The Journey to The Travellyn Heart

The Journey to The Travellyn Heart

Bali Bliss

At the time, I found myself on a remote working holiday in Bali with my sister and a mutual friend. Bali is not referred to as "The Island of Gods" for nothing. It is a magical place. This trip solidified that belief for me, for numerous reasons that I'll share with you as our journey unfolds. It felt as though the universe had guided me back to Bali to be completely surrounded by its love, in every sense. Everywhere I turned, I encountered hearts—literal and metaphorical symbols of love and connection. Through people, through moments of synchronicity, through moments that left me in awe, through my surroundings, and most importantly, through myself.

Let’s go back even further

If we go back even further, I was a very different person from who I was in 2022, and certainly from who I am today, at least internally. In 2018, I grappled with some of the darkest moments of my life. My anxiety and depression, which had simmered since my teenage years, reached a climax. It was possibly the worst time for it to happen, as I was abroad in London completing my Master's Degree in Data Science and Machine Learning. I was suffering from extreme imposter syndrome, fuelled by this storm that was brewing inside of me. The ironic thing was that I was actually doing fine academically, but the dark cloud hanging over me would not dissipate. My mental health deteriorated to the extent that I ended up submitting my thesis late, which only contributed to a further downward spiral. The cracks that I was so desperately trying to conceal from everyone began to show.

A Pilgrimage of Healing

My salvation came in the form of the Camino. This pilgrimage unexpectedly presented itself as a gift from the universe. Armed with just a one-way ticket to Bayonne, France, and my first three nights accommodation, I embarked on a month-long, 800-kilometer walk from France to Spain. You'll likely hear more about the Camino, as it's an experience I believe everyone should contemplate doing at least once in their life. It gave me the space to process and declutter my mind, immerse myself in nature, release pent-up energy through physical movement, and discover a newfound family and community. The Camino taught me invaluable lessons about life. This journey saved me … for the time being.

A Return to South Africa

Upon completing the Camino in late 2018, I returned to South Africa. Surprisingly, I felt a sense of relief to be back home after being abroad for about a year and a half, especially being away from friends and family during some of my darkest moments. Moreover, returning in the summer—a season synonymous with many festivities in South Africa—provided a temporary reprieve from my troubles. But as summer waned, so did my spirit.

I realised that the Camino had merely scratched the surface of the healing and processing I needed to undertake. I reached a point where I became acutely aware of the unseen trauma festering within me. At that time, however, things were shifting and changing so rapidly, with multiple events unfolding in my life that didn’t provide me the opportunity to focus on it. I found myself resorting to numbing, escaping, avoiding, and distracting myself - as we often do.

The World Comes to a Halt

Then, the whole world shut down, as if the universe was tethering me to the ground, signalling an end to my escapism. It was a stark reminder that my only journey for the foreseeable future would be an internal one—a journey of healing.

In a way, the world's lockdown saved me. It stripped away distractions, excuses, and vices, allowing me to embark on a profound journey of healing and self-love that transformed my life. It may sound cliché, but it's true.

Back in Bali

And there, as I sat in Bali, two years later, I found myself surrounded by love—both within and without. Although still on my journey, I had come a very long way. Amidst numerous realisations, one stood out: as much as I cherished travel, the internal journey I was navigating was equally—if not more—significant. The shifts in mindset, the healing process, the journey to self-love and self-discovery, the quest for liberation and confidence—this was the missing piece I had been searching for. I realised that my purpose extended beyond inspiring others to pursue their travel dreams; I sought to illuminate the path of inner exploration—the journey of the heart, mind, and soul. We do not always need to go far to travel, sometimes the journeys that can take you the furtherest are the non-physical ones.

And there, in the enchanting allure of Bali, The Travellyn Heart was conceived—a name that encapsulates it all.

The Journey Continues

As you've likely gathered, this revelation occurred in 2022. What happened between then and now? There was more journey to go on. When I left Bali that time, it felt as though I had left all the magic behind. Fears and self-doubts resurfaced, threatening to stifle my aspirations.

The subsequent leg of my journey involved learning to embrace my role as a co-creator of my life. I struggled to seize control of that narrative, particularly in terms of my career. Fears and doubts, both self-imposed and external, held me captive.

A year and a half later, I mustered up the courage to resign from my corporate job and embark on a new journey—one rooted in freedom. It's still unfolding, but one thing remains constant: my commitment to bringing The Travellyn Heart to life—not only for myself but for anyone who may find solace and inspiration within its posts.

What to Expect?

The Travellyn Heart is more than just a blog; it's a philosophy. It views travel through a broader lens—a journey not only across geographical landscapes but also through the labyrinth of the heart, mind, and soul. The Travellyn Heart is a space for inspiration, as well as, storytelling.

My hope is that through sharing I will inspire and empower you to not only actualise your travel dreams but to also invite you on a journey of loving yourself, others, the earth and LIFE a little harder. At its core, The Travellyn Heart seeks to infuse every adventure with soulful purpose.

Expect:

• Nostalgic and transformative tales and insights from my travels and life experiences
• Practical travel tips and resources garnered from years of travel
• Intentional travel guides applicable to any destination
• Journeys of self-discovery, self-love, and self-empowerment

Three core beliefs embody The Travellyn Heart:

• It’s Personal : The name speaks to the fusion of travel and the deep, heartfelt experiences that shape me and us along the way. It serves as a reminder that travel can be a deeply personal journey—a path we may each tread in our own unique way.
• The Heart is at the centre of Travel: Travel transcends mere sightseeing; it's about the heart. It evokes a spectrum of emotions, whether it's love, novelty, awe, liberation, power, relaxation, or nostalgia. There's something about travel that truly connects us to our hearts, and it's crucial for us to listen. Through listening, we gain valuable insights into ourselves and what truly ignites us.
• The Traveling Heart: Every destination leaves an indelible imprint on our hearts, souls, and minds. We evolve and adapt over time, shedding old layers and embracing new experiences. The Travellyn Heart is a testament to this ever-evolving journey.

Join the Journey

As we travel the world together, let's not merely collect passport stamps but weave a tapestry of memories. Whether you're a seasoned traveler, a dreamer, or someone embarking on their healing journey, The Travellyn Heart welcomes kindred spirits with open arms.

Join me on this journey of exploration, connection,  and transformation. Embrace the magic that unfolds when we travel with open hearts.

With a heart full of wanderlust,

Lynray Barends