Show Up Uncut
Welcome to "Show Up Uncut," a podcast where two fierce ladies bring you unfiltered conversations on business, health, fitness, and mindset.
Join us for an unapologetic exploration of the highs, lows, and everything in between as we share raw, real-life stories from the trenches of SHOWING UP. From crushing goals in business to smashing personal best at the gym, we're here to inspire and empower you to show up fully in every aspect of your life. Get ready for straight talk, bold insights, and unwavering authenticity as we dive deep into what it takes to succeed in business and beyond. Tune in and get ready to elevate your game with "Show Up Uncut"!
Show Up Uncut
Ems Solo Travel to Europe: The highs and lows
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to travel across Europe alone? Em returns from her solo adventure with tales of exhilaration, challenges, and unexpected moments of joy and fear. We unpack her journey, filled with the highs of constant partying and the lows of navigating foreign cities alone, emphasizing the importance of pursuing personal goals without hesitation.
During our conversation, Em recounts a spine-tingling incident in Athens where she was followed by a stranger, shedding light on the critical aspects of travel safety. Compare the cool, pristine landscapes of Croatia with the bustling streets of Greece and join us as we relive the excitement of biking around a Croatian island and the grand finale at Tomorrowland. These vivid stories illustrate both the beauty and risks of solo travel, offering a nuanced perspective on going it alone.
We also delve into the practicalities of solo adventures — from adjusting back to everyday life after an epic trip to avoiding common scams. Em shares her hard-earned tips on staying vigilant and making the most of solo journeys, especially as a female traveler. This episode is a treasure trove of insights and stories designed to inspire you to trust yourself, embrace independence, and find the extraordinary right beyond your comfort zone.
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Welcome back to Show Up Uncut with.
Speaker 2:Em and Jess.
Speaker 1:Welcome back. I know I've just been gone for like six weeks. Can you believe it?
Speaker 2:I feel, yeah, do you know what it feels like so much longer.
Speaker 1:Yeah, doesn't it? Yeah, I've had people say to me that they can't believe it's been six weeks, but yeah, I honestly feel like it has as well, I feel like it's been yeah a long time since I've seen you.
Speaker 2:You know what's funny.
Speaker 1:We were seeing each other a fair bit. Yeah, you know what is funny? When I was over there it felt like forever, like literally. When I was physically there, I was like God. This feels like. I feel like six weeks was like probably the perfect amount of time.
Speaker 1:Yeah, there was like a week before, like probably about five weeks in, I started to get a little bit homesick, um, but yeah, no, I feel like when I was over there it felt like forever. But now that I'm back I'm like was that a dream? Like, did I even go? Like?
Speaker 2:I'm like yeah, I need another holiday when alicia and I went to did the our big trip in europe um, that was eight weeks and I felt like I was so like I was done by the end of it. Yeah, I just wanted to be home. There's so much partying too, like I fucking drunk every single day and like no vegetables.
Speaker 1:No, I drunk every single day and like I did like a, I did a contiki first and I did like sour Croatia and then the rest of it. I was on my own. But like the where, like you, when you're doing like you can take in stuff, it's like okay, to save money, let's just eat heaps, like in the morning for breakfast, and like it was literally like cold meats and cereal, yeah, so like that's all you have in the morning and then, like you know, like then you'd buy your dinner, like you'd have like an early, um early dinner, late lunch, and then, like you know, you'd eat that. So like I really wasn't eating, like I was. Some days I was eating a lot and other days I wasn't eating much. But then every single day I was drinking. I literally got sick. Twice I got sick. I was sick before I left it wasn't on antibiotics. Got sick three weeks in. It wasn't antibiotics and I was sick on my way home.
Speaker 2:And I'm on antibiotics again your poor gut, like I put it through some fucking hell holy shit.
Speaker 1:it was basically like a six-week long bender, like I put my body through hell. We don't need to talk about that.
Speaker 2:What was your inspo around the trip? Like you going solo.
Speaker 1:The fact that, like there's, I don't think you should wait on people. So like, for example, I was supposed to do it back in 2020 with my best friend and COVID happened, so we couldn't go. It's always been something that I've wanted to do and personally for me, the space that I am in my life at the moment, I was like, okay, so I, um, I want to buy a house. That's my next kind of big goal. And it was kind of like my business is at a point now where I can I don't have to be there. So it was sort of for me, I was like you know, I don't really want to be traveling europe while and having a mortgage plus, like I don't want the stress of it, basically. So I was like I'm just gonna get it done now. Like none of my friends that wanted to go could come, and I was just like fuck it, like I'm just not gonna wait on people, I'm still gonna do the things that I want to do, regardless of whether someone's coming or not.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so I was like fuck it, and I just went on my own and it was probably the most liberating thing I've ever done in my life. It was the coolest fucking experience because like it was so empowering. Like you have to figure things out on your own, you've got no one to like fall back on. Also, you can just do whatever the fuck you want when you want. Like besides, when I was on the tours, like you can't really then, but in that sort of sense, you're meeting this group of people that you don't fucking know at all. You're going in, they don't know anything about you, they're just meeting you like you know firsthand.
Speaker 2:And that was really cool because I made so many cool connections I literally had yeah, you're forced to be like, not just with your friend and in your own little corner.
Speaker 1:It's like you show up as yourself yeah, 100, authentically yourself. These people don't know you nothing to judge you off. And then they just judge you off that and for me, that was such a cool thing I literally had. I knew these people for two weeks on Contiki and I had people crying on the bus because I was leaving and it's just like and like what people like you know. Like one of them was like one of the girls I became friends with, yuri. She was like you know, I just love our conversations that we have and, like you know, you're such a um, you're so down to earth and like that was cool to just have like step back and be like all these people are seeing me for exactly who I am. Like you know that you're a good person and all that sort of stuff.
Speaker 2:Sorry, excuse me, sick um, but yeah, it was just cool to like make all these genuine connections with all these people, just purely by showing up and being myself like you know, like I didn't know anyone, and I feel like that, what I've seen, because we're speaking about it on the phone the other day, like there's so many people that would just like you would wait on somebody, like I know for me when I did it, because it's scary, yeah, yeah and scary, yeah and like I'd never been there before either.
Speaker 1:So I didn't really know. Like, literally, I get off the plane. I get off the plane and I'm like, well, I don't really want to be spending fucking 100 euros on an uber, because that's really like 200 fucking aud. So I'm like I don't really want to do that. So I was like, fuck it, let's just catch the train. I'm not like I'm just sitting there like with my suitcases and I'm like on this fucking train like I don't know, like just things that like you're not used to. I just was like, fuck it, I'll just figure it out yeah along the way.
Speaker 1:You just have like so much growth from it yeah, and even just being like a female, like there were a few times where there was one incident I had where I was like super uncomfortable, um, like to the point where I was like fully freaked out. I was like followed by this fucking creepy 50 year old guys in italy. Men in italy are level.
Speaker 2:You went to greece. Hey, yeah, yeah, did you find that? Yeah, but at least the ones in Greece are like young and hot like the ones in Italy some of them, yeah, but the ones in Italy.
Speaker 1:Like this guy was 50 and he walked up behind me and he was like talking to me and I was, um, on the way to meet a friend, like a girl that I'd met for dinner, right, so I was on my way to her hostel to meet her. Anyway, we're on the way to the and then we'll go into the trevy. Anyways, I'm like walking and this cunt comes up behind me and he's like talking and he's like, oh, he's like you are beautiful, you could be model, I could make you model. And oh, fuck it. Just, I was like god, I'm not fucking, I don't want to be a model and you're not gonna make me shit. Like anyway, I was like not interested, not interested. And it started to get to the point where I was like, okay, this is gonna kind of start freaking me out because I'm fuck off, kind of thing. Anyways, I'm literally on Instagram messaging Alira, saying that I was like 10 minutes away, and he's like add me on Instagram. I was like I don't have Instagram.
Speaker 2:He's like yeah, you do.
Speaker 1:And I was like fuck. So then he was so persistent and I was like fuck it, I'll just give him my Instagram, make him fuck off, whatever that, whatever. That didn't work.
Speaker 1:He followed me the whole way I was here I'm not joking he walked with me for 15 minutes flat to this fucking hostel and as soon as he saw alira, he like left, yeah, and I was telling her about it and I was like, and like you know, if anyone's in a situation like that, like I'm a very I'm a street smart girl, but like I, if I wasn't going to her thing, like to meet her, I would have just walked into a restaurant and been like get this fucking weirdo away from me, like there's things you can do.
Speaker 2:You don't have to feel uncomfortable. They're like that in Athens. That's exactly very similar stuff with me and Alicia. When I wasn't with Alicia I was getting fucking hassled, but then when, like Alicia and I were together, it was so. You're so much more safe.
Speaker 1:crazy how much is having one person, one person another. Yeah, like it's how much more and, like you know, I didn't really like um, it's like you're more vulnerable or something.
Speaker 1:Yeah, for sure, and like you, unfortunately, you stick out like fucking dog's balls to be a tourist. Like you look like an aussie and so like, yeah, but like that was the only time that I sort of had like a feeling of like, oh, I just feel a bit weird. It's just the persistency, like, because here, like you say no to a guy and they're just like oh, fuck, okay, and they really well no, but like, and not to that extent like I'm like not interested, not interested.
Speaker 1:And he's like, oh fuck. And then we go for dinner and he literally messages me and I literally read it in his accent too, because he wrote he wrote I am at restaurants, come to me and I was like block. I was like creepy as fuck. I'm like oh, anyway, that was just like the only time, because other times it was like you know, they just make comments off on the street and stuff, and I'd just be like whatever, I'll just brush it off. But yeah, that was the only time where I was like that is fucking creepy. And then when we left dinner, I was like I was telling alira about it. And then when we left, um, this guy was like he's. He's like, um, you are beautiful. And I was like, oh, thanks. And he's like do you like them big? And I'm like, fuck this, I'm done. I'm done with rome. I was like I'm gonna fucking fly tomorrow, see ya because I was just sick of it at that point.
Speaker 2:But you go everywhere, there's just dicks. Oh, literally like sculptures and literally did you do the coliseum?
Speaker 1:huh, yeah, I did the coliseum, I did like all the touristy things. Yeah, what was your?
Speaker 2:most, most memorable part, like what was your most memorable part other than tomorrowland. We'll get to that, but of like south croatia south croatia. Yeah, south croatia, that is my hometown.
Speaker 1:We like just the group of people that we had on that boat, like every single one of us got along. No one felt left out like everyone, just like obviously there's different personalities, but there was like no clashes and like it was just dead set, the best fucking experience was that your favorite country as well?
Speaker 2:favorite country it was just how clean is it fucking thing? Yeah, clean. Compared to greece, it's like croatia looks like they've literally polished the pebbles, whereas greece it's like it's gorgeous in santorini and like you know the the um touristy places, but then around that it looks. You went to athens obviously to get yeah, it looks third world.
Speaker 1:Yeah, unfortunately yeah, um croatia is fucking gorgeous, that was just for me, that was just the highlight. Yeah, it was like the people that had the boat on the boat, our like tour manager guy, like the staff on the boat, like everything about croatia was just amazing and I'm like fuck, how's the rest of my trip?
Speaker 1:I'm gonna like top that yeah, which it kind of didn't because I got sick, but then tomorrowland was obviously a fucking ball, so like I'm glad I ended with that, but yeah, no, that was really really good yeah, I feel like I don't know if I said that to you like when when you said that you're doing Croatia and Greece.
Speaker 2:I feel like Croatia, that's what everyone says.
Speaker 1:It's just so pretty, it is gorgeous, all the islands are just so different yeah like Dubrovnik's probably probably where you've got the most to do, yeah, but like, then there's like um I can't remember what the island's called, I think it starts with m but like there's literally nothing to do there besides like a national park, and we literally all hired bikes for the day. This is the most wholesome fucking day that we had, because obviously all we did was fucking drink and bend our basically, and um, yeah, this day we literally like all hired bikes and like rode around this island and we just stopped. So we were just in our bikinis and like we'd all like just ride to like a little swim, stop we'd swim, get back on the bikes, ride again, and we did it for like five hours and it was just so cool. Like everywhere was just yeah, so pretty and just so had their own like unique little parts yeah it, yeah, yeah I loved Croatia Like loved it.
Speaker 2:I would go back and do it again. That's one thing that I want to do is when I go to Croatia, because we only we did. We didn't do sail Croatia, we did bus about oh yeah, so it's like yeah, it's like a little bit more independent than some of the Contiki tours and stuff like that.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I don't know anymore, went bust. That's what I was gonna do. Bust about yep, oh wow, that's why I did um Contiki. I wouldn't do another Contiki. I wouldn't, yeah, personally, like I had fun um, but I think, being a little bit older, like I was the oldest on my Contiki until like the second group got on and then she was like the oldest, I think. There was like there was 28, 29 and 30 and us three were the oldest on the whole thing and it was just like a bit.
Speaker 1:It became a bit clicky and dramatic and it was just like ugh like you know what.
Speaker 1:I mean, but it was a really good way to see everything, like everything by itself, get a feel for it Like I did it at the start. Yeah, so you know yourself. Get a feel for it like I did it at the start. Yeah, so you know. Get a feel for it. All gives me the confidence to be on my own. And then, yeah, I did Croatia after that and create Croatia's probably like the safest place I felt to when I was by myself.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I agree.
Speaker 1:Well, I wasn't by myself, but yeah, yeah yeah, like I found everyone very helpful, like whenever I was sort of um, like there was an incident where I was like trying to find my fucking accommodation and it was like above a restaurant, but it's like saying I'm here and I had no signage and I'm like standing there, I'm like someone fucking help me and like all these people were like what's wrong, do you need help? I'm like yes, and like I don't know. It was just like I found everyone super, super helpful. In croatia I didn't feel like there was anyone like kind of out to kind of like get me if that makes sense.
Speaker 1:Yeah, like, yeah, it's just a heaps more safer feeling like, which was a vibe to be by yourself.
Speaker 2:Yeah, you don't have any issues of like feeling like you can't go talk to people and stuff like that you're pissing someone off, they're like I don't know't know, I'm fucking not.
Speaker 2:Yeah, because some people, dutch are rude. When we stopped over in Germany, like literally just to stop over a flight, and we didn't know where we had to go to get on to our next plane, and it was literally like we were on a fucking very small time limit and we went up to one of the guys that was in the airport and he fucking blew up and he's like I don't fucking know Like the way he was speaking though I don't know what the germans speak- like, but he was a fucking cunt and I was like I've never come to this country.
Speaker 1:Yeah, like it was just like.
Speaker 2:Obviously it's just one impression.
Speaker 1:You know what I mean, but it was horrible, like I found the dutch people like in the internet.
Speaker 1:I just felt that found them all rude and like we were at the airport and I was, I was so sick, oh, I just wanted to get home. I was so sick and I just didn't know where I was going and I like isolating. She's like listen to me and I'm like I haven't even asked you a fucking question yet, you fucking cunt. And then she's like she said something else. I'm like that's not what I was gonna fucking. She said something. I was like that's not what I was gonna fucking ask you. I was like I'm not in the fucking mood to be spoken to, like I'm a fucking dumb cunt. And she's like looking at me like that and I was like fuck you. And I just kept walking because I was like I don't even want to fucking ask you a question now. Like I was just like I was so sick too and I was like I'm so. It was at the point where they were all so rude that I was like I'm sick of this like I'm so sick of being in this fucking country because these are all fucking dogs get me home, yeah
Speaker 1:like that's no offense to anyone who might be fucking dutch. But yeah, no, I literally was like like, yeah, I had like a wristband on too that I had on from tomorrowland, and it was like a fabric one. And I was like do you have some scissors for me to cut this off? And he's like pull it. I'm like I can't fucking pull it. If I could pull it, I would like I don't know. And then he didn't give me scissors. It was just like everything was just like they were just rude.
Speaker 2:No, one wanted to help.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it was just like.
Speaker 2:I hated it. Yeah, that's really like passive aggressive. Yeah, pull it.
Speaker 1:Yeah, pull, it Like okay.
Speaker 2:Fuck now mate. Okay bro yeah.
Speaker 1:Like go smoke some more weed or something that's maybe why they're all having bong snaps. I. I'm at a coffee shop literally smoking weed and he's like being a fucking prick, won't cut off my fucking wristband. That was pretty cool, though, to be honest, it was pretty wild to be able to walk into a shop and go okay, I want some edibles and I want some mushies. He'd sort a girl out.
Speaker 2:That was pretty crazy. Did you find that you? Did you smoke weed? Did you say no, I?
Speaker 1:just ate it.
Speaker 1:Did you get really high. Yeah, we had this great idea that we'd go buy edibles and then go shopping and we're like, okay, anyway, I'm like at the fucking shop and I'm like, I'm like I could feel it like coming on and I'm like, fuck, I feel really high. But then, like it just slowly got, like I got higher and higher and higher and I'm like got my sunnies on and I'm just like walking around it around and I'm just like laughing and I'm like to my friend I'm fucking so high, she's like same. And I was just like, holy fucking shit, like this is crazy, like, and like they're fucking strong, those edibles too. So I got to the point where I was like I think we need to like go home we, yeah, we paranoid cloud night.
Speaker 2:No, I was like just cracking up and I guess because it's like normal over there.
Speaker 1:It's kind of like for sure, everyone's high all the time yeah and I prefer to eat it anyway than smoke it like I don't know. I just like the feeling that it gives you. I hate like getting like the glassy eyes and like yeah, itchy and whatnot, but yeah, no, that was really funny but yeah even just being able to buy mushrooms. You can go into a shop and be like, all right, I want some mushies and like, okay, what would you like? Would you like to really hallucinate, like?
Speaker 2:what do you?
Speaker 1:want to do and they ask you all these questions barley scarred me for that.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and then they're like, okay, take these and you're like okay, sweet that's a decent experience. How did you go with that?
Speaker 1:fine, I'm fine, but yeah, no, we don't need to go into that your clients are listening in there, I know but yeah, that was pretty wild. Just being able to walk in and be like this is what I want they're like yeah, cool like over here. It's just so illegal you know what I mean like, and they've literally got shops specifically to buy mushrooms, like crazy I feel like that's it's funny.
Speaker 2:Well, weeds are legal, weeds legal here now. Yeah, oh, is it I'm pretty sure they're like you can get like um medicinal. Yeah, I'm pretty sure they've made it. I don't know, I don't think you can just like yeah, I think you're still going to get done.
Speaker 1:If you've got like hydro set up in your second bedroom, I'm pretty sure that you can have like one plant.
Speaker 2:I don't know. They passed the laws. What Did they? Yeah, I'm pretty sure, because one of my girlfriends, her mother her partner had cancer and they were using it, I don't know for medicinal reasons and she was telling me and I was like well, there you go.
Speaker 1:I love that's pretty look, I'm awful.
Speaker 2:Soon we'll be having coffee shops that have edibles that we can go in and buy. I'll be a naturopath being like. So what do you want? I've got the degree. Yeah, john shrooms or john weed, joking guys. Um, I want to know about your challenges that you faced, yeah um, yeah, well, probably only just sort of that one.
Speaker 1:But challenges like that I face, I don't honestly really like other than like just kind of getting a bit lost and stuff like that and being like, oh fuck, but like you know, I figured it out. I didn't face anything that was like like you ran out of money.
Speaker 2:Yeah, no, you lost. I actually came back with money.
Speaker 1:I was shocked. I was like, oh my god, I came back. I did not spend as much money as what I thought. Yeah, I didn't lose anything that you know what. Actually, that's one like thing, like about learning about myself. Right, I'm I've always known that I'm a very self-aware person. You know that, like I'm very self-aware about, like you know how I'm feeling, what I'm doing, like I say to you sometimes, I'm very aware of what I'm doing, but I do it anyway like, you know what I mean um, but I'm very like, aware of my surroundings, which is like I think.
Speaker 1:I believe that's a massive thing. If you're not very aware of your surroundings, maybe don't travel alone. Um, but it made me really like to the point it could be, good to for for you.
Speaker 1:Yeah, to learn, to learn. But like, yeah, like, for example, like I'd go somewhere and it'd be like a 20 minute walk from where I was staying or whatever, and then I'd literally just know how to get back like I don't know, it was just like I never felt, like I was never like lost, I didn't lose anything and like I always know. It's like you know when you're like, no matter how fucked up I was, like drunk or whatever, I always know where my belongings are.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I've never lost anything. You know what I mean? I don't know. I just sort of like, um, I never had an incident where I thought like, oh fuck, like I'm freaking out, I'm by myself, anything like that I was very like. It was very empowering in the sense of like I never had those feelings.
Speaker 1:It was always, like you know, I felt secure and safe yeah I've got myself and that's all that matters and like, honestly, I feel like travelling alone was just like probably a challenge within itself. You know, just like trying to get over that. Like when I was leaving, I was like oh my God. Like when I got dropped off at the airport or whatever, and I'm like walking by myself, I'm like oh my God, I can't believe I'm about to get on a fucking flight by myself and go to the other side of the world. Like what am I doing? That was the only time I kind of had that. Then, once I got off the plane, I was just kind of like completely fine, it was really weird. It was a really surreal experience, I think, but it was cool to just like be able to get up and do whatever the fuck I wanted.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Like I had four weeks of traveling solo. I really struggled to like then have someone else to kind of think about if that makes sense, like do you want to go get a coffee?
Speaker 2:I want to go, like having to.
Speaker 1:I like I feel like I should have just either gone with someone the entire time or done the entire thing solo. Because, yeah, I really struggled to like. You know, she got upset with me for a bit because I met heaps of people over there. Then when we went to tomorrowland, like I was like wanting to see all these people and then I'm making new friends at the same time, and she got upset because she felt like I was kind of like leaving her out. But my mentality is I'm still in the like solo traveling, like yeah, you've got that.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and I guess, like because that's how I felt, like with me and leash is that when we were overseas, we actually had like a massive fucking blow up at each other, like yeah halfway through it, because she is such a bubbly person and I am bubbly but I'm like, I feel like there's there's a time and place.
Speaker 2:I'm an introvert, so I need my own space, I need my own time. So, like she wanted to go do this and that and fucking, yeah, we'll do this, yeah, we'll do that. And she was like going off doing all these, like I was, you know, having to follow each other, and I felt like for me, there was just times where I just wanted to go out for dinner with nobody, yeah, and whether she was there or whatever, I think that's the same with you Like obviously I kind of expected her to be there because she was with me.
Speaker 1:We were there together, yeah, Whereas like I yeah, like I guess, going by yourself, I would have felt more comfortable going out to dinner by myself, because I went on the trip by myself, if I needed that time alone yeah alone, so I guess that's where like yeah it's hard, and especially with different personalities as well like that's right, yeah, and so yeah, like, and then it was kind of like you know, you can kind of like I got really sick in Amsterdam and it's like okay, you don't have to stay here with me, you can go out and do what you want to do like I'm not going to get home and have you have to be upset with me because I was sick and you spent your time in the apartment?
Speaker 2:yeah, yeah, you know what I mean, yeah, so like just things like that.
Speaker 1:I just kind of wish, yeah, I kind of just wish that I did the whole thing solo. I feel, yeah, because, yeah, I really struggled to then, yeah, bring myself back into like, okay, I've actually got someone here, that's you know, yeah, With me now. I was still too busy, just like thinking about myself like, oh, this is what I want to do, so fucking, I'm going to do it. You know what I mean. Like, yeah, it was like a bit like that. Yeah, which I guess probably the only thing that I really that was the only challenge I had. Everything else was really easy to just like. Like I'd be like, oh fuck, what am I going to do here? And then I just figure it out yeah that was the only real like challenge.
Speaker 2:I would say, yeah, that's a really good tip, though, especially yeah for people that I guess want to do traveling like they want to travel by themselves, or they want, you know, somebody to meet them halfway or whatever it may be like what do you want out of that trip?
Speaker 1:like what's your?
Speaker 2:main intention and I guess, like, if you were to like catch up in, I don't know, really relaxing like bali or you know, I'm not bali- but, like somewhere where you're just like the Maldives where you're just kind of tanning and sunbaking and you know, or cruising around the pool. I feel like that's a little bit different than going to Tomorrowland and it's just so full on.
Speaker 1:You've got so many people and you know, that's my yeah, and the whole holiday is kind of like that too. It's no relaxing Like I can't stop the whole fucking six weeks. Yeah, she only put on a kilo. Yeah, I feel like I'm a little fatter, but anyway, I feel frumpy ass.
Speaker 2:But that's fine, yeah, but yeah, no, yeah, I love that. How do you feel like, um, this trip has changed you in a professional way?
Speaker 1:How do I feel like it's?
Speaker 2:changed me in a professional way, because I did have personal and professionally, but I feel like we've talked about the personal side. So, coming from like a, you know how we were speaking about it on the phone the other day, how it can make you feel like I know. When I go to Bali, it makes me feel so creative and I get like all these creative juices flowing.
Speaker 1:Like, honestly, not so much at the moment. I feel like I've come back and I'm just feeling a little bit overwhelmed yeah because, as I said, I did not stop. So I'm just feeling a little bit like okay, now I have all this work to catch up on because, like I said to you the other day on the phone, like I was really worried that I was going to, I've not had a holiday, a proper holiday, since I started my business six years ago and for me I was like a bit in my head like imposter syndrome or whatever limiting beliefs, being like, oh fuck, like I'm gonna go away and like I know the girls are completely capable of taking care of my business.
Speaker 1:But for me personally, I was like I'm gonna be stressing the whole time and blah, blah, blah. Anyway, literally the second I got off that fucking plane I was like I did not give a fuck about whatever was going on in the world. I was just like I'm here and I'm going to be present, and one actual one thing that I did do was leave my watch at home, and I'm so happy I did because, like my apple watch, because my phone was constantly, unless I was using google maps to get around, my phone was always in my bag and so I wasn't checking my phone constantly when notifications got. That's one massive thing for me, notifications on my watch and like. And then I'm constantly like, oh fuck, and I'm on my phone, so true, whereas like it just helped me be so fucking present, like I was so present, I absorbed everything, I took everything in while I was there.
Speaker 1:And then like, obviously there's things that have to be done like business-wise, like paying the girls and all that sort of stuff, keeping on top of bills, but literally like only takes me like what? Maybe half an hour max, like while I'm on the bus did a little bit of content, that's it, um, but yeah, the rest of it I left until now. So yeah, right now I'm just like trying to fucking. I'm a bit overwhelmed because I'm like there's so much to catch up on but I'm still not mentally.
Speaker 1:It's like I'm so exhausted yeah, for the holiday. I can't mentally like you know switch on, yeah, but like in like a professional sense.
Speaker 1:I guess. It's kind of like I don't mean it's probably still also personal, but yeah, it's kind of just made me realize, like where I probably want my business to be. So, like I'm, it's not profitable when I'm not there. Like, let's be real, it's not. So. That's six weeks where I really didn't make any profit. There's nothing for me to take home. The business basically just read itself. So I want my business to be at a point where, if I'm not because, like you know, anything could like not even just a holiday anything could happen to me. I could get sick, something bad could happen to me. You know, I want to have a mortgage. Like you know, I've got these things that I want to do in my life. So I need to build my business to. I need to, yeah, put strategies into place really, whereas my business is going to be profitable whether I'm there or not, yeah, so and like you know, there was an where amy was sick while I was away.
Speaker 1:We had to close the business, the salon, for two days.
Speaker 1:That's fucking terrible, that's not ideal for me that's two days. I've made zero profit, so like, made zero dollars. So it's like, because ava can't be there by herself, she's an apprentice, so the two people that I have to now pay to be off, you know what I mean. Like so, it's like things like that. It's like, okay, cool. So though, professionally I learned some things that I kind of need to implement, um, to make my life, yeah, just to like make my business work for me.
Speaker 1:I'm sick of working for my business yeah, I want my business to work for me and I think that was like professionally, that was probably a big realization for me to be like okay, well, this is because, like you we were having the conversation just before about like you know where you want your business to be it's like, oh, I just want to be like you know, killing it in five years or whatever, like yeah, that's all well and good, but that holiday made me realize this is actually what I want to be doing structure and being able to forecast forward when you know things don't go your way as you said getting sick.
Speaker 2:Yeah, you know, and like you, know I planned for that stuff.
Speaker 1:So, like before I went, I was like, okay, I've implemented strategies that if Amy was sick and these things happen, then I was able to, you know, afford to pay them and all that sort of stuff. But like, for me personally, for me to be able to go on this holiday was a fucking lot of work, like you know what I mean. Like I had to sacrifice a lot to be able to put those strategies into place or like you know.
Speaker 1:So it wasn't an easy thing for me to do, which, like you know, it's not, but it's kind of like this, doesn't?
Speaker 2:it doesn't have to be this hard no, no yeah yeah, I feel like and that's all a learning curve like that's the first time that you've been away yeah on a massive holiday, obviously even stepping foot out of the country other than bali for quite some time. So you know, kudos to you because a lot of people, I guess, have that how you did, have that limiting belief where you know like I know one of my clients like she is a coach.
Speaker 2:Shout out Grace, but she ended up like she yeah, like she felt like she could never go away. It was too hard. And then next minute she books a trip to Bali, like with Glenn. But the limiting beliefs us business owners have and the expectations that we put on ourselves is that we've got to be fucking grinding 24-7.
Speaker 1:Like you know, we do put a lot of pressure on ourselves, which can be such a good thing because we strive for success and we strive we're like go-getters, you know which is a great thing, but then it's also, like, on the flip side, it has that negative impact, that's like you know. And then, like as I said to my mom the other day, I was like, you know, I got to the point where I was like literally depressed and it was just like why am I doing this?
Speaker 2:like you know, like, and the wheels are turning, but why are you turning them? Yeah, like, why am I on?
Speaker 1:that holiday and I was like this is what life is about. Like I don't want to die, like I don't want to literally get old and die and go fuck. I wish I did all this when I was younger, which is like I. My parents are like that. They're like. I wish we did this when we were younger, or whatever. Whatever it's like. I don't want to live my life like that, like I want to make sure I do everything in my life that I want they want to do.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, that's one thing I can say when I look at my bucket list. Yeah, there's probably one or two things like buying a house like other than that I've ticked off everything and I was yeah, and then I'm like what next?
Speaker 1:where would I like to go next? And I'm like, fuck it, next year I'm going to go back to Europe. And like I'm literally like making up these excuses for myself about going to Europe, I'm like I can't do that Now. Literally, I just get back from my holiday and I'm like fuck it, I'm going to go next year too.
Speaker 2:Go again, yeah, yeah, yeah, you know what I mean. Like it, I feel like talking about that. Just even bucket list like you know, if you can put everything that you want to achieve down and rather than making it so, like you know, in my space like a physique goal or you know competing goals, you know make it around like, oh, buying a house, like fuck off the pressure of buying a house and start living your life a bit more. I feel like that's you know.
Speaker 1:I feel like. So I wouldn't have had that realization about, like you know, my business if I hadn't done a holiday that big, because there was enough time for me to be away for it to affect that sort of like to have that effect.
Speaker 2:Does that make sense?
Speaker 1:like I'm like, okay, we don't make any money when I'm not there and then it's kind of like you know it's like you want to fit, like build your business to a point where it's like working for you when you're not working for it when I had, um, I was on the gym floor and I had I went to europe with alicia and I had trent.
Speaker 2:Um, he was looking after the business and fuck me dead, I come back. And it was like it wasn't a shit show. It was just because I gave all my clients a train and was like I'm off to Europe, see you later. Um, and like he did a fucking good job. Mind you, he listened to, like he's listened to a few of them. He's like thank you for keeping name dropping me years ago.
Speaker 2:Yes, um, but I will, yeah, I will like say that because that is the systems and processes, I guess. There, you know my clients, they wanted me and that makes it really hard. As you said, like you know, a lot of your clients had booked in, like even me, like I'm coming next week, like you've got all this work to do now. So it's like, next time you go on a massive holiday, how can you start to go? Okay, well, I'm not going to be here, but you can, you know you start to palm off and delegate your work, yeah, so then?
Speaker 2:yeah, you're not having to come back to picking up the pieces even though some pieces aren't fucking falling on the ground and everything's a shit show, but yeah, it's gonna kind of like allow you to learn from that as well yeah, I guess this is one thing, yeah, as a business owner, it's like, yeah, you push all your work back and it's just, it's a never-ending yeah you know, catch up.
Speaker 1:Literally that's how I feel right now. I'm like, oh yeah, and I've done some. I've like I found that like since I've been back, it's better to like do what I want to do throughout the day and then in the evening that's when I'm like, okay, now I'll sit down and do some work, because then I'll like get off at like 8, 30 or something, because I feel like, okay, I've done all the life admin things for the day. I think like it makes me feel better.
Speaker 1:I just, you know, kind of enjoying my life a little bit throughout the day, getting all that sorted, like catching up with friends and whatnot, and then like doing the work at the night because, like, rather than I started in the morning, I do like work and then I like I'm mentally exhausted, I don't want to see anyone by the afternoon whereas if I just kind of like I feel like I can switch on to work easier of a night time because it's still kind of chill time, if that makes sense it's still like you get home, you have a shower, it's chill time, you can do some work, rather than when, like you've done your work, it's kind of like like, oh, now I have to go socialise.
Speaker 2:Yeah, you know what I mean.
Speaker 1:It's just like yeah, whereas usually I'm not like that. I'm usually like smash out the work and then socialise. You know, it's funny how, like coming back, it's just like switch it up.
Speaker 2:But I think it's the overwhelm, like feeling a bit overwhelmed. It's probably your circadian rhythm too because your whole yeah, yeah, yeah, everything's kind of being flipped upside down again so you're more active of a night time mentally. Yeah, for sure, because like normally it would be like what?
Speaker 1:11, 30 or something like crazy yeah like of a night time, like I'm driving home at 6 pm, I got off the flight at 6 pm and I was like it was would literally be like 11, 30 am or something like over there and I'm just like wide awake.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, um, do you have give us some top tips for somebody who is wanting to travel solo?
Speaker 1:um top tips, um do you research? I feel like about like where you're going and stuff. I wouldn't probably just go and just like. You're like like just book a flight. Yeah, no, like I feel like about like where you're going and stuff.
Speaker 2:I wouldn't probably just go and just like like just book a flight.
Speaker 1:Yeah, no, like I feel like just just things, like you know, as I said about, like the men in Italy, like I don't know. Just be like aware and like pickpocketing, like you want to know where, like where the bad spots are for that, like you know, like sort of stuff. Sorry, just like, educate yourself on all that sort of stuff, because, yeah, pickpocketing is so bad over there, like they're so good too. They'll literally like you'll be on the train and they'll be like pointing at the like roof or whatever, and then they'll just slide their hand into your bag and steal your shit, but like I'm very aware of my belongings, so I didn't get pickpocketed but like do you know anyone that did?
Speaker 1:yeah, one of the girls in contiki um nearly did, but she was like on to it as well. But like, yeah, like I'm pretty like when you're in a big group too, it's like you're a bit of a less lesser target, um, but yeah, when you're by yourself, you just want to be like subconsciously thinking like if someone comes up to you and they're like trying to hand you a rose, say fucking no, don't be like oh that's nice. Thanks like no, everything's a scam.
Speaker 2:Just think everything is a scam and you'll be fine I remember when sorry, when alicia was getting this band done on, I forget where we were and I kept saying to her I was like alicia, alicia, and she's like she was getting in, like he didn't. He yeah, he wanted money afterwards, obviously, but it was. I was like freaking out because he had his mates coming up and I was like holding onto my stuff and her, yeah, I don't know, I was. So that's me, though.
Speaker 1:I just think everything That'd be like 20 euros Skeptical. 20 euros is like fucking 35 Australian dollars.
Speaker 2:Well, we didn't end up buying because that was a massive stitch- top tips.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I don't know, try and pack a lot, I guess, but, like, in saying that too, I didn't really buy anything over there, like because it's the same shit that you have here. Um, there wasn't nothing that I like wish I didn't take, but there were things that I wish I did, like. It was just like more like clothes and like my vibrator I was wondering if she was gonna say it.
Speaker 1:But yeah, no, that was a random one. But yeah, there were times where I was like, no, I won't use that, I won't need that, like I'm room sharing with heaps of people. But then there was times where I was like that would be nice right about now.
Speaker 2:I was like, as soon as she said that, I said to Emma I was like didn't you get any dick? No, I did. No, I did. Are you bringing on the vibrate on like it's like?
Speaker 1:surely guys?
Speaker 2:okay, let's not judge in europe, when in yeah, yeah, of course, was it aussie, or was it okay?
Speaker 1:no, no, let's just move.
Speaker 2:No, greg dick. Okay, move on. You're gonna get some dms about this now I know, oh my god okay. So, looking back, is there anything you would do differently um other than the few things that you've touched on?
Speaker 1:looking back, would I do anything differently? Honestly, no, I feel like I set out to live my best fucking life and that's exactly what I did like I was really proud of myself except get green?
Speaker 1:yeah, no, like, I feel like, like personally, like when I came back, I literally like I remember there was like I know I didn't answer where I rang my mum and I literally was just like I have literally just come over here and lived my best life, and that was just like I have literally just come over here and live my best life and that's just all I wanted to do. Like, honestly, no, I feel like everything was just such a vibe besides what I've sort of touched on. Yeah, everything like I just lived my life to my absolute fullest and just like, yeah, I just forgot, not forgot, but like I was proud of myself for going over there and just like, you know, leaving shit, all the shit at home or the baggage and whatever at home, just forgetting about it all, and just like living in the moment and being present, like that was something that I was just worried. I was like not gonna do yeah, I was so present, bro.
Speaker 1:Like I've have not had time like that, and like even now when I've come back, like it's weird, I kind of don't have like any time for like stupid shit, like as silly as that sounds, like I don't know what the what the go is, but like I just don't have time for like I don't know, just petty shit, like it's like shit don't matter, like shut up, move on, kind of thing. Like it's weird yeah, I'll be back for a few days and, like usually, I'm like such a stressor, you are you.
Speaker 2:I feel like you put a lot of pressure on yourself and you have really high expectations, which isn't bad myself, which isn't a bad thing but yeah.
Speaker 1:I feel like since I've yeah, since I've been back, I've just been so much more like like you know, everything's fine, like you know, like I'm just kind of I'm not sweating the small things, whereas before I'd get so like easily frustrated and like petty random shit and I'm like for fuck's sake.
Speaker 2:You know what I mean.
Speaker 1:Whereas I'm just I feel like I'm just so much more chill now and I don't know if that's probably because I have finally had a holiday or if it's just genuinely because of, like, how I've evolved during that time.
Speaker 2:Phil, yeah, from like what I can see, maybe like I don't know, you're probably in a. You see things in a different like a bigger picture now, Like it's not just little lamb in a little like big salon, but little salon you know what I mean.
Speaker 2:Like you feel like there is so much to fucking life and if you are, are you've already proved to yourself like if you work hard you can do whatever whatever you want, that's such a good way to do it that's what I see it as, because, like, we get so caught up in our day-to-day lives and you know, it's just that constant circle, whereas, like when you do travel, you start to see things in a different so so true I don't know yeah just doing it solo.
Speaker 1:Like, if you're having anyone to rely on but yourself. I mean, I'm pretty independent and I know how to, like you know. But like it's just a completely different thing, I think and like as a female you know you talk about like it's such a big thing like topic of subject at the moment. I feel like you know women like topic of subject at the moment.
Speaker 1:I feel like you know women's safety and all that sort of stuff, like even as a woman like you know I remember my um, my uncle was like to me, like just walk into a pub and like get a drink.
Speaker 1:And I'm like I'm not fucking doing that, like I'm a female, like I can't just walk into a pub like a man can and like you know what I mean, like empowering to be a female and like people putting myself in these like situations and just like you know, feeling safe, yeah, moving through it and just like you know being okay. And like even that situation with that weird dude, like I wasn't, like I'm not some like I wasn't like, oh my god, freaking out. Some people may, some people probably would have, because it was pretty, he was pretty, fucking full-on, like some women may have. But even for me to be in that situation and come out of it and be like fuck, I was just so like to notice how I was in that moment and like even what the thoughts that went through my head. Like I was like fuck, should I just walk into a restaurant and just be like get this fucking weirdo away from me? But then I was like fuck, I've really got my own back.
Speaker 2:Like yeah, yeah I can really trust myself I feel like that and that's, yeah, such an empowering thing yeah because you're especially in that moment with the, that male.
Speaker 1:Yeah, man oh, so cringe too when I think back to him like ew, and I'm literally like fuck off. When he was like you are beautiful, you could be model, I could make you model. I literally laughed. I just started laughing. I was like bro, I don't want to be a model and I don't want you to make me one, please. No, I was like what, it was so funny but, yeah, like also creepy. Like you know, even when alira saw him, she's like that guy's so creepy and I was like well, I'm glad it happened. If it was gonna happen to anyone, I'm happy it happened to me. You know what?
Speaker 1:I mean yeah, I feel like I'm pretty good at like dealing with situations like that yeah yeah, but yeah, I love that crazy all right.
Speaker 2:Do you have anything else you want to?
Speaker 1:add no, not really. I just feel like, yeah, I've just come back such a different person and I honestly believe that I feel like, if you can, I feel like everyone should do that, like not not necessarily go to Europe, but I feel like everyone should have an experience where they travel solo. I just think that, like I just got so much overseas too.
Speaker 2:Yeah, just go and, just like you know well even like actually quickly, like we're were talking on the phone, I said to Em like there's so many times where I've wanted to take myself out for dinner or take myself to the movies, like I love my own company and I can go to a cafe and sit down and do work and, like you know, have a coffee, but I feel like for me to go without work or something to distract me in that environment by myself. I probably would rather sit at home.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Like as bad as that and yeah, I feel like that is going outside of your comfort zone. So if you find that like a massive overseas trip solo is a big fucking thing, yeah, and that's like start small.
Speaker 1:No, but before.
Speaker 2:I never would have gone to a cafe by myself.
Speaker 1:now I would like it's just like it's weird because it's like I don't know putting myself in such a big I'm someone too I don't do things by halves like I'm kind of like I do, like I jump into massive things head first, yeah, which isn't always the greatest idea, but yeah, like I feel like that kind of just made me be like you know you are so fine on your own, like I mean I always like that kind of just made me be like you know you are so foreign on your own, like I mean I always knew that.
Speaker 2:I don't know. It's hard to explain.
Speaker 1:Just do it Travel solo because it's literally the best experience, Like just so cool.
Speaker 2:There we go guys.
Speaker 1:Travel solo. Go to Europe. We're going to book out. I'll see you there next year. Yeah, don't, I don't want to do it.
Speaker 2:so long we're all going to have to do it by ourselves. We'll meet each other at a meeting point, yeah, and then walk away Amazing. Thank you so much guys.
Speaker 1:We'll see you next time. Bye.