Journal

Many of us have felt a sadness that we could never name. Though we accomplished much of what we set out to do, “success” was never enough for us and we thirsted for something more. We knew that something was missing in our lives: spirit, soul, presence and essence. So, we chose the path less traveled—we traded in our 9-5’s for seasonal work; we left behind the routine of life for spontaneity; we followed our hearts.

When it comes to explaining how CoolWorks changed my life for the better, it is obvious to note that my story is no anomaly because it resonates with the countless men & women who have already told their tale.

With that said, I too hope that my story will have an impact on your life and may my words quench your thirst.

So, drink from this page.

Allow it to seep into the marrow of your bones.

Let it pour straight. into. your. open. heart.

I had just graduated from law school and I was working as an Executive Leadership Representative at a non-profit organization. The money was great and I loved making a difference in the lives of others, but I found myself still very unhappy. My life was dull, repetitive, and lacked excitement. At the time, I could literally predict my every move: wake up, eat, work, eat, gym, eat, sleep, repeat.

On top of that, the people I associated myself with didn’t make life any brighter. They were more concerned with climbing the corporate ladder and getting married – you know, the “normal” things adults do (which there is nothing wrong with, but I wanted something more for myself).

One day after work, I skipped the gym and started scrolling through my phone on my Universities career-link website. I was trying to find anything that would allow me to escape my hometown, Virginia Beach, VA. I needed a change of scenery, a change of pace, and I R-E-A-L-L-Y needed to get out from living under my parent’s roof. I was ready for a new adventure. A clean slate. A fresh start. A new beginning.

While on my phone, still scrolling through my Universities job website, I stumbled upon an advertisement that read: WORK A SUMMER IN ALASKA.

That’s when I found out about CoolWorks, and despite my skepticism at first, I decided to apply anyway because I figured, what’s the worst that could happen!?. Within three days, I was interviewed and offered a position working as a Guest Service Supervisor for Kenai Fjords Tours in Seward, Alaska.

Within two weeks, I quit my job and booked a one-way ticket to Alaska, and that was the day my life truly began. It took me 26 years to start living. Working for Kenai Fjords Tours was truly a dream come true. Because I worked a summer season in Alaska, I saw more wildlife in four months than I had ever seen in my life. I woke up to the mountains as my backyard. I greeted sea-otters in the morning while heading to the dock before work. On my days off, I hiked epic trails with the most glorious backdrops and ice-climbed solo for the first time in my life.

I had the chance to taste a limitless amount of new experiences and I savored every moment. Booking a one-way ticket and moving to Alaska changed the trajectory of my life and propelled me to live my dream as a solo nomadic woman/writer/photographer. Thanks to CoolWorks, I’ve finally found a life that suits me and I am able to surround myself with a community of like-minded people that live for travel and adventure and “get me.” I will never stop traveling.

So, I’ll leave you with this.

Maybe you have contemplated for a while whether or not you should take a leap of faith. It’s scary -trust me, I know, but fear is inevitable and regret is the only wound from which the soul never recovers, so do it anyway. Seize the moment and do it B-O-L-D-L-Y! Because death is howling at our backs and life is roaring in our face and you can choose to remain stagnant or you can leap, jump, dive into the great unknown.

My friend, don’t have any expectation for how life is “supposed to be.”

It is messy.

It Is savage.

It is ugly.

And at times it can be down-right brutal, but it is also glorious, magical, mystical, and if you’re lucky it is one hell of a ride. So, let your hair down. Take the plunge. Dive all in.

For the sake of all that is holy,

TAKE. A. LEAP. OF. FAITH!

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Follow Diane’s adventures and her travels at hippydippygypsy.com