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Brandi Wiatrak's avatar

You’re such a wonderful writer! Digging through all your posts and I love them all!

Proud of you for leaving the familiar and starting anew.

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Claire at Backpacking Bella's avatar

Thank you so much for saying that Brandi, I'm touched! So happy you're enjoying it. Travelling the world was such a rich experience in so many ways. Honestly, in my case half the battle was actually convincing myself to do it haha. I can't wait to read your writing too!

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Maïlys Ray's avatar

Definitely love reading your words Claire! This Italian trip resonated a lot with me as I did an Erasmus in Milan ages ago and I used to go on little trips in Italy with my international friends on weekends. I've never felt freer and more careless than during these few months.

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Claire at Backpacking Bella's avatar

I'm so happy you experienced this too!

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Veronica Llorca-Smith's avatar

I loved your story, Claire!

It won’t be the last I will be reading from you :)

That way of looking at your life was so thought-provoking and I really appreciate how open and honest you were.

PS: I’m a travel aficionado too and I did an Erasmus in Bologna so the Italian flavor was a definitely a plus for me.

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Claire at Backpacking Bella's avatar

Thanks so much for your comment, Veronica! Doing an Erasmus in Bologna must have been a wonderful experience. I adore Italy!

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Renee Puvvada's avatar

This is an absolutely lovely tale, Claire!

So many of us, myself included, have been in the deep, dark place you described. It's probably more common than not. The Wheel of Life exercise seemed to really help. I remember doing a similar exercise for my business recently too, and the results were a little sad, but really eye-opening.

Your Italy trip looked wonderful. The sparkle in your eyes and your friends' eyes is intoxicating. Can't wait to feel those feelings again. Maybe they're not as far away as we think.

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Claire at Backpacking Bella's avatar

Thanks so much, Renee! You're right, it can be good to do these kinds of exercises to get clarity on your life and your business. It's important to know which aspects are aligned with our values and where misalignment causing us unhappiness. My Italy trip was so much fun!! A moment of escape and fresh perspective can do us the world of good too.

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