What Happens When You Just Say 'Let’s Try'?

What would your life look like if you let one crazy idea slip past the guardians of your comfort zone? That moment when you realize your time on Earth is limited—would you keep climbing the endless ladder, built on standards we created to define success?

Imagine for a moment: the last time you smelled flowers in bloom, felt sunshine warming your face, or breathed in the crisp air from a mountaintop. Would you still chase those ever-growing, unsettling goals society sets, without noticing the small, beautiful moments that truly shape a life?

We all have big dreams. Yet so many of us think there’s always time—time to live those dreams someday. But what if someday never comes? Do you ever wonder what it would feel like to just say, ‘Ah, screw it, let’s try’?

Breaking Free: How We Chose the Unknown Over the Everyday

We got good jobs, stable incomes, and bought a house—the dream, right

As a couple who began our journey with a long-distance relationship, we faced many challenges. It wasn’t that we doubted our love, but the distance, the waiting, and the constant juggling of our lives were exhausting. I lived and worked in Germany, while Lennart was studying in the Netherlands. Our time together was precious and meticulously planned, but we both wanted more. We knew our relationship would lead to something beautiful, so we worked toward getting me to the Netherlands, where we could finally build our life together.

The road wasn’t easy. I needed a visa to live in another country, which made everything slow and complicated. But after months of paperwork, we finally reunited, and fate smiled when we scored our very first apartment. It felt like luck.

With those challenges behind us, we focused on life. We got good jobs, stable incomes, and bought a house—the dream, right?

But then came the strange realization that the excitement of owning our home faded quickly. It felt cluttered. We had a house, but something didn’t feel right. I found myself buying things just to fill empty spaces. I’d once felt alive, enjoying the simple moments like sunshine on my face, or biking in the rain. Now, I was surrounded by things that no longer brought joy.

Owning a house wasn’t the problem—it just wasn’t what we wanted. The responsibility, the maintenance, the constant upkeep—it felt suffocating. Lennart and I knew we needed a change. We dreamed of leaving the comfort of the Netherlands, not to settle but to carry our roots with us, wherever we went. We laughed at the idea at first, thinking it was impossible. But deep down, we knew we couldn’t keep living the way we were. The cycle of full-time jobs, the rushed weekends, the long waits for vacations—something had to change and just like that the seed was planted.

A Turning Point: From Heartbreak to Adventure

We’re not the type to meticulously plan every detail of our vacations. Sure, we have highlights we want to tackle, but the rest of the day is left to unfold naturally. However, for the first time ever, we fully planned our two-week trip to South Africa. We were excited to explore the country and experience the Garden Route. For nine days, everything went perfectly. We were in our element, hiking coastal trails, spotting wildlife, and enjoying the freedom we had longed for.

We hiked through Robberg Nature Reserve, marveling at stunning rock formations and seal colonies. We wandered the misty shores of Brenton Beach and hiked alone in the peaceful Harkerville Kranshoek. We spotted dolphins from our terrace, adding to the magic of the trip.

But then, everything shifted. My father unexpectedly passed away, and we had to return to Europe immediately. The days that followed were heartbreaking, forcing us to confront how fragile everything is.

In the weeks that followed, while in the Netherlands, it became clear that something had to change. We didn’t want to stay on the treadmill of the rat race any longer. So, we stepped off. We started to reflect on what truly made us happy—and what we realized was that traveling was the heart of it.

We shared our decision with family and friends: we wanted to sell everything and embrace a new form of living—one that was unpredictable, freeing, and full of possibility. Some people saw this coming and told us, “What took you so long?” Others were hurt and thought we were throwing away our future. All opinions were valid, but we followed our hearts and did what felt right for us.

In the summer of 2024, we started selling our home and everything we owned. It was a liberating decision, one that marked a new chapter in our lives. Now, we own just a few essentials, focusing on embracing the freedom to travel and explore new places, while letting our roots grow deeper with each new experience.

So, come along with us. Take a peek into our journey. Who knows? Our next steps might surprise you and even inspire you to search for a different kind of life—one that’s waiting just outside your comfort zone.