It is tiiiiime! The past several weeks have been all about taking the final BIG steps before my life changes significantly. Before I say more, allow me to put things into perspective.
In October 2014, I was a blushing bride in a poofy designer wedding gown. A few months later, my new husband said we had made a mistake to get married, and things were never the same. I will spare you the details of heartbreak and betrayal during those months…months that were depressing, confusing, and challenging to say the least. 2015 was a year of transition and growth, and that growth set me up for a life I never would have imagined two short years ago. My divorce was officially final in May 2016, even though the separation and damage occurred months before that. Now, officially on my own with no ties or desire to stay in one place, I feel free and ready to put myself first.
I recently bought a one-way ticket to Ecuador and quit my corporate job. (Mic drop.) As a type A, resident overachiever, MBA, and planner, this is very out of the box for me, and while most people have been supportive of my decision, it has definitely raised a few eyebrows. “How can you do this?” “Soooo what’s your life plan?” “What will you do when you get back?” “WHEN are you coming back?” I get it. My lack of structure and fitting inside the box of what a 30-something year old should be doing (according to a few) makes some people uncomfortable. It’s ok. They aren’t me! 🙂 Here’s my response: I am doing what makes me happy right now. I am striving to live in the moment and be fully present. I no longer want to dwell on the past or worry about the future. I want to explore other cultures, use my Spanish, and share una cerveza with the locals. I want to volunteer. I want to explore. I want to learn more about myself as a single unit, no longer as a girl who co-existed with someone else for nearly 10 years.
The launch of my new site, Wandering Dawn, was inspired by my quest to live a more fulfilling life. Don’t get me wrong, I never thought that life was bad before. The difference is that last year changed me. You don’t come out of an experience like that the same person. Now, I am living a life solo and getting to know Asia 2.0. I didn’t realize it at the time, but the series of events I endured put me on a path towards something much greater than I can even fully comprehend. I don’t know exactly where this one-way ticket to Quito will take me, but I am ready to find out. The possibilities are endless, and I hope you will join me on this journey!
A final parting thought. This question was recently posed in a yoga class and it resonated with me: Are you living your life out of fear or curiosity?
xo
Asia Dawn
You’re stronger than ever and I’m excited for your journey! While I’ll miss you terribly I am so happy for you and looking forward to following along.
Xoxo
Thank you friend for always supporting me! I am going to miss you so much! xoxoxoxo
Wow, Asia, I had no idea about this new journey… but good for you and good luck! I hope you have an amazing, life-changing experience!
Thank you, Jen!
Asia you are beautiful inside and out and I have always known your challenges will make you stronger and better than before. It’s all about personal growth and I’m so excited for this new adventurous, brave journey you are about to take. Wonderful things lie ahead of you! Best of luck!
Thanks, Jessica!
Asia- you truly are beautiful inside and out. You are SUCH a strong and inspiring woman and I am honored to have a friend like you in my life. I will miss you, my friend, but I am so happy for you and know you will be living life to the fullest on your journey 🙂 XOXO- Sarah W.
Aww thank you for the kind words friend! I will miss you too!
You are such an inspiration Asia! I had no idea you were on this journey… Good for you. I really admire your courage and and so happy for you in this new chapter of your life!
Hi Analisa! Thank you for the encouragement!
Asia, first of all what beautiful pictures! Second -I’m so very proud of you for taking these steps because only You know what will bring contentment to Asia. I’m also proud that the things that have made you sad and depressed have not taken anything from you but have only made you strive for something deeper out of life. I know you and I are not at all close friends but honestly I have admired your spunk, spirit and brilliancy from afar. I pray for you and pray that you find more than you are looking for. Enjoy the “solo” act as some of have never really had that opportunity.
Thank you for the kind words, Terrie. I really appreciate them. It is so nice to hear from you.
Wow. What an incredible description of your worldview today and a powerful way to take charge of your direction. I wish you complete freedom, purpose, peace and blissful joy wandering. I will follow you for sure!
Thank you so much! I love the idea of blissful joy wandering. 🙂
I love this plan and am crazy jealous. Best of luck in your adventures. I can’t wait to read about it all!
Thank you! I’m ready for adventure.
Well howzabout that!! Way to go dear friend. I look forward to checking in on your travels periodically. I will hold space for magic to happen to you!!
Hey Patrick! I appreciate you holding that space! Ready to make magic happen.
Dear Asia,
Looking forward to reading YOUR book!
I have long admired your spirit, strength and sense of self. All best on your new adventure.
Safe journey.
Hugs and love, Gail
Thank you so much for the kind words, Gail! xo
Get it girl!!! Find live music and dance with the locals! Buy the music from the places you visit and may the sparkle in the eyes of kind people bring you peace and continued curiosity!!! You are wonderfully strong and I admire your courage. Enjoy You 2.0! ?
Thank you Julia! That is a great idea to buy music from everywhere I go. Love it!
Praying for you sweet girl!
Thank you, Julia!
minus the heartache I love this post and am so impressed and in awe of you. You are a strong, beautiful go-getter and you will crush living in the moment. ?
Thank you for always being there for me. Ready to crush it 🙂
This is so exciting! AS a fellow type-A, overachieving planner, I will be undoubtedly living vicariously through you! You are an amazing woman and I can’t wait to read about all the incredible paths you find yourself on during this wonderous journey! <3 TLAM! ~~~~~
From one type-A to another, thank you! xoxo
Asia-
What a powerful message your are sending out to the world about your incredible inner-strength. Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing your story. It resonates with me as I too am on a path to getting to know the solo me again. Your message gives me strength and excitement! I wish you all the best in your travels and journey in discovering Asia 2.0!
Thank you, Lauryn! I was so nervous to publish this blog post, but it ended up being very therapeutic and freeing in the end. The support I’ve received has been wonderful. I am sending you strength and good vibes as you get to know the solo you too!
I’m so very excited for you and can’t wait to hear about all your adventures. I think the answer to people’s questions should be; “Why not?” 🙂
Haha yes. That is also a perfectly appropriate response. Keeping it in my back pocket. 🙂
Wow, what a beautiful way to live your life. I respect you for finally living life in the moment and for YOU!!! Way to go by making a sad situation a situation that takes incredible strength. I cannot wait to follow wandering Asia on this incredibly adventure. You go girl!!!
Thank you so much, Judi! xo
Holy sh#%^it balls! I’m so excited for you! Will I get to see you before you go?
Thank youuuu! I hope to see you this weekend!
So proud of you and happy for your new adventure! Can’t wait to follow along!
So happy and proud of you! This is truly awesome. I will be sending you good vibes and look forward to keeping up with your new adventures!
TLAM, Shannon
Wow!! So excited for you and proud of you for following your heart! You undoubtably have an amazing adventure ahead in you quest to explore not only the world but who Asia 2.0 is 🙂 TLAM
I love you, travel safe and I look forward to seeing and hearing all about your new adventure! You deserve happiness now go conquer the world!
Love oxox,
Terri
Happy for you sister! Looking forward to reading about your adventure. You are an inspiration to me always and I love you very much.
Wow. Increíble, Asia.
Estaremos muy pendientes de tus aventuras, y si algún día se te cruza México en la cabeza, no dudes en contactarme para tomarnos una cerveza.
Abrazo fuerte, buen viaje y buena vida 😉
Asia,
You are a fine example of how one should live their life, although very scary and against all of the “stability towards the future” focus that has been beaten into us all since high school. My daughter (Naia-9) and I will follow your journey to let her see that life is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest and in the “now”. It is ok to be scared, but to not let fear control your life. Thank you and good luck!
Tom C.
Congratulations and best of luck on your upcoming adventure. Your bravery and positivity is something to be admired! I look forward to reading about your travels!