I’ve been MIA for the past couple of months, but I’m back and I’m another year older. As some of you may know, I decided after my 25^th birthday that I wanted to celebrate all of my subsequent birthday’s (until 30) travelling somewhere new as I was becoming bored with the usual birthday dinners (this is not a reflection of the company of course). Whilst I’ve always enjoyed planning birthday events and spending it with my loved ones, I was in need of a change. I’ve been blessed enough to have been able to have travelled outside of the UK for my last 3 birthdays:

Chapter 26 was spent in the South of France

Chapter 27 in New York at a friends wedding 

This year’s destination was Sardinia thanks to one of my best friends who surprised me (I’m so loved!).

Chapter 28

It is so refreshing being in new surroundings as I start a new age. It allows me to refocus and clear my mind whilst exploring a new part of the world. Enabling me to return home with a renewed mind and a fresh perspective. I’m of the opinion that everyone should travel, but please note that your adventures do not need to break your bank balance, it is more than possible to see the world on a budget.

I believe that travelling is good for your mental and emotional well being; it allows you to break your usual routine by meeting new people, trying new foods and experiencing new cultures. Dependent on what type of traveller you are is dependent on how you visit the several wonders of this world. Whether you choose to spend your time on the beach reading a new book or walking the back roads of old historic towns, it’s all an experience and memories that no one can ever take from you.

Honestly, I’m not the most thrill seeking woman but there’s something about trying new things in a new place that is quite satisfying. Confession… I can’t swim (yes I know, it’s on my To Do list) but I love being in/ by the water -it’s so peaceful. So with encouragement (although at the time I called it peer pressure) I went with my friends and our new local friends on a pedal boat out in the middle of the sea. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared but I bit the bullet and agreed to go. Also, I have to note that we paid 5 Euros each for an hour out at sea, what a bargain. (See a snapchat chronicle below).

I’m blessed to have a diverse group of close knit friends with varying personalities. As I’m not the first to initiate making friends with locals, that’s not to say I’m not a friendly person, but I am more on the reserved side. It was such a blessing to meet new people with good hearts on this most recent trip.  I had my birthday dinner at a beautiful family owned restaurant called Il Faná and ended the evening at Caffe Libarium. Thank you Alessandro and Daniele for being perfect hosts.

Being away from home allows for much need relaxation from the usual stresses of life. You have to take care of you, if you don’t then who else will? Even if you can’t get the time off work, go away for the weekend. If your budget won’t take you half way across the world, there are many things that you can do to take some much needed rest and relaxation. Organise a road trip, save your mileage and book a coach in advance and spend a few days away from home, invite a friend or go alone, do what is best for YOU. Write a list of places you want to travel to and a list of things you wish to do. I know it sounds cliché but I have a bucket list (still a work in progress) and a list of things I wish to do before I turn 30. In fact I have quite a few lists (maybe too many) but lists help me put everything into perspective and helps me to not be complacent and lose sight of my goals.

It is so easy to just go through the regular motions of life and before you know it you wake up and wonder what you did with your youth. I don’t know about you but I want to live my life on purpose.  So what now you may ask, well I’m back home, back to work, back to reality, nonetheless I feel great! Now I need to think of the things I wish to achieve before the end of 2016, as there are only 4 months left of the year…scary but exciting.

Ms Tomilola

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