Hi guys,

 One reader has taken her time to share her story with us. Her name is Louisa Okon, and right now she is in Perth, Australia on her way to achieving her dream of becoming a novelist as well as working on her radio career! Louisa dropped us an email one month ago and shared her story on her struggle and how she’s managed to be picked up.

RIDING HIGH… OR MAYBE NOT!

Two years ago if anybody were to have told me that the next two years of my life was going to be filled with complete and utter loneliness, depression, desperation and more alcohol than I could of ever imagined - I would never of believed them!I have always been a free-spirited person especially after meeting my brother’s Swedish ex-girlfriend who sat me down and explained to me that there are two different types of people in the world: “People who do nothing about their dreams and people who execute their dreams!” That was all I needed… After that I left my part-time job of five years, left home and traveled the world!

Then in 2006 an opportunity landed at my feet, one I simply couldn’t resist! It was an opportunity to move to Perth, Australia and gain ‘hands on’ experience within a local community radio station, so off course I thought “why not!” It was the thrill of yet another adventure that pushed me to pack my bags, leave my hub in London and move to the other side of the world! The only way was up for me, what could possibly go wrong?

However, the experience didn’t quite turn out how I expected it to be or even wanted it to be. I found it hard to make friends in my new home (which really hurt as I am one of the most gregarious girls in the world!). The part-time jobs I took up to further aid my finances turned out to be a nightmare after nightmare after nightmare! And moreover, I had lost my enthusiasm for my career! I was completely lost within myself and in this world! This new state of low caused me to act out of character: I became ‘desperate’ especially for friendships and I stupidly pinned my belief of happiness on external factors one being a boyfriend - “that surely didn’t work!”

Then my dear sister sent me a copy of (a film on attraction) and that started me on my road to self-discovery and personal development. I was enthusiastic and motivated again and wanted to learn more and more about this new subject! I read as much as I could, attended seminars, anything I could possibly get my hands on! And what happened next: people who have now become some of closest friends started to appear in my life, I was now beginning to build a social network in Perth - would you believe it!

I am again motivated to get back into my radio career and writing this short piece has encouraged me to take my first steps to becoming a novelist something that I’ve wanted to do since I was 6-years-old!

I could have never of guessed that I would of reached such a low ebb after riding so high so long! But now I am mentally stronger to handle the punches that life has to throw at me!

Louisa Okon, 29.

                                    “Life’s an attitude so live it like it’s Golden!”        

—-

To Louisa: It takes courage to follow our dreams, and to move from your home in London to a new city is such a powerful choice for your dream in your career. These two years must have been a tough struggle for you and one way of acknowledging them is that they are challenges set for us to ovecome. And, the skills and strength that you gain out of it will be used for further tests down the road.

For every breakdown, there will be a breakthrough. For every bottom we reach, there will be an up we’ll go through. As long as we keep pushing ourselves towards out dreams. Kudos for not giving in to the circumstances and pushing on Louisa!

 To readers: If you are reading this, Louisa is asking for advice on who she could possibly contact for help in becoming a novelist. If you have any tips to share, or encouragement for her, drop a comment!