Hi, I’m Robin—a 24-year-old explorer of the world outside and within. Based in Belgium, I seek a happiness that evolves with me, embracing change through introspection, open-mindedness, and the courage to grow.
This blog is a collection of reflections—moments captured from my journal and shaped into stories. It’s a space where I explore the lessons from my adventures, dive deeper into what hurts and heals me and and embrace the journey of becoming a more authentic version of myself.
“A step closer to our true self is a step closer to a fulfilling life.”
My journey truly began in my late teens. I was an anxious kid, terrified of presentations and overwhelmed by my own thoughts, which left me unsure and lacking confidence. This continued through university until a surge of pressure finally pushed me to take responsibility for my actions. Studying sports helped, as it connected me to health and well-being, but I soon dove too deep into the world of self-help and stoicism. It became too cerebral—too structured. I missed something, but I didn’t know what it was. Turns out, it was my heart.
When the pandemic hit, I found space to breathe, meditate, and read The Power of Now. I began valuing mindfulness alongside my productivity, learning to balance the head with the heart.
I then went on an internship in the Canary Islands, where I met a mentor, Lucas, on a transformative project. Together, we walked hundreds of kilometers across rugged terrain. The physical exhaustion opened my mind, and Lucas’s wisdom on life, love, and time profoundly changed me.
Back in Belgium, I took a job at my father’s suggestion, building a financial safety net instead of traveling to South America. This job, however, was intense and high-paced. I gained confidence and skills but also fell back into an overproductive mindset, leaving little room for vulnerability or the heart. I realized I needed a change.
I dreamed once again of backpacking in South America, but an unexpected job offer in Gran Canaria shifted my path. I became an assistant hiking guide, leading clients on the same trails I had walked with Lucas. In just a few years, I had transformed from a nervous teenager into a guide in a foreign country, but I began to notice that the demands of the job once again left little room for the heart to show itself.
I craved freedom, so I spent a summer pursuing adventure—highlining, road tripping, bikepacking 600km, and hiking Mont Blanc with my father. These experiences felt like play, a return to joy and simplicity. I thought my next step would be becoming a videographer, sharing my adventures, but soon realized how challenging and multifaceted videography was.
After a period of uncertainty, I decided to embark on a working holiday in Australia. Over the past 1.5 years, I’ve had multiple jobs, traveled thousands of kilometers, and met countless people. Australia allowed me to disconnect from my community, giving me the space to wander and reconnect with myself. Through reflection, I’ve found great confidence in experiencing life and understanding myself.
Next, I have a bikepacking trip through New Zealand on the horizon, which I’m sure will bring new insights and challenges. After that, I plan to return to Belgium, using everything I’ve learned to build a new life, rooted in who I truly am.