LIFE 2.0: The first step to achieving your dreams

By Sarika Rao

I am a mother of two and have been working for many years in the IT industry. This lockdown has really changed everyone’s perception of life and for me, I have been living LIFE 2.0 since then. I had not travelled for many years before lockdown due to some or the other issues (which were always silly when I look at them now).

Being a woman, our values and priorities change post marriage. Many times leisures or hobbies are a sin for mothers, wives and daughter in law’s in spite of them being earning or independent in our society. This attitude needs a big upgrade and only change in our mentality will bring that.

So, one day I was just surfing on YouTube about travel and places all around-(my all-time favourite time pass since childhood, only the medium keeps changing). I came across a beautiful vlog on Kedarkantha trek in Uttarakhand, and I just fell in love with that place. At the same time, I also got my spectacles for the first time ever(all thanks to continuous work from home along with Netflix and Prime). I realised that the time is running.

I did first plan a mother-daughter trip to Dubai post lockdown by taking all precautionary measures possible. That was an amazing trip that we both would always cherish with many speechless moments. This trip was more of a family kind of trip.

I then started planning for my hobby of trekking, which I had not done for the past 13 years. I gathered every possible information on fitness required and trends and places I should visit. I started preparing my body first with required runs and exercises. I had less budget and zero support from anyone for my dreams. So I started working out on budget and then required things, bookings etc. I also did my first trek to Harishchandragad near Pune, Maharashtra along with my friends to gain confidence and check my strength for myself. Within ten days of fitness routine.

After 45 days of disrupted efforts due to external factors, I somehow gained that strength and confidence. I had to push harder due to breaks in fitness schedules, work harder on budget due to unexpected expenses and there was a point where I felt I would have to cancel the plan. But when you dream with all your heart and put all the efforts possible, nothing can stop you. The dreams welcome you with open arms. Finally, I booked my tickets and did all the bookings online at the most reasonable budget possible just fifteen days before and just went off with all preparations in place. I planned extra days to explore nearby places. That proved to be the best decision for myself as I really needed that me time.

My first SOLO my first north, first snow, first hostel stay and almost everything first.

I was really scared, nervous, happy and excited at the same time.

I first visited Rishikesh and that place has become my favourite one on earth now. The cleanest of air and water with the most positive and happy vibes. I stayed at a hostel there, ate local food and explored all the beautiful places it has on a rented bike. I also did Bungee jumping at the highest point in India and that was an amazing experience. The ride to this point was so scenic and beautiful along with the crystal clear Ganges and big Ghats I had ever seen in my life.

Then I moved to Sankri via Dehradun to start with my trek to Kedarkantha and I am proud to say that I finished the six days trek in four days. I learnt to bathe and eat in just 90 seconds and many more things from this trek(Before food and water become ice in – degree temperature).

“Happiness is real when shared – Into the wilds” and I realised this at the summit as I missed my children to share my achievement with that day.

All the efforts put, hurdles faced but the feeling that I made it to this heaven, made me shed happy tears at the summit. It was a speechless moment for me, one of the treasures I would carry till my death.

After the trek, I relaxed at Mussourie at an awesome hostel. And then returned after exploring Mussoorie and Dehradun both with a content heart and lifelong memories

This was the best trip I have ever had. No phone, no TV or social media. Just me with myself using all my senses to feel nature. It is an extremely safe place with wonderful people around. Do try.

I know it isn’t at all easy for any woman in our society to live her dreams but take the first step and things will fall in places with your continued efforts. All the best.