Despite having the time of our lives, though, and experiencing a life we wouldn’t have had anywhere else, I never stopped calling Australia home. And it seemed the universe wanted to remind me of this fact.

Twenty minutes before landing in Malta, the song “I Still Call Australia Home” came over the inflight entertainment. It hit me right in my heart. The lyrics SPOKE to me.

“I’m always traveling
And I love being free
So I keep leaving the sun and the sea
But my heart lies waiting over the foam
I still call Australia home”

I didn’t need any reminding, really. But the tears streaming down my face made sure I’d keep Australia in my heart. They were a celebration of my appreciation for all that Australia has given me and mine. No matter how far I was going from it, I was sure that Australia would always be waiting for me.

So strike for gold, ladies. Manifest your travels without fear. Because Australia’s shores will always welcome you back. In fact, it’s imperative for you to travel, if you can. There is no better teacher than experience. And, oh, let me tell you—there is a world of experience waiting for you to leave your worries behind to follow your dreams in other cultures, other countries.

Coming home will be so much sweeter when you arrive ripe with all the wisdom you’ve gathered in your travels. Australia is a destination in itself. The grass is always green here.

(If you’d like to hear “I Still Call Australia Home” in its entirety, click here.)