Each person’s unique vision of Nomadtopia is a reminder that there is no one way to create your ideal life, no right or wrong approach. Many people just like you—or in even more complicated circumstances—have made it happen, or are working to get there. Hearing others’ stories keeps us all inspired, and reminds us to dream big!

Ana Patricia Goncalves is a certified Spiritual Counselor, Spiritual Life Coach and Energy Healer who helps individuals connect to their Power and Truth of who they are to live a life of connection, meaning and purpose following their true heart’s desire. Connect with Ana via her Facebook page or on Twitter.

How would you describe your Nomadtopia?

My desire for travel lives deep inside to feel part of a global community, to be connected to everyone and everything.

Perhaps it’s the fact that I was born and grew up in Lisbon, Portugal, and when I was little my parents moved to London in the UK. Perhaps it’s the fact that I experienced two very different cultures and environments, or maybe it’s just my heart longing to experience a different way of life. A lifelong discovery into what it means to be human, and living and breathing in our world on earth and all desire to feel inner peace, joy and unity.

I have traveled in service, joy and pleasure and each experience has taught me so much about life, culture and people. I now live in Portugal. I have been here 3 months and I am deeply grateful that I can live where I desire.

How did you end up where you are today?

I lived in London for 22 years. I desired to live in the country that I grew up in, Portugal, someday. The decision was easy, but it took a while to understand that where I lived in London wasn’t serving me and that in order to live how I wanted I needed to make a choice in line with my desire.

In 2013 I started getting rid of things that I no longer needed because I knew that I would be moving at some point.

At the end of 2013 I decided that I wanted to re-visit a passion of mine and live somewhere else. As soon as I made that decision, in the next 24 hrs I received an opportunity from the Universe. It was a Sustainable Buildings Internship in Majorca funded by the EU. I was delighted and applied and eventually I got accepted.

Packed with a full suitcase, at the end of January 2014 I moved to Majorca and I stayed there for 2 months living and working. It was one of the best decisions of my life as I learned a lot and got practical hands-on experience as well as new skills and knowledge in an area I deeply enjoy. I knew that at the end of my stay in Majorca I would move to Portugal, and that’s how it happened.

In-between my stay in Majorca I flew to California to attend a Women’s Leadership Summit and it was one of the most life-changing experiences. Seeing other women be in their Power, living their purpose and living sustainably made me more aware of what was possible. So here I am now, living in Portugal while being of service and helping others.

What is the most useful thing in your current Nomadtopia?

Intuition, knowing when to trust it and following my inner guidance at all times.

What do you miss most?

My self-development books and hula hoops.

What is the most challenging aspect of this lifestyle? What’s the most satisfying?

Finding new friends on the same wavelength in the local area. There are many friends I have all over the world and that is a blessing, however when it comes to making friends on a local scale, it can be a bit tricky.

The most satisfying thing about following my calling and living where I desire is the feeling of freedom.

What advice would you have for others who are hoping to do something similar?

Follow your calling, even if others don’t agree with you. If you have a passion to live somewhere new, it’s because you desire to experience this way of life.

Just for fun: Would you rather spend one month in a place you’ve been to before, or 24 hours somewhere new?

I’d love to spend 24 hours somewhere new. I spent 9 hours in the San Francisco airport once and although I didn’t go past the barriers I had so much fun being there.

Thanks for sharing your story, Ana!