I Hitchhiked Alone in Brazil — Here’s What Really Happened

The only thing that truly stands between us and our biggest dreams? Fear of taking risks

I came back from Italy in 2019 with a master’s degree and a heart I was still trying to mend from before I’d left. I was still searching for answers: How can I get over this?

Original image by the author in Italy, 2019

There was this book I remembered reading back in 2015 — about a girl who traveled the world as light as she could, finding herself along the way. Maybe that’s what I needed. Maybe I just needed to cut the distractions, step into the world with nothing but my own company.

They always say that you should feel complete with yourself before being with anyone else, and perhaps I have not learned that yet.

I decided I wouldn’t let fear stand in my way. I packed my light backpack and started traveling, making a pact with myself:

I would allow myself to experience everything freely, no agenda for a happy life, no expectations, just freedom.

Original image by the author