Welcome to My Journey
Hi, I’m Robin—Welcome to My Journey
Hello there! My name’s Robin, a 24-year-old adventurer navigating the world both outside and within. Based in Belgium, I’ve always sought a happiness that evolves with me, growing through change, introspection, and the courage to embrace what life throws my way. This blog is an extension of that pursuit—a space to share the lessons from my adventures, dive into what hurts and heals me, and celebrate the journey of becoming a more authentic version of myself.
Why This Blog?
This blog is a collection of reflections—moments captured from my journal and shaped into stories. It’s my way of exploring the big and small lessons that life has to offer. Whether I’m on a trail, meditating at sunrise, or wrestling with a moment of doubt, these experiences become a lens through which I better understand myself and the world around me. Here, I’ll share those moments with you.
Expect honesty, introspection, and the occasional misstep—because that’s where the magic often happens. You’ll find stories of adventures, tools I’ve picked up to balance productivity with mindfulness, and reflections on finding freedom and authenticity in the chaos of life.
A Bit About My Journey
My story begins—truly begins—in my late teens. I was an anxious kid, terrified of public speaking and often overwhelmed by my own thoughts. Confidence didn’t come naturally, and I struggled with self-doubt through my university years. Then, during a particularly overwhelming period, I decided to take responsibility for my own growth. Studying sports helped connect me to health and well-being, but I fell into the trap of overthinking—immersed in the rigid logic of self-help and stoicism. I was all head, no heart.
When the pandemic hit, everything slowed down. For the first time in years, I had space to breathe. I started meditating, devoured The Power of Now, and discovered mindfulness. Slowly, I began to balance the analytical side of me with the intuitive. I started listening to my heart.
That’s when everything shifted.
During an internship in the Canary Islands, I met a mentor, Lucas, who introduced me to transformative ideas about life, love, time and much more. Together, we walked hundreds of kilometers across mountainous terrain. Those hikes left me physically exhausted but mentally open in a way I’d never experienced before. Back in Belgium, I took a high-pressure job in the outdoors to build financial stability, but it came at a cost. Once again, my productivity overshadowed my need for vulnerability, and I knew I needed to recalibrate.
The pull of South America tempted me, but an unexpected opportunity led me back to the Canary Islands as an assistant hiking guide. I found myself leading others along the same trails where Lucas and I had walked. It was a surreal full-circle moment—a testament to how much I’d grown. Yet even in this dream job, I felt the heart’s absence. I craved freedom and a switch in career. Adventure jobs had started to feel like they stripped some of the joy from the outdoors by turning it professional. That’s when I came upon videography—a creative, exciting path that offered freedom—but I quickly realized how big and challenging an endeavor it truly was.
That’s when I embraced a summer full of adventures that felt like ultimate freedom—road trips, highlining, bikepacking 600 kilometers, and hiking Mont Blanc with my dad. These macro-adventures helped me rediscover joy in simplicity and play, reminding me of why I love adventure. Part of me thinks I was testing my growth here. These decisions that would seem impossible for the younger me now felt like nothing.
After a period of uncertainty and feeling a bit alone in my thoughts and visions, I set out on a working holiday in Australia. Over the past 1.5 years, I’ve explored vast landscapes, juggled multiple jobs, and met incredible people. Most importantly, I’ve reconnected with myself. Australia gave me the space to reflect and refine who I am.
What’s Next?
On the horizon is my next big adventure: a 2000km+ bikepacking journey across New Zealand. I’m embarking on this trip to rediscover the peace I remember from my last bikepacking adventure. With New Zealand being so close, it feels like an opportunity I can’t miss, knowing I may not return to this part of the world for a long time. If I can stretch my time and resources, I’d also love to add a ski season to the adventure—an extra chapter of exploration and discovery. Afterward, I’ll return to Belgium, ready to integrate everything I’ve learned into a new chapter—one rooted in authenticity, freedom, and a deep sense of purpose.
This blog is for anyone seeking inspiration to step outside their comfort zone or turn inward to explore their own depths. While I’ve shared macro-adventures that shaped my perspective, I’m also excited to introduce the concept of micro-adventures—a sneak peek into the smaller, accessible explorations I’m eager to work on when I return to Belgium. Whether it’s through these bite-sized adventures, reflections on mindfulness, or lessons learned the hard way, I hope my stories offer a spark of encouragement for your own journey.
Thanks for joining me. Let’s explore together.