What does it take to leave behind comfort and choose the unknown? In this inspiring talk, Vanathi shares her journey of quitting a high-paying job to follow her passion for travel. From trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro to navigating solo trails in Hong Kong, every adventure became a classroom in resilience. Through moments of self-doubt, societal judgments, and physical challenges, she found strength, clarity, and courage. Travel, she says, doesn’t just take you places—it transforms you. This talk is a bold reminder that resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about rising every time with greater purpose. Vanathi S is a Principal Member of Technical Staff at Oracle with over 11 years of experience in software development. She is also the founder of The Untold Trails, a platform inspiring over 180,000 travel enthusiasts through her adventurous journeys and storytelling. An advocate for women in adventure, Vanathi is a Decathlon Ambassador and a champion for responsible travel, inspiring others to break barriers and embrace the thrill of exploration. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx