Hello, Steemit community! I am Marina and this is my story

Hello, dear steemers! I'll tell you story about my private pivot.

When my friend told me about Steemit ecosystem he was so impressed that I've decided to find out what it is and how it works. And now I'm here. Welcome to my world!

I worked in Startup Weekend organization in Belarus few years ago (this is a country in East Europe - later I'll write story about my motherland for you). It was interesting and totally crazy time!

People from Startup Weekend community created and presented a lot of projects, they were so inspired! I'm sure you know some of these startups;)

When you are surrounded with a lot of inspired and smart people you always know what is going in Hi-Tech in the world, you develop your skills and knowledge very fast. And you super-motivated to have "merry-go-round" working style.

It was full of energy time. And generally I was happy but one day I realized that my life became working-working-working-working-working process... And nothing more. I worked everywhere: at work, at home, spending time with family and friends. For example, while everybody was enjoying birthday party I always tried to watch to the screen of my mobile - "Maybe, something interesting is going on in startup community... Maybe, somebody needs my help... Maybe, some journalist has asked about interview and waiting for the answer..."

It became my passion, my hobby and my life.

Once I thought "Marina! Of course, everything is so fast and interesting but you have no time for another important things in your life. Your family, your friends feel upset that you are totally in your work. You are not developing another things - just remember, you wanted to travel, to open a cafe, to learn painting, to be involved in cultural and art things." I decided it couldn't be like that anymore. And I decided to do a fundamental change in my life strategy - pivot of my real life.

It was very unusual feeling. Just imagine: you wake up because somebody threw a glass of cold water in your face! Something like that I felt.

I started to search nice and quiet places with spiritual people to think a lot, to learn something new, to understand who I am. And for sure, I wanted to travel. I chose a country where nobody hurries - India.

I moved to India and right now I'm so happy to share with you, Steemit community, this experience! It was my pivot of life and no one day I have not regretted that decision to take a ticket and come here.

Oh, India! Guys, you can't imagine - this is another world - sometimes relaxing, smiling and spiritual, sometimes annoying...

I have a big collection of funny stories that happened with me and my friends in India. One day I'll write these stories for you.

And I wanted some new experience. I realize my childhood dream (for sure, some of you have or had the same idea) - I've opened a cafe.

It was enough risky and everybody suggested not to do it. I had no much experience in restaurant business, just few consultations, books and youtube videos.

But it was my dream and I followed my heart! In small multicultural state with the sea and palm trees - Goa I rented a house in the portuguese style and made a cafe with good quality food. Yes, it was not easy but I did! When you create a project of your dream it is like a child for you: happiness with every step - deciding on the design of the cafe, buying kitchen things, furniture placement, menu creation, and food testing, hiring. When the first customers came to the cafe - you can imagine how happy I was!

But if you ask me: "Marina! I wanna open a restaurant. Give me any advice, please" I'd answer you "Don't do it!" Like everybody advised the same to me. Now I understand why people answered like this.

Once per week I have a tradition to visit some place. It can be anything - mountains, beautiful beach, spice plantation, lost fort in the jungle, different heritage buildings etc. I invite people who also want to go to some amazing place but afraid to do it alone. And my #traveltogether project always attract interesting people who become good friends after our common road adventure.

Also in India it's possible to be involved in Bollywood movies. Here a lot of people earn money participating in indian movies. One day I was stopped by bollywood agent. He asked do I want to be in main role for one music video. I thought it was a joke. But not - they really were looking for a girl with my type of appearance. I agreed. It was so cute and nice! I enjoyed that experience!

If you want to see that video here it is:

Here in India I feel I have found a balance of life and enjoy every day :)))

Now my cafe goes smoothly and I have free time to take part in some projects. Idea of Steemit is very interesting for me. That's why I'm here. I think that is a good project to share experience and knowledge, find amazing people and try something new.

Do you have stories how and why your life was changed? Please, write this story of your experience, your private pivot!

P.S. I have small presents for you, people, who is reading my story: write me your post address (you can do it here or here: https://www.facebook.com/marina.chopchits) and I'll send you a postcard with some thoughts directly from Goa. I have 10 postcards, so 10 people who write me first of all will get them.

See you again ;)