England, UK, 2018

I’m in my mid-20s, living life on the road. All I really have is my backpack, a few friends, stories, and mistakes. And I have to remind myself often that this is enough.

My dream is to create the life I truly want, and maybe, one day, share it with someone I love—when we’re both ready. There’s no rush.

I watch my friends in awe as they settle down, start families, buy their first homes, get promotions, and build their lives step by step. I know that, one day, that will be me too—when the time feels right.

But right now, I feel worlds away from every expectation placed on me by family or society. I feel distant from the traditional path, the “normal life.” I’m not here to say what’s right or wrong. I just know what hasn’t worked for me so far, and what I’m not even interested in trying. I think that’s what freedom feels like.

There are so many places left to go, people to meet, waves to surf, lessons to learn. Sure, not having a clear plan, a steady future, a house, a partner, or children might seem crazy to some—and even to me, at times. Because, yes, I do want those things someday, but only when I’m truly ready. Whenever that may be.

For now, all I want is to understand why I’m here. And I’ll keep searching for those answers, wherever they may lead me—hopefully all over the world.