THE WANDERLUSTERS MIND PODCAST

Abby Lewtas 11/9/18 Abby Lewtas 11/9/18

Fostering resilience, gratitude and independence during travels with Rowena Mabbott.

Rowena is a Life Coach and writer and was bitten by the travel bug early with her first round-the-world trip at age eleven. Since then she has travelled to attend school in the US, lived and worked in the UK, travelled through Europe and Africa. Rowena loves planning family travel and is now committed to ensuring her two boys are also bitten by the travel bug.

Rowena stepped out of her comfort zone and begun to form her independence. She now helps others through difficult transitions.

About Rowena

As a 16-year-old, Rowena attended school in the midwest of the US over Thanksgiving & Christmas. Then, as an 18-year old she worked as a housemistress in an English boarding school for 12 months on a GAP year, travelling through the UK and Europe on weekends and during the school holidays.

Both experiences tested Rowena's resilience and broadened her view of the world putting her out of her comfort zone and living with people she either barely knew or who were complete strangers. That alone was an adjustment. Rowena also became much more aware of how fortunate and grateful she was to live where she does

“Travelling is really different and it’s amazing but its also quite a good reminder about how fortunate we are that we don’t have to have that experience of living in one space and not know anything about anywhere else.”

— Rowena Mabbott

When coming home...

Emotions Rowena faced - She felt lonely and alone with no friends. She felt like she didn't fit in anywhere. She felt uncomfortable and a sense of longing to head back to the UK.
What changed for Rowena - Willing to meet other people (and her how people) and put your self out there. Being friendly and opening conversations.
Biggest stress - No money and being a complete dependant with no job to return to. Fostering new and old friendships back home.
How Rowena used her mindset - Used mantras like "you can do this." and "it's not so bad." Knowing that she was stronger than she thought she was because of her travelling experiences. Feeling grateful for her family and living in Australia.
3 Lessons learned from travel and reverse culture shock

You never know someone else's story and not to judge people based on your own assumptions.
Change is a constant but we can choose how we approach it.
Travelling is the best way to learn about yourself.

Advise to herself for returning home - Don't stress out, it will all work out. Give yourself time, find your people and it will all fall into place.

“Everybody has got a story and unless you take the time to say hello and greet them, you might not know it.”

— Rowena Mabbott

Travelling the US in their RV with Sarah and Zach Varnell

Sarah and Zach work from anywhere (remote information security consultants) with their 2-year-old Yorkie. They love all things travel. Their podcast Thinking Liberty seeks ways to encourage others to get out there and explore.

Sarah and Zach lived in an RV travelling the US for 2 years. They spent two months in South America, with their dog, working remotely and then vacationing in Patagonia. Exploring new cities and state parks was a highlight. They believe there is something so freeing about knowing that you could just pick up and move somewhere new at any time.

Instead of buying house Sarah and Zach bought an RV and moved in full time to travel the US

About Sarah and Zach

“Think through your processes and thoughts and dont let them overwhelm you.”

— Sarah Varnell

When coming home...

Emotions and differences Sarah and Zach faced - Realisations of all the family and friend 'life' events that they had missed whilst they were away. Peoples lives had gone on and they had missed part of it.
Biggest stress Sarah and Zach encountered - Fear of missing out on things happening at home but also when returning home what they were missing when not travelling.
How Sarah and Zach supported themselves - They had each other and felt blessed that they will be able to lean on each other during this transition.
How Sarah and Zach's mindset changed after their travels - More mindful of whats really important (physically), what adds value and what will matter to them in years from now.
3 Lessons learned from travel and reverse culture shock

Experience over material things - the more you experience the more you value.
Make the most of your time.
Open to learning new skills such as languages and fixing and maintaining the RV.

Advise to themselves when returning home - Be more open, make the most of your experiances and dont fear missing out.

“Whats really important, what is really going to add value to my life and what is really going to matter to me a couple of years from now.”

— Sarah Varnell

Aimee Wilson - Trusting herself and following her passion of working with horses.

Aimee is a Life Coach, Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator, Speaker, Sacred Space holder and super passionate about the power of working with horses.

Aimee took off to work at a Summer Camp in the United States. She then travelled to London and returned to the States for another summer. Upon returning home she found her partner, her passion and started a new life.

Aimee is now an Intuition & Embodiment Coach who encourages women to listen to their inner voice, unblock their fears, and pursue the things that are calling to them from deep within.

1.5 years abroad working at summer camp in the U.S. and in London, coming home and following her true desires.

About Aimee

Aimee is a Life Coach, Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator, Speaker, Sacred Space holder and super passionate about the power of working with horses.

Aimee is now an Intuition & Embodiment Coach who encourages women to listen to their inner voice, unblock their fears, and pursue the things that are calling to them from deep within.

“I started with what I knew.”

— Aimee Wilson

When coming home...

Emotions Aimee faced - Unsure if she should continue travelling. Felt like the time to go home. Strange, like she had not been away. Things were the same. It felt good to be home but also felt mundane. Aimee felt lost.
What had changed - Nothing had changed! Had a better sense of self. Tried to recreate the travelling vibe by moving to the snow.
Biggest stress - No clear career path, no money or savings.
How Aimee supported herself - Starting with what she knew and went back to hospitality work.
How did her mindset change - Positive mindset and being able to rely on herself.
3 Lessons learned from travel and reverse culture shock

Trust yourself
I had inner strength that I could use and rely on.
I was capable

Advise to herself for returning home - Not much as there is so much learning on the journey. It will all be ok. Trust your passions and what lights you up, dont just do whats expected.