And one of the songs I heard repeatedly over that time had the above line.

“This life is more than just a read through” – quote from Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

I used to get my friends to listen out for that line. One of the drivers of the overland truck we used had (it seemed) very few CDs, so we often heard the album this is on.

Whilst I was travelling, I felt my life was not a rehearsal, not just a read through, but I was really living. Some of that was being somewhere beautiful. Experiencing new things. Seeing new places, new countries. Going to a St Patrick’s party in a multi storey car park in Buenos Aires. Jumping off a bridge on a bridge swing. Horse riding through the Andes and through the lush green landscape of Ecuador. Lots of lying in hammocks. And drinking Cuba Libres.

And a long way from rush hours and having to bill my time by the 15 minute slot (will be familiar to lots of you!).

It was also about fulfilling a long held dream. There were lots of practical reasons not to go off backpacking in my ’30s. Lots of more sensible things to do with the money, maybe. But following that dream – and having a great time – made me feel alive. Extra alive!

We only have one life to live right now here on earth. Whatever our beliefs about an after life.

I feel alive right now too. I’m very excited about the work I do with people. Helping them to overcome the fears and insecurities that stop them living the life they really want. Coaching has helped me personally in many ways and I love to see others make changes too.

ACTION CHALLENGE: Do you have dreams? Dreams of starting your own business, living in France or taking up the clarinet? Let me encourage you to listen to your heart rather than that negative gremlin on your shoulder. I have two suggestions. Firstly find someone who will believe in your dream to support you. Secondly, identify one thing you could do this week which would move you closer to that dream and take that baby step.

Well, maybe it was just a ledge. But I am scared of heights, so it was a big deal. A big leap, in fact.

It was an exhilarating moment. Instead of a clamber into the river via the rocks, I decided to jump in the deep end. I was completely determined and ended up being the first of our tour group to jump. Once in the water, I was proud of my achievement and happy. I had conquered fears and felt free.

Reflecting on that experience, I see that leap as being a metaphor for my life. Or my life as I want it to be. Too often, I clamber over the rocks into the shallow end, wincing as I tread on the sharp rocks, taking one small step at a time. Sometimes, a big leap is called for. And can be easier than the gradual approach. A wise friend Merron pointed out that a small step can take as much energy as a big leap.

ACTION CHALLENGE: Where in your life would you like to take a big leap? What is stopping you? What is the cost to you, the equivalent of feet cut on the rocks, from not taking that leap?

If you’d like some support in taking a big leap, drop me a line via Contact-me/.

Or is it just that I miss the warmth and vibrancy of Cuba, the rainforest, lush green landscape and sandy beaches. Do I long for late nights of rum cocktails and salsa? Would I prefer to be drinking little cups of strong black coffee watching oxen pulling carts or immaculate 1950s Cadillacs driving down the street?

I’ve had an amazing holiday, but it’s over now and I need to get back to ‘real life’. Only thing is, real life no longer looks that attractive.

Unfortunately, moving to Cuba isn’t an option. And if it was an option, I probably would not go. What I want is Cuba here. Cuba in Birmingham! Cuba in my life right now.

How can I inject some Cuban joie de vivre into my life? Maybe I could take up salsa lessons? Drink more rum?! Eat tropical fruit for breakfast? As I start to ponder, my mood lifts.

ACTION CHALLENGE: Remember a high point in your life. Spend some time remembering the sights, the smells, the sounds and the tastes connected to those moments. Then ask yourself how you could bring that moment into your everyday life. In a big or small way. Maybe for you it really would be emigrating or something radical. Or maybe just a daily mango.