Project Me

Palawan, Philippines

After nearly a decade in corporate, I decided it was time for a break! I posted about this on Instagram and my inbox flooded with inquiries. Now that I’m in Bali, the questions are getting pretty intense so I’m compelled to write a blog post about my upcoming plans!

People asked me Why? (I did it), How? (I did it), When? (I’ll go back), Where? (I’ll go), and What? (I’ll do)… all sorts of questions came through. It seems as though this journey is desired by many. So, I’ll answer some questions here!

Why did I do it?

I’ve worked extremely hard over the last decade and have experienced great success. But about a year ago, I realized there were so many things I wanted to experience and see, but I just didn’t have the time for it. Between work, travel, my side business, relationships, and my devotion to a healthy lifestyle, there was literally no time for anything else. I wasn’t able to give my all to things that I loved, because I was spread so thin. It's also no secret that I LOVE travel. It's something I knew I've always wanted to do long-term and was determined to make it happen.

So, I started planning for a break. I didn’t have a timeline as to when I would take it, but I knew I wanted the option one day. Earlier this year the universe very explicitly revealed to me that it was time. I burnt out. Thankfully I had prepped enough that I could take my break, stress-free. Which segues nicely to….

The How

This is probably my most frequently-asked question. The assumptions are actually quite amusing. I’ve been asked if I’m rich (I’m not), if I have a sugar daddy (I don’t), and if I’m a drug dealer (LOL – no). The answer is actually quite simple: I saved and planned for this.

A long time ago I stopped buying “stuff” and my disposable income started going solely towards travel and saving. I live very humbly and keep low expenses. I don’t have debt (conquered that beast 3 years ago), I don’t own a car or have any loans, I live in a small apartment, and I don’t shop unnecessarily. I’m self-sufficient, so I do my own nails and hair. I live a very simple and low-maintenance life. I wasn't always this way, but a while ago I decided to focus on things that really mattered to me and brought me joy. When I dug deep,  I realized that didn’t include “things”.

That being said, I have a lot more money to put towards savings. I decided to take 20% of my income and put it into a “Project Me” account.  This is separate from my long-term savings and investments. My "Project Me" account grew and when the time came to take my break, I was ready. I quit my job and started this journey! I did ensure I left my job on excellent terms, so that if I want to go back, I know the option will be there!

Ubud, Bali

When will I go back [to corporate]?

One of the purposes of this journey is to live in the moment and be present – so I don’t know, and I'm okay with that. I’m living day by day and taking it step by step. I may very well decide in 4-6 months that I’m ready to go back. I may also love this journey so much that I decide to take a year, or two! This is one question I don't want to answer just yet :)

Where will I go?

This is the most exciting question! Well, I’ve a planned a bit but I really want to go with the flow! I’m writing this post from a café in Bali. If you know me, you know Bali is my happy place, so the journey had to start here! Bali will help ground me, help me gain clarity, and I’ll be in an environment that will inspire me to cultivate some passions. In a month’s time, I’m off to Europe! That, I won’t plan at all. I have a ticket in and out of Milan and about 6-7 weeks to gallivant in between, Lol. My desired countries include: Italy, Croatia, Greece, England, and Portugal. But if I love one country, I’ll just stay there! After Europe, the sky is the limit! I’ll go wherever the wind takes me for as long as I feel the need.

Jaipur, India

 

What will I do?

This is the second most exciting question! I’m so pumped to just do what I want while exploring! I don’t have concrete answers yet, but I do have some desires.

While in Bali, I want a health reset. I’m going vegan for the month and plan to workout daily. I want to meditate, and recenter myself. This is best way for me to start this journey. I long to practice yoga and mindfulness properly (with dedication) … so I’ll do that every day for the month.

In Europe, I want to explore and really get out of my comfort zone. I want to absorb different cultures, eat all the food, and try cooking classes in every country. I want to meet loads of people, dance my heart out, and visit beautiful beaches. I’m most excited to sit in cafés and people watch!

Other desires for this journey include things I’ve always wanted to do, but have never had the time. This list is so long, but a few ideals include diving, skydiving, hiking, singing, focusing on my business, writing, and creating.

I’m also excited to cultivate relationships… spend hours connecting with people I’ve lost contact with over the years because I’ve been so “busy”.

Throughout this entire journey I also plan to be the healthiest version of myself. I want to move every damn day, and just feel incredible.

So there you have it! This is the plan. I truly don’t write this to be boastful, but I’m hoping it will help you. My journey may be very different from what you crave, but in the end, I want to inspire you to take control of what YOU want. I want to encourage you to live your best and most authentic life!

Love Always,

Tameika

Xo