When to Jump, an independent media partner of The Huffington Post, is a curated community featuring the ideas and stories of people who have made the decision to leave something comfortable and chase a passion.
I was born in a land where my parents were taught that you have to be careful when pursuing your dreams, must always have a plan and stick to it. But what if one day you wake up and you feel so lost even though you thought you knew who you want to be?
I might have been called an example to others from time to time -- until one day I felt like I'm not really sure of who I am and what I want to do. But I had this huge passion for traveling and rush.
So instead of just telling stories to friends, I decided to show my story to everyone.
I was born and raised in Vilnius, Lithuania. People here tend to be tensed about the future, and my parents, even though they support me a lot, always wanted me to be someone I now know I could never be. While growing up, my love of music was encouraged at all times, I attended music school from an early age, and who wouldn't love their little daughter to be seen on different stages singing and performing? But when it came to deciding whether it's going to be my future, my family was worried I won't be able to make a living from it, and that might, at some levels, have transferred to me as a sign of not being sure, even though I knew exactly who I wanted to be.
I remember each year starting with new resolutions that this year is going to be the last year I am trying to make money from anything but music. It never worked. I always managed to find different reasons not to give it all to music, but rather call myself a musician while working all kinds of side jobs and telling everyone, I just don't have time.
I always saw myself traveling and experiencing different things in different countries, but some decisions made by no one else but me made me stay in Lithuania for six years after graduating from high school. I was waking up every morning imagining palm trees and sun outside my little flat, while it was raining or snowing. Until I realized that this idea is not giving up on me, so how come I run from it every time?
It was until I met a guy, a really nice guy, who I will probably be thankful all my life for decisions I made while traveling together. We were quick to make plans for the summer, purchased a bunch of plane tickets to different cities in Europe, and in no time I am sure to say he is one of my best friends now. He once took me to a place where people jump off the bridge using a rope, and who knew -- this jump was the thing I needed to realize I have so much to say, and music isn't the only way to do it.
Quickly after that I started a video blog called wild wild Blue -- I filmed all of my first-time experiences of summer 2016 -- from skydiving in Klaipeda to bungee jumping in Sigulda, Latvia. I participated as a volunteer in events such as a Lithuanian wakeboarding championship and Preila Surf Camp. I quit my office job, and even though I can't afford to do only music, I found a job that allows me to travel and make new connections.
In only three months I feel like I did more than in all my life, plus I finally got the courage to make a jump that I am sure will change a lot. I'm not quick to talk about it, but as my story continues on "When To Jump," I will keep you updated on my every step here and on my YouTube channel.
I know that I'm not the only one feeling like this. Always trying to be independent and perfect in all activities. And when something doesn't work out, people like me tend to give up after a long fight. But the message I want to spread is that no matter what, you have to chase your dream. Even if you're not sure what it is. We have only one beautiful life, and we live in times full of opportunities.
Go out there, do something you never did before, meet new people out of your regular circle, explore -- even traveling doesn't cost that much if you take time to plan it. If something you do over and over again doesn't work -- try to do it in a different way. Just don't be afraid and don't listen to the ones who are quick to give advice, but don't use it themselves.
I'm making a jump. A pretty big one. I'm scared. But at the same time -- nothing can stop me now.
FOLLOW MY STORY:
wild wild Blue vlog
Instagram: @camilleunlimited
wild wild Blue blog
my music channel
When to Jump, an independent media partner of The Huffington Post, is a curated community featuring the ideas and stories of people who have made the decision to leave something comfortable and chase a passion. You can follow When to Jump on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For more stories like this one, sign up for the When to Jump newsletter here. (Note: The When to Jump newsletter is not managed by The Huffington Post.)