I increasingly catch myself thinking that relationships are not a puzzle made up of other people’s advice. I go on dates, smile, listen, but inside it’s like an empty knock: we don’t match. Some want salvation, others want games, others are afraid of silence. But I need simple intimacy: to be calm and interesting around me. Sometimes it seems that I am too picky, but then I remember: loneliness is more honest than compromise. I am learning to say “no” without anger and “yes” to myself. I believe: there will be a person next to whom you don’t need to play at all...

money for me is tickets. I dream of traveling around all the countries of Asia: from noisy Tokyo to the quiet villages of Laos. So far I only have a list and a piggy bank, but I’m learning to earn money: I take part-time jobs, save from each salary, and don’t spend on unnecessary things. Sometimes it’s scary: prices are rising, but the dream is huge. But I opened a separate account, keep a table of expenses, look for discounts on flights and learn languages. I want every “I can’t” to turn into a plan - and into a new stamp in my passport. Let it all start with one flight.

I’m twenty one, and there are no "distant" places on my world map - there are only stories that have not yet been lived. I work in the evenings at a coffee shop, save every tip coin and draw a route in a notebook: from Iceland to Tuvalu. I dream of seeing all the countries, not for show, but to remember the smells of markets, other people’s words "thank you," the warm palms of strangers. Sometimes it’s scary: suddenly you don’t have enough strength or money. But as soon as I close my eyes, I’m already at the airport, where every flight sounds like a promise. I leave space in my passport for future stamps, and in my phone I leave a "Coming Soon" folder: tickets, articles, lists of museums. I believe that the road teaches courage. Someday I will return home and say to myself: I saw the entire Earth. And this is just the prologue...!

For me, work is still like trying on other people’s coats: it seems to fit, but it’s not mine. I change positions, try courses, take on freelance projects and listen to myself - where excitement appears and where there is only fatigue. Sometimes it’s a shame that my friends already have a “career”, but I’m searching. But I believe: calling is not a loud sign, but a quiet “yes” inside. I'm looking for a business where people are valued, and where my skills grow with me. Even if the path is long, the main thing is not to lose interest. And don’t settle for “just in case.”