How an Impactful Journey Can Lead to Unexpected Changes

Veronique van Dam, the author, in Uganda in 2010.

By Veronique van Dam, guest contributor

In the summer of 2010, before my final year of study started, I made the trip of my life—my very first big trip outside of Europe and alone. I set out to volunteer in Uganda for a month, which was not entirely unexpected, because when I was eight years old I said I wanted to go to Africa. I felt the urge to contribute something to the world, to do something good for those who really need it.

Before I went on this trip, I organized a fundraising evening, so I could bring a few hundred euros with me. I enjoyed the trip with the people there, although there were also difficult and challenging moments. But the back-to-basic life appealed to me.

And then I came home again. In a totally opposite world. Where there are many possibilities and incentives. Due to the impressions of the trip in combination with fatigue, I did not directly talk about my experiences in Uganda. But, I did have experiences and emotions that I was unable see and express from my life and that was a trigger for the start of my eating disorder, leading to painful years.

But now, years later, I have gained very beautiful and good moments and lessons. And I follow the direction that actually suits me and what I want for my life.

From my travel diary of 2010, in combination with photos, I wrote down with the lessons I learned in Africa to see how that month of volunteering made me my true self. I would like to share these lessons with you,

1. If you feel you have to do something, go for it and keep it in mind.

2. When you do something for the first time, everything can be special.

3. Wonder and emotion can come in many forms.

4. Even if they don’t know you, they can love you.

5. By switching gears and thinking outside the box, you can achieve the same.

6. Time is relative.

7. Something exciting can quickly turn into something fun.

8. If sailing doesn’t work, bobbing is also okay.

9. Don’t think. Taking action is a handy choice in some situations.

10. Something basic can take a lot of effort.

11. A pig can also be a pet.

12. Having a roof over your head is already a great blessing.

13. Because of something difficult from the past, you can now benefit greatly from it.

14. Nature gives you a lot of beauty.

15. Even far away you can have home with you.

16. You can’t always feel good.

17. Tune in to who you have in front of you.

18. Even without having anything, you can give something.

19. You can contribute something big through something small.

20. Go with the flow.

21. When there is no energy, you can slow down.

22. Only when you take a step back you can feel, experience, and choose again.

23. There is another way for everything.

24. Something that touches you means something.

25. Pleasure and pain can be close together.

26. Recognition and gratitude can come from unexpected sources.

27. Unpleasant emotions are also part of life and you can allow it.

28. Any experience could just be the last.

29. Step by step you progress.

30. If you don’t find it, you will find something else.

31. You can make something big out of something small.

What’s a journey or adventure you have taken that’s led to unexpected changes in your life? What are the lessons you have learned? Please share in the comments.

I am Veronique, a yoga teacher at Velans Yoga in the Netherlands. During my work as a child psychologist, I noticed that more and more mental pressure and stress has arisen in both children and adults. We live too much from our heads. Fortunately, I now also know which factors can prevent someone from becoming exhausted or what can help them recover. I specialize in the role of yoga in mental health care, especially for those with eating problems. In my yoga classes, there is a place for everyone and a yoga posture for everyone. You have all the space to experience your thoughts and feelings, and to learn what happens in your body, to learn to listen to your feelings, and to learn that you can influence this yourself. Follow me on Instagram @veroniquevandam.