PLANNING THE UNKNOWN
Empower Your Living
July 9, 2025 · 8 min read
July 9, 2025 · 8 min read
As I prepare for my 8½-month journey around the globe — starting in exactly two weeks on July 23 (more about my journey see Notes) — I find myself reflecting on the past five months. Months filled with excitement, anticipation, and a bubbling sense of adventure. I feel an overwhelming joy and deep gratitude in my heart. How lucky am I to be able to just take off and go?
But I’d be lying if I said everything felt light and carefree.
Especially now, in these final weeks before departure, doubt occasionally creeps in. Have I thought of everything? Have I made all the necessary arrangements? What if I’ve missed something important?
And then there are the bigger questions: Will my vision — to bring my work as an Empowerment & Self-Love Coach to people across the world — truly unfold the way I hope it will? Will I find those who are ready for transformation, who are searching for what I offer?
Despite the uncertainty, I trust! I trust that things will fall into place. That the universe will guide me, protect me — and yes, challenge me.Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
Nothing is more certain than the unknown.
Have a plan, but let life surprise you.)
Let’s be honest: planning the unknown feels very much like trying to schedule a surprise party for myself.
I’ve made countless lists since day one. I’ve endlessly researched the internet about nomadic life for Swiss nationals — only to be stunned by how little information I found. I guess we’re not quite so globally advanced as we like to think!
Thankfully, a very dear friend (also Swiss) who has been living as a nomad for several years already, became my go-to person. She recommended health and travel insurances, advised me regarding telecommunications, as well as banking and money transfers. Honestly, I don’t know what I would’ve done without her invaluable tips and insights. At this point: a massive thank you — you know who you are.
In the beginning, I had absolutely no idea how long the journey would be. I started by brainstorming where I wanted to go and who might be able to host me along the way. Then I created a rough itinerary… which kept changing naturally. And it still does. I tried to take weather patterns into account. I also wanted to make sure I included a few dreamy scuba diving stops.
Since my birthday is at the end of July, I knew that I wanted to celebrate somewhere exotic. So, I began booking flights, transfers, and accommodations for the first leg: Indonesia and Singapore, where I’ll be spending almost two months.
Bali’s magic can’t be explained. It has to be felt
At first, it all felt wildly exciting. Then… overstimulation hit. Suddenly, I was overwhelmed. The “what ifs” started creeping in. What if I forgot something? What if things go wrong? What if it will all be an illusion and I end up worse off than I started?
But I quickly realized: trying to plan for every possible outcome is simply impossible. So I made a decision — to only organize the first part of the trip. I have an idea where it will take me afterwards and trust that it will all unfold the way it’s supposed to be.
Sometimes it’s a bit of an emotional balancing act for someone quite organized. It is my trademark. It also gives me a sense of stability, especially when sh** hits the proverbial fan. But deep down, I know I can’t prepare for the things that will change me most.
And that’s both terrifying… and wildly freeing.
When we cling to control, we often block the very magic we’re secretly craving. I’ve come to see that planning this journey isn’t about having every detail mapped out. It’s about building just enough structure for the unknown to unfold.
«It’s the dance between trust and action. Between “I’ve got this” and “I have no idea what’s next, but I’m in.”»
And honestly? That’s where life gets juicy.
Trusting the Pause: Why Stepping Back Can Move You Forward
I’ve learned to trust the unknown the hard way.
Back in the Spring of 2015, I made a bold decision: leave everything behind, sell my house in Switzerland, and move to London. I had it all figured out (or so I thought).
In October, I packed two large suitcases, booked a flight, and told my friends I was coming to job hunt and explore neighborhoods I could potentially live in. Said and done.
But when I arrived, reality kicked in.
First, I learned — totally unprepared — that owning property in Switzerland triggered a double taxation issue. No one had warned me, and I had absolutely no clue. Then, the energy at my friend’s place, where I was staying, was heavy and tense. It had nothing to do with me personally, but it still made me feel unwanted. I realized pretty quickly: I was on my own.
That realization, along with the pressure of a major life change, led to an emotional breakdown. I started questioning everything. Was this a huge mistake? What the hell was I doing?
To top it off, I still hadn’t sold my house. I had no buyer, no real timeline, and no solid foundation. So I hit the brakes.
I took a step back and decided: First, I’ll sell the house. Then I’ll think about the move.
London wasn’t the wind beneath my wings — it was the lesson that taught me how to soar differently.
It took a few months, but eventually I found a buyer and the sale went through. And by that time… I realized something deeper: It wasn’t time to make such a huge leap.
So I shifted gears. I looked for a new place to live — still in Switzerland — and ended up building a new life in a brand-new location.
And then, in 2020, Brexit happened. Suddenly, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I was glad I hadn’t forced the move to London after all.
Had I pushed forward recklessly, I would’ve walked straight into a stressful unknown. Instead, I had trusted the pause. And the pause had saved me.
Looking back now, I’m incredibly grateful I didn’t force what wasn’t ready. The signs were there — I just had to listen.
Have You Ever Had a Moment Like That?
A moment where the plan crumbled, and you thought you’d failed… Only to realize later that the detour was actually the protection?
Maybe you’re in that space right now. Maybe life feels uncertain, paused, or messy—and part of you just wants to push through. But what if the pause isn’t the problem? What if it’s the space where clarity finds you?
So often, when we’re unhappy with something in our lives, our instinct is to get rid of it. Fast. We want to escape the discomfort, numb the pain, change the situation — anything to not feel this.
But maybe that very discomfort is the doorway. Maybe it’s not here to torture us, but to teach us. To invite us inward. To sit, still and honest, with what’s really going on beneath the surface.
Sometimes life closes the door you begged for—so you can find the one you actually need.
Because here’s the truth: running away rarely works. The same old patterns have a sneaky way of showing up in new places. It’s not until we stop, breathe, and get radically clear about what we actually want — not just what we want to avoid — that real change becomes possible.
And when we choose from that place of grounded clarity? Even if the next step turns out to be imperfect — we can pivot with peace.Because it wasn’t a rushed escape. It was a conscious move.
Tools That Help You Trust the Unknown
When life feels uncertain — or when I catch myself trying to force clarity — I come back to a few simple but powerful practices:
- Mindful Breathing
One hand on my heart, one on my belly. Eyes closed. A few deep breaths to remind myself: I’m safe. I’m grounded. I don’t need all the answers right now. - Journaling Prompts I Love
- What’s actually true right now?
- Where might life be inviting me to pause or shift direction?
- What would trust do in this moment?
- Connecting with Mother Nature
Whether it’s a walk through the forest, sitting by water, or simply watching the clouds move — nature reminds me that things unfold in perfect timing. There’s no rush, no pressure. Just cycles, flow, and deep trust. When I’m in nature, I remember: Iam part of something bigger. - Trust Anchors
I revisit moments — like my almost-move to London — when life redirected me in ways I didn’t expect but deeply needed. - Mantra
“I don’t chase, I align. What’s meant for me flows with ease.”
The brightest journeys don’t start with a map — but with a heart willing to follow the rainbow.
The Beauty of Not Knowing
Planning the unknown isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about having the courage to begin, even without a clear map. It’s knowing that detours may come (and they will, trust me) — not to derail you, but to redirect you to something that is more aligned with your purpose.
It’s learning to listen, to your gut, to the whispers of your inner voice, to the pauses that hold more wisdom than any to-do list ever could.
It’s trusting that not every door opens on demand — and sometimes, the most powerful move is to wait.
To soften. To breathe. And to stay curious.
Because planning the unknown isn’t about controlling the future — it’s about welcoming it. It’s the wild art of preparing just enough so the magic still has room to move.
And as I stand on the edge of this next journey, heart open, suitcase almost ready, I carry that trust with me.
Not because I know what’s coming — but because I don’t have to.
Notes:
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Email: barbara@empoweryourliving.com
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