In July 2013 Ukrainian Anna Grechishkina started her solo world trip on a motorcycle around the world. The journey is called “I have a dream…” as Anna’s mission is to motivate other people to chase their dreams and never be scared to make that first step. We caught up with Anna after the American leg of her journey as she heads in to Mexico. You can follow Anna’s journey on http://www.ihaveadreamrtw.com/
1. What is your definition of success?
Success is combination of hard work and a positive attitude to the world around you. You have to accept what life gives you and what it takes. Not everything depends on us, sometimes it seems like all goes wrong, but what depends on us is our attitude to that and our reactions. I am pretty sure everything happens for a reason. When we accept this and learn how to use it for our benefit, then success comes.
2. As a young girl, who were your role models and why?
My first and greatest role model was my mum. I was always amazed how kind and compassionate to other people, even strangers, she was. We lived in one-room apartment and didn’t have much space even for our small family, but she invited to stay with us people who needed a place to stay for a few days. She helped people on the streets, her life was full of deeds more than words. I used to see this and learned that this is the way it should be.
3. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
The most difficult decision for me was to start this world trip, without any support and lack of resources and funds. But now I can say that this decision was the most correct in my life so far and most rewarding. My greatest achievement was not the world trip itself, but ability to gather enough courage, boldness and faith in myself and the universe to take the first step, to step outside my comfort zone. All great achievements require one to abandon the comfort and coziness of everyday routine and wake up for some hardships and uncertainty. Achievement always comprises some sacrifice.
4. What are you learning now?
Every day in my world trip is a new lesson. I am learning about the world around me, about people, about myself. I am learning about my hidden potential, I am learning how to deal with difficult moments, how to be happy in all circumstances, how to live my life to the fullest.
5. What advice would you give your 18-year old self if you met her today?
When I was that age, I suffered badly from an inferiority complex. I always compared myself to others and found myself less beautiful and smart, less attractive than other girls. It took me a long time to start thinking that I could be worth of something nice in this life. I would advise myself at that age to concentrate more on my personal strengths and consider myself as a unique personality with unique abilities and talents. Without comparing myself to others. Everybody has his/her own mission and place in this world, and everybody can find this place. The greatest ability is ability to love, and love should start with ability to love, first of all, oneself.
Support or follow Anna on: http://www.ihaveadreamrtw.com/
