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Almost a year ago I wrote the following blog post. I like to repost it once a while and add some words. Turned out to look like a whole book again. And speaking of book writing…I hope to catch that dream as well this year.

When was the last time that you have turned your dreams into actual plans? When was the last time you turned your can’t into cans? How often I talk with people who cannot imagine that traveling is actually closer than they think, that their dreams are not so scary as they seem. People who keep, against better judgement, doing what they feel like is expecting from them instead of what they love to. Stay with their love who they do not love, with hope that has been lost a long time ago. Who do not dare to live, while they have nothing to lose. The most important thing that you own is you. And they keep dreaming, keep imagining, but unfortunately they keep sticking to ‘I-can’ts’. Can’t. Does. Not. Exist.

Imagination is the ultimate world. Without a step it brings me in worlds that I’ve created myself. I fly high over inaccessible mountains like an eagle, I deserve the applause in the concert hall and I take that dream job that plays in my head for so long. Without any consequence or condition it lets me experience a fantasy, and without explanation I can cross laws of nature and men. But it is really just daydreaming? When I was a little girl I could let my imagination go free for an extended period of time. I did not have to deal with adult matters yet – it was never time to go ‘back to work’. I dreamed of fairytale kingdoms, princes and princesses, fantasized about non-existing boyfriends, so strong that sometimes the line between fantasy and reality blurred. But it was more than a child’s play: in my imagination I was independent. When I was still too young to bother about ‘practical issues’ of life – such as the time to go to sleep, time to eat and the time to work – I was already trying to create my own world, a world where I could do what I wanted. I couldn’t have had a better experience before the day that I really had to take my life into my own hands and had to give shape to my dreams.

Still my imagination continues to excite me with thoughts about myself and the way I want to live in my world. There is a balance between my daily routine and my fantasies and dreams. How else could I give shape to my dreams? My imagination gives my dreams confidence, even if it seems reality wants to violate all my dreams. I like to go beyond the apparent horizon, beyond the non-existent border. I like to get to know what I don’t know. And no, I have known setbacks too. Huge ones. Yes, I have fallen down sometimes. Many times. But I am not the only one. Getting up takes longer than the fall, but in the end, if you are standing with both feet on the ground again, you are a lot wiser. Stop with making excuses. I’m not rich (at all), I’m not 100% healthy and instead of the usual bag of life experiences I carry a whole suitcase with me. But I do make my dreams come true. I do. I go. I’m saving. I travel. I enjoy. I live. Dare to live.

And this is exactly where my blog is all about. Catching dreams. Lately in blogger-presentations, I notice that everyone is saying you ‘have to’ have a so-called niche. In my opinion  I ‘have to’ do or have anything. But there is a sort of logic in it, with all of the hundreds of blogs that are created nowadays (which I like). And yeah, I started wondering what my niche is. I created this blog years and years ago to share my stories with the world. Out of a passion. My travel stories (initially for friends and family, nowadays for thousands of other readers, so much fun!) but as well my setbacks, my fears and hopes, my climbing up the mountain again, to share my vision and the will to dream, and to let people dream. Unconsciously, but because of hard work, I’ve created opportunities for myself after all these years of blogging and growing. Opportunities that I take with both hands. Of course, this is my passion – and how great it is that it has become a big part of my dreams.

I gave up my job and started my own business. No, not this blog – but an enterprise in text, communication and marketing. Full of passion. I can live from what I earn now, because of hard work, and I am grateful for that. In addition, I am a travel reporter for this blog and other companies – and that is such a blessing. However, it is hard work and that people seem to forget that part sometimes. This blog post by Sabine describes very well what I do, no need to repeat that. It is in Dutch though.

So here I take a step backwards: the  ‘niche’ question. I am a storyteller. I travel to special places, play with words, photography and film and from scratch I write a travel story. I share experiences. I am grateful for our fascinating earth and I love to share all that she has to offer. Of course I like to highlight my discovered hotspots for you: from hostel to resort and restaurant to wine café. But in an honest way. I listen to my heart and share a small piece of my heart here. I’ll let you take a look in the life of a nomad, even if you prefer to stay at home. If I can just let you realize a little bit that dreams are there to catch, I am satisfied. But above all, I think it is just great that you enjoy my travel stories, photography, and movies. I won’t tell you where you must go, where you can find the cheapest accommodation or how it all can be done better. I  simply would like to inspire to do the same: discover. In any way. Catch your own dreams. Could that be a niche?

And: I must do something right somehow with my lack of a niche, I am chosen as the second best travel blog from Netherlands via the Skyscanner Bloscars Travel Awards. Champagne! Huge thanks for all the sweet voting.