Welcome to the second interview series with Lauren Ann Coetzee, who is an Assistant Editor at the Glamping Hub.
Glamping Hub is an online accommodation platform with a curated collection of unique accommodation in nature, providing the opportunity for people to escape city life and reconnect with the great outdoors.
Lauren is a passionate writer, editor, and traveler and I have been lucky enough to get to know her and spend time with her over the past 4 years.
Lauren packed up her life in Cape Town 6 years ago and traveled to Thailand where she lived for 4 years. After 4 years in Thailand, she decided to move to beautiful Spain and was offered the opportunity to write for the Glamping Hub as a Marketing Assistant and has since worked her way up to an Assistant Editor.
Living and working abroad is amazing and provides ample opportunities but it can be scary and intimidating. Instead of being scared and intimidated by it, Lauren went for it and it has been one of the best decisions she has ever made.
Lauren has met people from all over the world, made life-long friends and she has seen some beautiful places.
If you are wanting to move abroad but are feeling scared and unsure, Lauren’s take on living abroad will help you overcome those feelings of doubt.
What was the greatest challenge that you have faced and how did you overcome it?
The greatest challenge I have ever faced is moving abroad alone and having to create an entire new life for myself. I overcame this challenge by stepping out of my comfort zone and being more open to meeting people and experiencing new things. I took comfort in the fact that there were others like me that had chosen this life.
What is your version of success?
Success can be perceived in many ways; however, I think happiness and passion take center stage and are my driving force behind any sort of success, be it work or otherwise.
How do you motivate yourself when aren’t really feeling that motivated?
When I don’t feel motivated, I tend to read a book, watch a film, change my routine, or move. The last one seems a bit drastic but it works for me. If I cannot move, then I’ll redecorate my apartment because staring at the same walls day in and day out can often make me feel uninspired. Change is good. Change brings about new ideas.
How has traveling the world changed you?
Traveling has opened my heart and mind to endless beauty and opportunity. I have grown so much as person and I continue to do so while living abroad. I have become less stubborn and more laid back. My patience is impressive, I understand people better, and I don’t have the desire to possess materialistic objects anymore. What I own in life is what I can manage to put in my suitcase, and what I hold dear now, is knowing that I am meeting wonderful people of different cultures, learning new languages, and seeing parts of the world I otherwise wouldn’t have seen, had I remained where I was.
What inspires you the most?
The small things in life inspire me most.
What is one thing you find most challenging about traveling?
Starting over.
How do you overcome those moments of self-doubt?
Over the years I have worked on bettering myself and being conscious of my surroundings and whether they affect my happiness or not, and with that, my moments of self-doubt have become less and less. Having said that though, when they do occur, I make a list of everything I have achieved and overcome, and I allow myself to feel doubtful for a moment. However, once I have read the list and reminded myself that nothing in life is permanent, my worry slips away.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a woman that is wanting to make a change and move out of her comfort zone?
Nothing in life is permanent. Without change, we become stagnant and lethargic. Whatever it is you want to do, be it traveling or managing a startup company, make sure you’re being proactive about it. Success and happiness don’t fall into your lap, you’ve got to go out and make it happen. Take a chance, step out of that comfort zone, and live that life you dream of. It’s in your reach, you’ve just got to grab it.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Sitting on a beach, drinking a coconut. Apart from that, I see myself having established my online career.
Tell me something about yourself that your readers would be surprised to hear about?
Sometimes, I am afraid to fly alone.
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