Meet Felipe Abílio

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Felipe Abílio a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Felipe , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Since I was a child, every time I saw a plane crossing the sky, my thoughts would wander. I would imagine: “Who’s up there? Where are they going? What did they leave behind? What does it feel like to be so high, heading to a new destination or maybe returning to something familiar?” This curiosity about other lives and stories was already a hint of what my own journey would become.

Let’s go back to 1987, the year I was born in Taubaté, a quiet town in the countryside of São Paulo, Brazil. I grew up in a lower-middle-class family. My mother, a nurse, was the embodiment of care and discipline, while my father, a prison officer, taught me from a young age to face the harsh realities around us. We lived near the prisons, and my father, concerned for the family’s safety, trained me as a child. I learned how to fight, how to shoot — unusual skills for a kid. He wanted me to be prepared in case something unexpected happened.

But while I was absorbing these survival lessons, there was another part of me quietly developing, perhaps more subtle but equally powerful. By the age of 7 or 8, I already felt there was something different about me. I was part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and although I didn’t fully understand everything at the time, I knew my identity was unique. On top of that, I had an artistic soul — a thirst for expression and, above all, a desire to explore the world.

At 10 years old, I joined the theater. It wasn’t just an escape or a way to express myself; it was my passport to the world. I wanted to become a famous actor, not just for the glamour, but because I believed that through acting, I could travel, meet people, and live the stories in the places where they actually happened. The stage was just the first setting of a life I planned to live on a grand scale.

As I grew older, my passion for travel took the lead. Theater was a school, but the world, with its cultures, landscapes, and histories, became my true classroom. At 22, I graduated with a degree in journalism, giving my adventures a new perspective. I discovered that I could share these places and experiences with the world in a deeper and broader way.

Today, at 37, I make a living traveling and writing about it for major media outlets in Brazil. Every place I visit teaches me something new — whether about myself or the people I meet along the way.

Looking back, I see an incredible journey, full of challenges and discoveries, always driven by that initial impulse: the desire to understand the world, to know the stories that hide behind every face, every landscape, every flight.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

In 2020, after many years of exploring the world, I returned to a special place: Ubatuba, on the northern coast of São Paulo, where I spent part of my childhood during vacations. With 102 paradisiacal beaches, the city is known as the surfing capital and attracts thousands of visitors every year. This return gave me a new perspective, connecting me with something deeper. It wasn’t just about showing the world, but about understanding how nature is welcoming, alive, and how it needs to be preserved.

Today, at 37 years old, I make a living writing about travel for major media outlets in Brazil, but I don’t limit myself to that. In addition to exploring international destinations, I also focus on the regional beauties of Brazil, especially on nature preservation. Within this context, I created a personal project called “From Zero to the Tube”, where the goal is to learn how to surf from the basics until I ride a giant wave in Nazaré, Portugal. This journey reflects not only the challenge of facing the ocean but also the desire to embrace new experiences and the constant pursuit of learning, living within nature, preserving it, and being part of it.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I believe my willpower to achieve my dreams has always been the driving force that pushed me to make things happen. From an early age, I had a clear focus: I knew where I wanted to go, and that determination guided me. I worked hard for it. When I was younger, I remember working two jobs while attending college at night. It wasn’t easy, but that routine shaped me and taught me the value of discipline and perseverance.

I also recognize my privileges. As a white man with great passability in many spaces, I understand that many doors opened more easily for me. But beyond that, what truly made a difference was my courage to go after things. I always showed up, asked questions, offered myself, and showed I was willing to learn and seize opportunities. The truth is, if you stand still, nothing will come your way. You need to take action, be willing, and show initiative.

Another key aspect of my journey was the constant pursuit of knowledge. I’ve always been keen on specializing in what I wanted to do, striving to be good at what I set out to accomplish. I’ve been taking technical courses since I was 10 years old and have never stopped learning. I’m passionate about knowledge, and to this day, I seek to deepen my understanding of the things that interest me. That’s what keeps me evolving, both personally and professionally.

For those starting out, it’s important to understand that the journey is challenging. Success doesn’t come overnight. Dedication and consistency are the keys to any successful path. You don’t become an expert in a day. That’s why it’s essential to focus on what you want and fully understand the pros and cons of your goal. Evaluate if your chosen path is financially viable, especially if you want to turn your passion into a successful career. After all, we live in a capitalist society, and the system doesn’t spare those who don’t produce or adapt to its demands.

Another crucial aspect I’ve learned is to take care of your mental health. If there’s one thing I’ve realized over time, it’s that psychological balance is the foundation of everything. Exercise, maintain activities that bring you joy, and, if possible, go to therapy. Having a professional to guide you through difficult times is one of the best decisions you can make. If I could go back in time, I’d give my younger self this advice: start therapy at the beginning of adulthood. Having someone to guide you through tough phases is liberating, and having that emotional support makes all the difference in the long run.

In the end, success isn’t just about what you do, but how you take care of yourself in the process. Body, mind, and knowledge go hand in hand, and that’s what keeps me moving forward.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When life becomes overwhelming and you feel burdened, remember that nature can be your refuge. Seeking peace among the trees and outdoors is a powerful remedy for the soul. Walking in a park, feeling the soft grass under your feet, or walking barefoot on warm soil can provide a revitalizing connection with the world around you.

As you gaze at the vastness of the ocean, when you face the infinite horizon, it’s as if time slows down. The sound of waves crashing on the shore has a calming effect, allowing your heart to slow down and your breathing to return to its normal rhythm. It’s in this moment of contemplation that any spike of anxiety can dissipate, like mist at dawn.

Nature is a generous mother, always ready to embrace and heal us. By allowing ourselves this contact, we rejuvenate not only physically but also mentally and emotionally.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/goabilio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felipe-ab%C3%ADlio-1335a27b/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/felipeabilio
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@goabilio

Image Credits

DIVULGAÇÃO/ @GOABILIO