Re-live Childhood

Nadia Santangelo Start Date: Feb 2, 2024 - End Date: Feb 1, 2025
  • Stuttgart, Germany
  • Okinawa, Japan

My Travel Story

by: Nadia Santangelo Start Date: Feb 2, 2024 - End Date: Feb 1, 2025
What is your reason for “being” or Ikigai? 


I'm trying to find mine. 


I’m 27 going on 38 (not a typo)


I am known as an old soul by some and a passionate workaholic by others. 


I know you may be thinking: “Nadia darling…I don't know you yet but I want you to know that those characteristics are not usually a good thing”. 


There was a time I would argue that one’s perspective is everything while smiling and taking pride in who I am, what I have accomplished and how I carry myself. I loved that of all the things people could say about me they chose to notice that I care a lot about the people around me and give up my own well-being for them. Though giving with boundaries should have been set. And yes I was also proud that people of all ages wanted to talk to me and found our conversation to be those that they suspected would only occur in the golden age of retirement chit chatting on the back porch. It felt good to be that person because I would never feel bad about working to care for others and to provide for myself. That security and fulfillment was worth everything for me at the time. 


Times have now changed. My mind has now changed.  I’m questioning those personality characteristics.Why now? Being an old soul came because of my years of trauma and forced adulthood at a young age. Being a workaholic came because I was so scared to have to rely on anyone else again. Not to mention the interesting feelings you get when people/ clients/ company/ strangers “need” you and what that praise and connection can do to heal someone. Wowza. Is this a Travel Campaign or a Diary. Sorry about that but thank you for listening thus far. 


Back to the prompt! I am hoping to see if there are souls out there that have found their true reason for being. Hoping you can help me find mine. Find my Ikigai. 


First step is done: I have stepped away from distractions that do not serve the present or future Nadia/ Nadia’s family. 


Second step in progress: re-code my childhood so that my past no longer creates a cloudy filter on my life. 


Third step in progress: Be free. Be you. Do things that make you want to live and that will in turn be for the betterment of all those around me (i.e. I want to be as mentally, emotionally and financially ready for my future family!)


How am i going to do all that??? Not sure yet. But I am open to advice/ help in funding this next chapter of my life of being okay with being a “young soul” for once without feeling guilty for not putting responsibilities on everything else like I have since leaving my home and providing for myself at 17.  Thank you for helping me continue to make lemonade out of lemons! 


My life motto: “ Live the best life possible with the resources that you have”
Adjustment: “Be open to receiving, giving and optimizing everything around you for the sake of actually living!”


Thank you for helping me find my Ikigai. 


With gratitude, 

Nadia


  • Stuttgart, Germany
  • Okinawa, Japan