 This time she’s off to Nepal to work in an orphanage that has recently added a school to its list of facilities. Olivia and I met in Aviemore, a wee little town in the Scottish Highlands where we were both living and working at the time. We kept in contact after we went our different ways and five years ago we met again when we were both back in Australia.
From that point on our relationship bloomed. I’m not sure if you’ve ever had a best mate like Olivia, but she’s as good a friend as anyone could ever wish for. She’s always there when you need her, and we just clicked as good mates do.
 Like many people, Olivia felt a calling. She wanted to make a difference and help others in countries less fortunate than ours. After travelling throughout Asia she decided to live and work in Malaysia and teach young children English. She has had an amazing two years, not only teaching and making a massive difference in children’s lives, but also travelling and really experiencing all that life has to offer.
Now Olivia will be working with children from the orphanage in Kathmandu giving them love, guidance, support, an education and, most importantly, hope. Without people like Olivia who travel and volunteer their skills and experience, places like this orphanage would struggle to break the cycle of poverty. They have identified that the living standard for children within orphanages in Kathmandu, and the broader region around them, are sub-standard. Part of Olivia’s role will be to build it into a clean, loving, orphanage and use it as a training facility so other ‘carers’ can come and see the way an orphanage should be run.
So in saying goodbye to my best mate, I take comfort from knowing that she is truly living her dreams of changing the world for the better. As hard as goodbyes are, I’m so proud of her for following her heart. She has made the tough decision to leave her family and friends behind, to travel to a far off land, so that she can be true to herself and follow her heart and her passion. What an inspiration!
“The world is a book, and those who do not
travel read only a page.”
- St Augustine
So what is it that you’ve been putting off? What was that burning desire you had when you were young? What still sparks that passion within you to really make a difference? Stop for a moment and listen to your heart. If you were to be true to yourself what would you be doing?
Whatever it is, I implore you to follow it. Live a life that’s worth living, and live it without regrets. It takes guts and determination to follow your dreams; do you have what it takes?
 If you’re really ready to step up and start living life and need a little assistance to get started, please give me a call on 4296 9331 and we can work on it together.
If you like what I’m writing or would like to give me some feedback, I’d love to hear from you. Shoot me an email at jodie@advancedcoachingsolutions.com.au | 
