My Journey to the Sea – The Plan, Life, and a Pivotal Turn

I’m back from my “journey to the sea” – and it turned out differently than I had planned. Originally, I intended to follow the Rhine all the way to Amsterdam, but my journey ended in Duisburg. I had underestimated the distance and couldn’t find a way to return.

Instead of feeling frustrated, this unexpected change of course became an important lesson. It showed me that life – just like a cycling tour – often has its own rhythm, and we must learn to follow it.

Rather than rigidly sticking to a plan, it’s a strength to choose a new, better route.

With deep gratitude for the kilometers I experienced (124, 124, 82, 84, 77, and 119) and the overwhelming beauty of nature, I’d like to share my key takeaways:

• The plan is just a starting point. Sometimes, you have to let go of your original plan and stay flexible when reality demands it. That’s not failure – it’s a courageous step to listen to yourself and respect your limits.

• Less is often more. I was already traveling light, but this journey showed me that for my next big adventure, I’ll be even more mindful about what I truly need – and what is just baggage.

• Believe in yourself. Great efforts can be managed if you believe in yourself. There are moments when you want to give up, but your inner strength will carry you – often further than you think.

• Live in the now. Don’t wait for the “right” moment in the future. Now is the best time to follow a dream, change direction, or face a challenge. Life doesn’t get easier – it just gets richer in experience when we dare to take it into our own hands.

My journey didn’t take me all the way to the sea, but it brought me closer to myself. And that’s the true destination.