FOLLOWING her heart more than her head, former Mount Gambier woman Tracy Radley has led a life different to most.
Launching the Student Schools Support Project for Disadvantaged Children in the remote Nepalese village of Kutumsa in 2010, Ms Radley has devoted her time to supporting the education of underprivileged children.
In a bold move, Ms Radley abandoned her secure job in the South East and followed a local doctor to remote villages in western Nepal where he had helped establish health
clinics.
A driving passion and purpose to help the less fortunate in Nepal led to Ms Radley forming the not-for-profit organisation.
Ms Radley travelled to Nepal in 2016 to oversee the program’s progress, not realising she would spend the next three years travelling and volunteering in the region.
“Originally it was only supposed to be several weeks there,” Tracy said.
“But it turned into three years.”
Ms Radley said she has learned to follow her heart, learning to “trust and surrender as each step unfolds”.
“I follow my heart, I do not follow the logic, only what my heart tells me to do.”
With no phone lines or running water, Ms Radley also volunteered in other parts of the world, an experience she described as challenging.
“The journey has not been fun, it has been challenging – heart-breaking is an understatement,” Tracy said.
“Yet at a deep personal level it was extremely rewarding as I have been rediscovering who I am and why I am here.”
A journey of personal development, Ms Radley is now moving forward and taking the next step by encouraging others to “see more and be more”.
“We are all here to be more than what we are,” she said.
“Now I am helping others get over their past, their fears and the criticism.”
With her experience abroad exceeding her preconceived limitations in life, Ms Radley said she was forced to face her personal fears.
“This has made me a stronger, wise and more compassionate person,” she said.
Ms Radley has moved into offering private mentoring programs to support others hoping to experience similar journeys.
“It is assisting those ready to awaken their authentic self and live a more meaningful, inspired and expansive life.”
