Pursue Opportunities and Hunt Them Down

I’ve never been the type to play it safe, because I’ve learned that there’s no such thing as real safety. My upbringing was rooted in survival mode, where I quickly realised that nothing in life comes for free—hard work is essential to achieve anything worthwhile.

In my early twenties, I faced significant challenges: I was in debt, trying to study because it seemed like the right path, and balancing multiple jobs (including cleaning toilets at 5am in the morning) just to make ends meet. That time pushed me to grow up quickly; I had to figure out how to be independent and accept that life requires hard work.

During this challenging time, I discovered my passion for working dogs. That spark ignited something deep within me, propelling me forward on a journey I didn’t fully understand, but one I was determined to pursue.

From that point on, many doors began to open for me. I faced more obstacles and stumbled often, but I always picked myself back up. I didn’t need someone to rescue me; instead, I learned to be grateful for every single opportunity, even when it felt like I was being taken advantage of.

I grew stronger and eventually paid off my debt, secured my dream job at the time, and kept my passion for training working dogs alive. I was relentless in pursuing every opportunity, even when the doors seemed slightly ajar or completely shut.

I never envisioned myself achieving big dreams; those aspirations seemed out of reach. Yet, the momentum I built kept me hungry for more. When I was presented with challenges that seemed impossible, I embraced them wholeheartedly, knowing I could do this. Even when I wasn’t sure how I figured it out along the way.

My tough experiences became my greatest teachers, laying the groundwork for my success. With nothing to lose, I took risks. People who cling to what feels safe often miss out on opportunities for growth simply because they hesitate to push through barriers.

I’ve realised that when you play it safe, doors remain closed, and opportunities won’t seek you out. You can’t wait for someone to offer you a chance or blame others for your situation. You must actively seek out opportunities, see which doors will open, and walk confidently through them.

Years later, I find myself reflecting on my journey and asking, “How did I get here?” I once dreamed of going to Australia, working with animals, and being part of something extraordinary, like ‘The Wild Thornberry’s’. It turns out that with determination and a willingness to chase opportunities, what once felt impossible has become my reality. I still don’t know which direction I am heading; the train has slowed down a little to look out of the windows, but it is still moving forward.

Lessons I’ve Learned

When embarking on a new journey or pursuing a goal, it’s common not to have all the answers right away. You can spend time dreaming and contemplating, but the most important step is to simply get started. By putting yourself out there and taking action, you’ll discover what you need to learn along the way. It’s like being thrown into the deep end—you’ll learn to swim, but staying on the sidelines won’t get you anywhere.

Don’t blame others for missed opportunities or wait for someone to hand them to you. Take the initiative and go after what you want. I reached out to organisations in different countries, willing to volunteer or work for free just to gain experience. My drive was strong, and I admire others who are equally ambitious.

Ultimately, nothing is as difficult as it appears. While I sometimes find myself complaining when things get hard, I know I will figure things out when the time comes. Trust yourself—you can overcome obstacles.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment because it doesn’t exist. The best time to initiate change is right now.