Jake Leal describes her transformative experience in the Atacama Desert as a “Desert Awakening,” a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and reconnection with nature. Facing the vastness of the desert and the challenges during her climb to the Lascar volcano reshaped her understanding of achievement. “For me, the top isn’t a physical point but a state of mind,” Jake reflects, emphasising the profound emotional growth she underwent during this journey. The harsh yet humbling landscape of Atacama forced her to confront her limitations, offering her a renewed perspective on personal success and fulfilment.
Initially, Jake had set her sights on summiting the Lascar volcano. However, during the climb, her body signalled that it was time to stop. She fainted mid-climb, a moment that could have left her feeling defeated. Instead, it became a defining experience. “I realised that, for me, the top wasn’t necessarily the highest point on the mountain but the fact that I listened to my body, respected my limits, and returned safely,” Jake explains. This realisation reshaped her understanding of success. It’s not always about reaching a tangible goal but about recognising when to honour one’s own boundaries. Jake highlights how each person’s “top” is unique, and true achievement lies in staying aligned with one’s physical and emotional well-being.
The journey also gave Jake a renewed appreciation for the concept of happiness. The silence and vastness of the Atacama Desert created an environment where she could deeply reflect. “Happiness isn’t a goal to be reached but a state built in each moment, in every conscious choice,” she shares. During her time in the desert, happiness was not tied to accomplishments or possessions but found in simple, present moments. Walking on the sunlit sand, marvelling at the boundless sky, and being immersed in a place so disconnected from daily life brought her an inner peace she hadn’t previously experienced. Jake describes this feeling as a sense of freedom and wholeness, a type of happiness rooted in the here and now.
Beyond personal fulfilment, Jake’s journey instilled a critical lesson: the importance of respecting her own limits. This lesson, learned amidst the physical challenges of the desert, has profoundly influenced her life. “Respecting my limits, both physically and emotionally, has become a mantra that I carry with me,” she explains. Before this experience, Jake often pushed herself too far, ignoring signs of burnout or stress. Now, she recognises the value of pausing, reassessing situations, and even stepping back when needed. “There’s nothing wrong with saying ‘no’ or stepping back,” she says, noting that self-care and self-awareness are essential components of a fulfilling life. The desert taught her to listen to her body and mind, a practice she now applies in her daily life to maintain balance and well-being.
Jake also shares her thoughts on overcoming fear, particularly for women who may hesitate to embrace challenges as intense as her own. “The biggest challenge we can face is the fear of not being capable,” she says. For Jake, fear is not something to avoid but a force to confront. During her journey in the Atacama, she realised that pushing past fear revealed inner strength and resilience she didn’t know she possessed. She emphasises the importance of focusing on one’s own path instead of comparing it to others. “The key is not to compare yourself to others and to understand that what matters is your own journey, your own top,” she advises. By facing challenges, women can discover their potential and redefine what they believe they’re capable of achieving. Jake encourages others to trust themselves, emphasising that victory lies in the courage to take the first step, regardless of the outcome.
This life-changing experience in Atacama also inspired Jake to embark on a new mission: creating transformative travel experiences for women. During her time in the desert, she realised that many women carry fears and insecurities that hold them back from fully exploring the world and themselves. “Inspired by my own experience, I decided I wanted to share this sense of self-discovery and resilience with other women,” Jake explains. Her initiative aims to offer women a safe and empowering space to embark on their own transformative journeys. The goal isn’t just to travel but to facilitate self-exploration and personal growth.
Jake’s travel groups go beyond conventional tourism. These experiences are designed to challenge participants physically, mentally, and emotionally, helping them overcome fears and embrace their inner strength. “The ‘Desert Awakening’ goes beyond tourism,” Jake says. “It’s about offering experiences that transform the mind and spirit, allowing each participant to discover their own ‘top.’” By immersing themselves in challenging yet beautiful environments like the Atacama Desert, participants can reconnect with themselves, face their fears, and gain a new perspective on their capabilities.
The initiative is especially aimed at women who may feel hesitant about traveling alone or those seeking deeper meaning in their lives. Jake recognises that societal pressures and personal insecurities often prevent women from embracing such transformative experiences. Her mission is to change that narrative. “I want to show women that they are stronger than they think, that they can face challenges and come out stronger,” she says. By creating these tailored journeys, Jake hopes to empower women to embrace both their vulnerabilities and their strengths, finding beauty and growth in the process.
Jake’s journey to the Atacama Desert was not just about exploring a stunning natural landscape but about embarking on an inward journey of self-discovery. The challenges she faced and the lessons she learned have left a lasting impact on her life, shaping how she views happiness, success, and resilience. She now carries these lessons forward, using her experience to inspire others. Through her transformative travel groups, she aims to create spaces where women can explore their own paths, rediscover their inner strength, and redefine their limits.
Ultimately, Jake’s story is a testament to the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. The Atacama Desert served as a backdrop for her transformation, offering her the opportunity to reflect, grow, and reconnect with herself. For Jake, the experience underscored the importance of embracing life’s challenges, respecting personal boundaries, and finding joy in the present moment. Her journey is a powerful reminder that life’s most profound lessons often come from the most unexpected places, and that true victory lies not in reaching the top but in the courage and resilience to keep moving forward.
As Jake continues to share her story and inspire others, she remains a symbol of strength, authenticity, and growth. Her experiences serve as a beacon for women everywhere, encouraging them to confront their fears, trust in their abilities, and embark on journeys that challenge and transform them. Through her work, Jake hopes to create a ripple effect, empowering more women to step into their own “desert awakenings” and discover the limitless potential within themselves.
