Journey of discovery and recovery!

Gemma Riley Start Date: Dec 27, 2024 - End Date: Dec 26, 2025
  • Morocco
  • Portugal
  • Albania

My Travel Story

by: Gemma Riley Start Date: Dec 27, 2024 - End Date: Dec 26, 2025
Hi!  My names is Gemma I'm 40 years old from the North East of England.  This trip for me is primarily about recovery, healing and finding myself again whilst hopefully giving something back.  I used to be ashamed of my struggles but I've realised I'm human and unfortunately life isn't always a bed of roses.... I've struggled with my mental health for as long as I can remember... I was stuck in a job where I was being bullied relentlessly, I found myself stuck in a vicious circle of drinking, recreational drug use and surrounding myself with the wrong people... diagnosed with attachment issues related to my adoption and losing my mum I'm naturally a people pleaser which has only added to the struggle to change and the only way I could escape and try to get better was to leave everyone behind and go it alone!  First time solo travelling and although it can be lonely at times and often scary....I'm proud to say I've been drug free for 3 weeks since I arrived and although the alcohol is still there it's minimal... I'm actually not missing it at the moment but I'm far from ready to go home and not confident that I will be able to remain sober when I get there just yet.  I plan to travel the rest of Morocco before moving on and I'm also in the process of working towards my TEFL certificate so I can teach English while I travel.  I'm seeking out volunteer opportunities so that I can give something back and not only learning so much about myself but the rich diverse world we live in!  There was a time i was ashamed of my downfalls...and although I'm certainly not proud of them, life is a rollercoaster we all have our struggles but it's how we place them that matters.  I'm very independent and have had some internal conflict about launching this campaign....I have family and friends that would help I'm sure but I need to do this without them...I realise my story is very different to most and I'm not looking for sympathy just a little encouragement and the ability to finish the journey so I can return home happier healthier and confident I'm over this rut I've been stuck in while hopefully leaving a little of myself behind to thank the communities that have unknowingly helped me recover.
  • Morocco
  • Portugal
  • Albania

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