’m not much of a planner. The best moments of my travels happen spontaneously—through people I meet, or decisions made in the moment.

What are the most amazing things about living in Bali?

Bali isn’t perfect—it’s not all Instagram highlights. Lithuania has its own advantages: stunning nature, safety, a fair legal system, freedom to travel across Europe.
But I love tropical life: the warmth, the beaches, the multicultural community, the healthy lifestyle. What I treasure most, though, are the people I’ve met—their stories inspire me every day.

What was the hardest part of this lifestyle?

Starting a business here was really tough. It’s much more complicated than in Lithuania. Thankfully, online opportunities are endless now. I write my blog, evejiyu.com, and help people who feel stuck and want change.
I do miss Lithuanian nature, family, and friends. But technology helps us stay connected. Some friendships have even grown stronger since I left, while others faded away—and that’s okay. Life changes, and I accept it with gratitude.

What would you suggest to people dreaming about this lifestyle?

Don’t be afraid, and stay open. Life unfolds the way it’s meant to, but you’re responsible for your choices. Grow as a person, and your dream life will find you.

What are the first steps in preparation?

Start with yourself. Ask: Who am I really? What passions did I forget? What would I do if I could choose freely?
Write every day, even for five minutes. Meditate. Walk in nature. Self-awareness is the first step toward freedom.

What are your next steps?

Right now, I feel peaceful. My life itself is the adventure. I’m focused on building my personal brand Eve Jiyū, writing, and creating. I want to share the tools that helped me—journaling and mindfulness—so others can find freedom too.
I truly believe knowing yourself opens every door. If I’ve found ways to do it, I want to pass them on. That’s my biggest project: to be useful, to share love, and to live free.

Follow my journey on:

Blog: evejiyu.com
Instagram: eve.jiyu
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