Would You Change Your Life In A Year?

To celebrate the launch of Cecelia Ahern's new book, The Year I Met You, Marie Claire reader Liz Parry, 39, from Colchester, reveals what inspired her to go on a life-changing adventure.

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'Losing my dad to cancer when he was 66 was a huge shock. When he passed away in 2010, it made me think about my own life. Because he regretted not having travelled, I decided to see the world while I could. My husband couldn’t leave his job so I had to go on my own, which was daunting, but I quit my office job and spent three months travelling around Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

'I learned loads about myself – that I’m very resourceful, good at making friends, and up for trying new things, from elephant-trekking in Laos to motorbiking around Vietnam.

'Back in Britain, I now try to go on a couple of interesting trips each year. Recently, I walked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. My new approach to life is you should never put off the things you want to do.'

Cecelia Ahern is the bestselling author of 11 novels. The Year I Met You by Cecelia Ahern (HarperCollins) is out now in hardback and ebook.

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