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Follow Your Fernweh: Discover a Regular Path to an Extraordinary Life
Don’t miss your life.
Do you have a dream that feels too far out of reach?
Or worse, do you struggle to give yourself permission to hope for that dream?
In this fun mix of memoir and how-to, Kindle Smyth takes you on her journey through a year of travel that changed everything, and on your personal path from ideation to action for your own dreams.
In Follow Your Fernweh, you will find:
• Five stepping stones to help you live a life in pursuit of your passions
• Real life stories of regular people living extraordinary lives
• Reflection activities to help you discover your path
• Practical tips and action items for planning your adventure
Follow Your Fernweh gives the reader hope and permission to get brave, get over yourself and get going.
Follow Your Fernweh helps dreamers become doers.
So don’t wait. Your adventure is waiting for you inside of Follow Your Fernweh
Do you have a dream that feels too far out of reach?
Or worse, do you struggle to give yourself permission to hope for that dream?
In this fun mix of memoir and how-to, Kindle Smyth takes you on her journey through a year of travel that changed everything, and on your personal path from ideation to action for your own dreams.
In Follow Your Fernweh, you will find:
• Five stepping stones to help you live a life in pursuit of your passions
• Real life stories of regular people living extraordinary lives
• Reflection activities to help you discover your path
• Practical tips and action items for planning your adventure
Follow Your Fernweh gives the reader hope and permission to get brave, get over yourself and get going.
Follow Your Fernweh helps dreamers become doers.
So don’t wait. Your adventure is waiting for you inside of Follow Your Fernweh
237 pages, Paperback
12 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 4, 2022
If this book doesn’t inspire you to finally tackle your big goals…
I’ve been reading an advanced copy of a truly original book by Kindle Smyth. “Fernweh” is a German word meaning “a deep longing, a heart’s ache for far off places.” But Follow Your Fernweh is about so much more than traveling. It’s about going for the goals that scare you. The ones that you feel deep in your soul. The ones that will change your life if you let them.
“Fernweh calls to us from deep inside our souls. It is something that, if we live our whole lifetime and let it go unanswered, we will somehow have missed out on the ‘big thing.’ You may feel a sense of it right now. Your heart might be fluttering like faint butterfly wings as you learn about the idea of fernweh. Or your heart may start to race in your chest as you recognize a longing from deep within.
Either way, your fernweh is there. It’s the thing that you imagined for yourself, but didn’t have the strength, knowledge, resources, or hope enough to go after. It’s the thing you’ve seen someone else do and told yourself that you could never do that. It’s the thing you stopped in its tracks before the disappointment could hop over the back fence into your life and overwhelm you. That. That thing right there is your fernweh.” (Kindle Smyth)
Those were the gorgeous lines that drew me into this amazing book and unlocked inspiration.
I’ve been reading an advanced copy of a truly original book by Kindle Smyth. “Fernweh” is a German word meaning “a deep longing, a heart’s ache for far off places.” But Follow Your Fernweh is about so much more than traveling. It’s about going for the goals that scare you. The ones that you feel deep in your soul. The ones that will change your life if you let them.
“Fernweh calls to us from deep inside our souls. It is something that, if we live our whole lifetime and let it go unanswered, we will somehow have missed out on the ‘big thing.’ You may feel a sense of it right now. Your heart might be fluttering like faint butterfly wings as you learn about the idea of fernweh. Or your heart may start to race in your chest as you recognize a longing from deep within.
Either way, your fernweh is there. It’s the thing that you imagined for yourself, but didn’t have the strength, knowledge, resources, or hope enough to go after. It’s the thing you’ve seen someone else do and told yourself that you could never do that. It’s the thing you stopped in its tracks before the disappointment could hop over the back fence into your life and overwhelm you. That. That thing right there is your fernweh.” (Kindle Smyth)
Those were the gorgeous lines that drew me into this amazing book and unlocked inspiration.
February 3, 2022
This book will speak to anyone who’s ever longed for places they haven’t been, adventures they haven’t gone on and dreams they haven’t quite realized. Smyth share stories in a way that feels like you’re sitting on her couch with a glass of wine and gabbing like old friends.
If you’ve followed your fernweh, identified it, or don’t even know what a fernweh is, you will enjoy this book. Don’t be surprised when your fernweh comes crawling back too :)
If you’ve followed your fernweh, identified it, or don’t even know what a fernweh is, you will enjoy this book. Don’t be surprised when your fernweh comes crawling back too :)
February 18, 2022
4.5
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I laughed and I cried. It made me think about my life and my dreams.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I laughed and I cried. It made me think about my life and my dreams.
February 4, 2022
Kindle is an amazing story teller and writer. Her descriptive writing will take you on an adventure from your living room, and perhaps even make a dream you have come true. It’s a step-by-step guide to allow you to push aside fears and doubts and actually DO that THING you have always held in your heart. She is open and honest and reading her story is just like sitting across the table from her over a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine).
February 2, 2022
Picture this…. You pick up your glass of ice water to take a sip, and just as it reaches your mouth, something bumps into your elbow. Instead of a sip of water, you get a glass full, all over your face. Your senses are suddenly alive, as frigid water covers your face & neck, & begins to run down your back & chest. This book is like that. You may think I mean that in a negative way, but I do not. Sometimes, we need a glass of ice water thrown on us. It wakes us up, motivates movement, & provokes action.
Let me start by saying that I have a TOUGH time reading non-fiction. It’s difficult for me to finish what I start as I’d rather live in a fantasy land during my precious reading time. I rarely (if ever) grab a “self-help”, & actively avoid anything that will cause ice water to the face. So, when I decided to read this book, it was more out of curiosity than an actual desire for inspiration. This book is unlike anything that I expected, in the best possible way.
I was not unfamiliar with the concept of “Fernweh” however, I know it by a different name. I call it “Calling” or “Ministry”. That alone may have given me an advantage in the reading. Once you understand the deep longing Kindle describes, it’s incredibly challenging to keep her contagious flame from igniting something similar inside yourself.
Part Motivation & Inspiration, part Travel Journal, this book also reads like a good fiction. She describes her journey with vivid language that brings far away places to life (if I didn’t have a thirst to see the world before, I sure do now). The best part, for me, was that it wasn’t just walking with Kindle through her personal journey of trial & triumph, it was also a road map that can be modified & applied for my own journey as well.
I started this book with zero expectations for myself, but that was changed in the Introduction. As I cried my way through the first 5 chapters, it became abundantly clear that this particular book was going to challenge, inspire, convict, & motivate me in ways that I hadn’t expected & didn’t see coming. I was never bored, never distracted, & never felt like the life I had dreamed of living was outside of my reach, in fact… it’s never felt more attainable.
Just in case I hadn’t made myself clear…. You should definitely read this book.
Let me start by saying that I have a TOUGH time reading non-fiction. It’s difficult for me to finish what I start as I’d rather live in a fantasy land during my precious reading time. I rarely (if ever) grab a “self-help”, & actively avoid anything that will cause ice water to the face. So, when I decided to read this book, it was more out of curiosity than an actual desire for inspiration. This book is unlike anything that I expected, in the best possible way.
I was not unfamiliar with the concept of “Fernweh” however, I know it by a different name. I call it “Calling” or “Ministry”. That alone may have given me an advantage in the reading. Once you understand the deep longing Kindle describes, it’s incredibly challenging to keep her contagious flame from igniting something similar inside yourself.
Part Motivation & Inspiration, part Travel Journal, this book also reads like a good fiction. She describes her journey with vivid language that brings far away places to life (if I didn’t have a thirst to see the world before, I sure do now). The best part, for me, was that it wasn’t just walking with Kindle through her personal journey of trial & triumph, it was also a road map that can be modified & applied for my own journey as well.
I started this book with zero expectations for myself, but that was changed in the Introduction. As I cried my way through the first 5 chapters, it became abundantly clear that this particular book was going to challenge, inspire, convict, & motivate me in ways that I hadn’t expected & didn’t see coming. I was never bored, never distracted, & never felt like the life I had dreamed of living was outside of my reach, in fact… it’s never felt more attainable.
Just in case I hadn’t made myself clear…. You should definitely read this book.
February 15, 2022
This book stirred up all the feels! The author shares her experience that I think so many can relate to; knowing there is something more out there for us, but not knowing what it is or how to go about finding it. She shares her intriguing story of finding her fernweh while giving you a blueprint for how to find yours - complete with bulleted summary pages! Very well written and easy to read, the author’s style is so natural and comforting. She writes as if your’e sitting together having a personal conversation about her travel adventures. Some parts were a little heavy on the author’s religious influence on her journey, but in no way did I feel that was her agenda in this book. It came across as more of a representation of authenticity; putting it all out there. A quick and fun read, I felt myself reliving my own travel memories, bringing me back to a different time in my life. Reading this also gave me that kick-in-pants to start thinking about a new journey and what that can look like now. This book will make a great gift, especially for yourself!
February 1, 2022
This book is an easy and inspiring read. The authors tone is inviting and you feel like you’re one of her pals. And I loved the concept of fernweh, it gave me a word for my own yearnings of travel and exploration. As described it’s a “developmental memoir”. The author takes you through her own fernweh journey while challenging you to listen to the inner voice of your longings and get you moving on it. I appreciated the development side of the book and it even gave me the extra push to book a solo trip abroad I’d been thinking about! But I actually would’ve loved to dive deeper into the author’s story; more details of her adventures, her heartbreaks and her joys of her journey. It’s a book thicker on the self-dev side and thinner on the memoir side. For sure there were some great stories and I loved her brave adventure, I just wanted more of it! However, I think a lot of readers will enjoy her self-development markers and find them inspiring. I recommend reading this book.
February 2, 2022
In this book, author Kindle Smyth give a beautiful and helpful outline for moving towards the big dreams in our lives. She weaves together her own story, stories of others, and helpful tips and tools along the way. The book is easy to read, honest, humorous at times, and full of heart and soul. The book is especially helpful for those who come from a faith background but can be applied to anyone looking to take a big leap in their lives towards the thing they want to do the most As Smyth says, "If we aren't doing that scares us and makes our hands shake, we're not going big enough." The author writes from a relatable perspective of someone whose life hasn't always followed a well-defined road map. Her life takes an unconventional route that isn't confined by cultural restrictions. If you are looking for a compassionate, soulful guide for the next part of your journey, Smyth is your girl!
February 2, 2022
I devoured this book! It's well written, relatable, and almost conversational, so it's very easy-to-read. And the premise is super encouraging and inspiring. The author draws you into her experience of defining, preparing and then executing and enjoying her adventures. Somehow her tips and advice are specific enough to be actionable, while being general enough to apply to any dream - whatever yours may be. Very clever and insightful.
The texts oscillates a bit unpredictably among personal memoir, case-studies from others, and practical advice. I'd guess that any two of those three would be enough. But the flow of thought from chapter to chapter is still easy enough to follow. Personally, I most enjoyed the memoir bits. I think the author has a knack for telling story with wonderful color and texture. I'd love more of it!
The texts oscillates a bit unpredictably among personal memoir, case-studies from others, and practical advice. I'd guess that any two of those three would be enough. But the flow of thought from chapter to chapter is still easy enough to follow. Personally, I most enjoyed the memoir bits. I think the author has a knack for telling story with wonderful color and texture. I'd love more of it!
February 1, 2022
This book hit me in all the right places. It is a quick read, but is packed with stories that will make you giggle, shed tears, and wrap you into the adventures of the author. It will inspire you to re-evaluate your life and start a fire in you to pursue your own passions. Best of all, it has practicable applications for how you can plan and follow your own fernweh. The author shares genuinely and passionately so many of the things she learned along the way. You can’t help but fall in love with her journey. Would highly recommend for anyone that loves memoirs and hearing other people’s stories. It is extremely helpful and inspirational for those that may feel stuck and uncertain of how to embark on the journey of their own dreams.
February 8, 2022
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book and I loved it! For anyone who has ever dared to dream but lacked the courage, this one is for you! The author describes her path to following her fernweh and tells her life story of the challenges that one takes one during their pursuit. The book had me smiling, laughing, crying and cheering her on, even to this day as this book had really touched me. I think everyone should read this at least once because we can all take something from it. If you are reading this review, then you need to read it. Lastly, the author uses beautiful quotes and anecdotes to tell her story that will resonate with everyone. It is a self-help book that reads like fiction. I couldn't put it down!
February 2, 2022
Remember when you first watched an inspiring movie? Like Spider-Man or Superman or anything that begins with adversity and ends in triumph? And you sat in a dark cinema with your heart racing and your hands tingling and then you walked out the cinema wanting to do the same- to scale buildings, to conquer that monster or beast… well, that’s exactly what this book has done for me. My heart raced, my hands tingled and afterwards I wanted to scale something! I couldn’t help but want to find my Fernweh and follow it. Smyth is an unpretentious voice. She is a wise, gentle and gracious teacher. She truly is a fire starter.
February 2, 2022
This book is extremely accessible and relatable. Through the lens of her own “Fernweh” journey, with the perfect balance of humor and real talk, Smyth will bring you from your doubt to a place where that elusive dream, the one that you’ve always brushed aside, is within reach. She gives you permission to dream big, to bring your audacious goals and ideas into the light, and when you do, you’ll realize that what it would take to get there is more letting go of fear and control more than any actual, logistical barriers.
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February 7, 2022I couldn’t put this book down. It had me in the Introduction. The author’s writing style is informative and fun to read. I was energized by the personal reflections of her journey to follow her yearnings/ her life’s passion, her “fernweh.” I so enjoyed the quotes in this book, my favorite being “to love someone is to learn the song in their heart and to sing it to them when they have forgotten it.” It means you help those you love to run towards their dreams as you’re running towards yours. I highly recommend this book as a gift for all stages of life.
January 25, 2022
Have you ever read a book you cannot get out of your mind? I just finished this delicious and revelatory book, and I am marinating on the Author’s words… “Changing the narrative from “I could never do that to why couldn’t I do that?” This book will make you laugh, make you cry and inspire you to dream big without fear or hesitation. I had no idea what ‘Fernweh’ meant. Believe me, you want to know what it means! Chills!
February 2, 2022
Sometimes you just need a boost, an easy read that motivates your thoughts and encourages you to take a next step. This read is every persons level and allows the reader to really see into the process of the writer. Solid. Fun. Would definitely recommend.
February 7, 2022
Invigorating! Reading through Follow Your Fernweh, I have been encouraged, challenged, excited, and questioning. This book is more of an experience and invitation to get up close and personal with what you are created to be and do!
January 27, 2022
Excellent!
April 9, 2022
Incredibly inspirational. If you want to get more out of your life - read this one! Also, Kindle is hilarious and I loved reading all her stories. 10/10 would recommend!
June 30, 2022
As an avid fiction reader, Follow your Fernweh isn’t my typical grab, but when I saw the title, I was immediately intrigued.
And as I kept reading, I couldn’t put it down. This book was so encouraging and so inspiring, I felt like I could do anything and had the steps to do it!
A couple of years ago I moved across the country with my best friends and I WISH this book existed as I was grappling with the idea. Knowing that I could live this dream, however scary it was, and it would be part of a bigger thing, would’ve been all I needed.
And as I kept reading, I couldn’t put it down. This book was so encouraging and so inspiring, I felt like I could do anything and had the steps to do it!
A couple of years ago I moved across the country with my best friends and I WISH this book existed as I was grappling with the idea. Knowing that I could live this dream, however scary it was, and it would be part of a bigger thing, would’ve been all I needed.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews