I’m taking a little break.

I’ve got a one-way ticket to Southeast Asia… I’m about to go solo backpacking for I-don’t-know how long.

It’s been a busy few years - building my business, chasing external validation, measuring my worth through grades, race times, podcast downloads, business bookings… all the things society perceived as 'successes.'

But now, it's time to step away from all of that.

I’ve been a student, a lecturer, a keynote speaker, a podcast host. Bbut rarely do I take time to acknowledge Lara.

So this trip isn’t just about exploring a new place. It’s about reconnecting with me - without all the pressures, the expectations, or the constant need to perform.

It will be about embracing the present moment, spontaneity, appreciating the beauty in just being - not always chasing the next thing.

I want to wake up, not feel the pull of my laptop, not measure the value of my day by productivity.

I want to wander aimlessly, learn to be okay without an immediate plan, do things for the pure joy of it, form connections, have impactful conversations with people from all walks of life.

I know it will take time to fully transition and let go, as this mindset is deeply ingrained. But I hope to gradually shed the constant pressure to 'do' and learn to simply be - to embrace stillness, presence, and the freedom that comes with letting go of the need to always be moving forward.

See you sometime in the future - for no doubt, many incredible stories, revelations and memories.

In this episode, I’m joined by a familiar face - Brittany! In our previous podcast conversation, she shared her journey of recovering from anorexia. But today, we’re diving deeper, reflecting on how both of us have grown and evolved since then.

This episode isn’t just about recovery or returning to a baseline. It’s about the transformative journey that comes after, a journey of self-discovery, healing, and re-establishing who you are at your core. Together, we explore what it means to reconnect with your authentic self, find alignment, and carve out a life of purpose and fulfilment.

We first dive into the weight of societal expectations and how they can shape our decisions and identities, often leaving us feeling dissatisfied, and disconnected from our true selves. Both Britt and I have experienced the burden of doing what we thought was expected of us, rather than being fully honest about what we truly desire.

But a recent trip provided Britt the opportunity to reflect, giving her fresh perspective and motivated her to begin building a life that aligned with her true self.

Similarly, I am preparing to embark on a one way solo trip to Asia. For me, this trip is about stripping back labels and routines, distancing myself away from relentless cycles of work, productivity and burnout, and instead begin to reconnect with myself as just Lara.

So, together, we explore the transformative power of relinquishing control, learning to embrace uncertainty and unpredictability, finding beauty in simply being, and rediscovering the joy of intentional living. It’s about embracing who we truly are, taking steps toward a life that feels honest and fulfilling, rediscovering passions, showing up authentically, and aligning with what truly matters.


Find Brittany:

@souluna.co.nz

Previous Episode: #23 Life with Anorexia: Malnourishment, Treatment Refusal, Dysmorphic Mindsets & Seeking Validation

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6PyqkZezBbYcSaj9v5UEAz?autoplay=true

As my master's journey concludes, it feels surreal to witness the culmination of countless hours of dedication. This academic pursuit has been central to my life, shaping my routines and lifestyle, making it bittersweet to transition away from something so integral to my identity.

This journey has been both rewarding and challenging. I've learned, grown, and formed amazing relationships, realised my true capabilities and discovered areas that align with my fundamental values - potential avenues I can leverage in the future. However, my perfectionism and drive have also led to moments of self-doubt and burnout. While these traits are often seen positively, they have pushed me to the edge at times.

Beyond academics, this journey has been deeply personal. Academic theories and concepts have mirrored my own path, offering a lens through which I could see my growth and gain clarity.

Beyond academics, this journey has been personal, almost cathartic. The theories and concepts I've studied have not just been subjects to memorise for exams - they've resonated with my own experiences and challenges. They reflect my personal journey, and offer a lens through which I could view my own growth, allowing me to gain clarity and uncover a deeper understanding of myself.

But now, it's time for a much-needed pause. I’m allowing myself to breathe, reassess, and reconnect with myself. For too long, I've equated my worth with productivity, accomplishments, how many tasks I’ve ticked off, and how many hours of work I’ve been able to cram in. I need to redefine success and embrace balance, remembering that my value isn't tied to academic achievements.

Overall, this journey has been intense and transformative. While I've loved it, I now realise the need for distance. I'm grateful for the experiences and insights gained, and I'm ready to just be Lara, open to whatever comes next.