Destination: Thailand
A few years ago, my life was very different. I worked in publishing and, although I loved it, the pressure had started to get to me. I was exhausted by work and London life.
The big trigger was seeing a life coach. In just one session, she helped me to realise that, instead of working flat out, I wanted to see the world instead. I left the session thinking
‘I am going to do this’. As I had some savings, it seemed entirely possible.
To my boss’s astonishment, I resigned the next day and booked a one-way ticket to India with a plan to travel for six months. Some people thought it was drastic, but it felt right to me. I owned a flat in London with a friend; as she was in Rotterdam, I rented it out and set off. For the first couple of weeks, I’d have moments when I’d think, ‘My God – I’m here alone in India!’ But I began to love waking up each day and being able to do whatever I wanted.
On a packed Indian train, I got chatting to a German man who said, ‘If you ever go to Thailand, you must visit the Sanctuary on Koh Phangan.’ When you’re travelling, people recommend places all the time, but this stuck with me. I made my way there – it’s a beautiful retreat – and fell in love with the place. I had booked in for three days but stayed for six weeks, practising yoga, making friends and trying different healing therapies.
I managed to stretch my travelling to nine months. When my funds ran low, I came back to London. Rather than returning to corporate life, I worked as an events manager while retraining as a life coach and master practitioner in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). I knew I wanted a different sort of life – on Koh
Phangan. In 2015, I rented out my flat again and gave away lots of possessions, ready for my permanent move to Thailand.
I arrived with just 20kg of luggage and rented a bamboo bungalow for a few months. There are lots of expats here, so it’s easy to meet people. I set up my coaching practice, working mostly online with clients who are looking for a life redesign. After all, I am living proof that it is possible.
I now live in a beautiful house in the jungle with my French boyfriend Franck. We met out here – he designed and built our home with its ocean view. He has a six-year-old daughter and, although I didn’t have the urge to have children of my own, I love being a stepmum. There are three beaches within walking distance and no roads – so no traffic.
Fast-paced corporate life was fun but I wouldn’t swap my life now. Back then, I had 15 pairs of shoes – and they were just the ones under my desk! Now I possess one pair of flip-flops. I am surrounded by nature and have to pinch myself daily that this is my life.
✢ Faith’s tips any change is scary. ask yourself, which is more important – the fear, or getting what you want? then focus on what’s most important.
✢ In thailand, a predominantly Buddhist country, it is not polite to shout or lose your temper. learning to be patient has been a huge life lesson for me. sparkescapes.com/faith-hill >>
‘My home is a beautiful house in the jungle’