I remember being young, uncertain about what I really wanted out of life, yearning something called Adventure.

Cycling alone across Africa was the epic adventure I craved away from a stimulating but suffocating professional career as a strategy consultant. I travelled prudently, opened myself up to others, slowed down and ultimately felt free, freer than I ever had before or since, and eventually I recognised myself for who I am. I recognised myself through the decisions I made and the people I mixed with.

No blinding revelations, just an unwillingness to put on the cloak of pretence of being someone else anymore.

For me, there is life before my solo exploration and life after. I learnt to trust my judgement, take responsibility for difficult decisions, and stay open to adventure. I took the challenging but exciting path living and working for ten years in Lagos, Nigeria and embraced the four year journey navigating home care and creating wheelchair travel adventures for my elderly, frail mother Gwen.

Through my writing, I explore adventure and what happens when we step beyond the familiar — whatever our age or constraints.

Subscribe to Hit the Road, my newsletter about adventure, why we go, what we get from it and what it takes to go anyway. Or read my books and stories, and come along for the ride!