The Place Where I Can Be My Own Hero. New Zealand

 

I took a big risk to journey to New Zealand. I left a steady job and paycheck. I had a fabulous Brooklyn apartment and a sexy social life. I craved the spontaneity in life and wanted to solve my personal mystery of the other side of the world. I went to get lost in myself. Without that adventure, I wouldn’t be where I am today– a hero in my own right. I battled the ugly monster of self-doubt and prepared to take that battle to the depths of Middle-Earth.

I’ve always been hard on myself– constantly measuring myself up to others. In New York City, I found that the world’s best employees compete at their profession, almost as if for sport. I thrived off of that indescribable energy running under the island of Manhattan. I have aspirations just like anyone but I didn’t think another winter in New York would inspire me enough to truly pursue a passion in writing. Deep down, I knew another island was where my heart belonged.

New Zealand has something for everybody. From it’s rolling Hobbit-hills and bounty of sheep-strewn countrysides, to it’s crystal clear waters and sky-high mountain peaks, it’s a special spot reserved for those who want to be challenged on many levels. Deep in the grapevine-lined streets of Martinborough, a rush of gratitude and pride came over me as I rode my bike rental to a tasting. I looked around and felt as if there were stories to tell behind every vineyard, every pebbled pathway, in every sommelier we met, in every grapevine we touched. The stories were endless and I wanted to capture them and share them with others. I couldn’t stop documenting the trip, mapping the routes to the next vineyard while describing every note on my tongue. I took countless photos to remember the moment that I went to the far ends of the Earth to find my new beginning.

I found a special place within. I prided myself on taking a leap of faith to do something different. There, I wrote my first novel, I designed and sold jewelry at a local holiday market, and I opened a micro coffee roastery with my partner. I took all my bottled up energy to New Zealand to gain perspective. Some think it sounded like a big vacation, but it wasn’t easy. I certainly enjoyed the outdoors but I had one goal in mind– to let my creative juices flow and see where it took me. These special places in New Zealand opened my eyes to a new world of beauty that inspired me to do anything. I was my own hero finally. I stood up to the doubts from family and friends and took a risk that has set the stage for a happy life. I realized I had enough courage to be who I wanted to be– a wanderlust writer with a heavy dose of Frida Kahlo influence and a ferociously driven woman who gained comfort and  a new confidence from the South Pacific.

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2 responses to “The Place Where I Can Be My Own Hero. New Zealand

  1. Catarina I love your story because that’s all what I’m about!

    Leaving NYC to inspire yourself in the South Pacific is like what I did recently. I was already traveling the world for 44 months as a full time pro blogger but something bigger was waiting for me. In June 2014, in Savusavu, Fiji, I launched Blogging from Paradise and I never looked back….and I’m a NJ guy too, from right across the river 😉

    I admire you and look forward to following your inspiring journey 🙂

    Ryan

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