Always be exploring…
Traveling and exploring is such a special treat. It’s explosive and exhilarating, enchanting and empowering, and yet also humbling.
I’ve had the opportunity to travel to some marvelous places- New Orleans, Dominican Republic, Arizona, Canada, Seattle, London, Chicago, Bimini Bahamas, Thailand, New York, Tulum, Boston, Philadelphia, Colorado, Paris, and more. Traveling brings me peace, energy, inspiration, and solidarity- my heart is so filled in my happy place. Time to humble myself and appreciate the smallest things we may take for granted, and also time for newfound motivation.
Luckily, I have some pretty great friends who thrill for an adventure, but not everyone that is your friend is your best travel buddy (I found that out that hard way on a few trips). Nevertheless, those experiences with the company I was with- I wouldn’t change for anything. Also, is it just me or when you travel to a new city all big eyed and present soaking in every step, smell, taste- you want to move to that city? Such a sweet fantasy, baby- then I miss my bed and personal space. :)
I’ve always traveled to Chicago every summer and every other Christmas growing up since I was about 2 years old. My parents divorced when I was a baby and my dad and his family reside in the Chicagoland area, and my mom stays in a suburb of Dallas- where I grew up. Growing up in the Dallas area was similar to your everyday adventure- almost like the movie Groundhog Day. Another day, the same people, the same routine, and the same favorite Tex Mex restaurant. Don’t get me wrong- Dallas is GREAT, but after college society paints this “image” of what life after college looks like. I was bored and needed something new. I felt empty, didn’t have a sense of my purpose, and I needed to refill my cup.
Thirsty for that sparkly new object and in a space where I felt stuck, confused, and heartbroken- I said I can either sit here and sulk and overthink or I can do something about it. Just like Julia Roberts told Anna in the movie Stepmom when Anna was embarrassed by a boy she liked who made fun of her. It was time for a change. It was time for me to do something about how I felt. So, I took a leap of Faith and moved to Chicago.
Six of the most incredible experiences of my life! Years of growth, challenges, building a new network, finding an inner circle, understanding me deeper, and cultivating a stronger bond with my family. I navigated through a lot- made mistakes, fell down and picked myself up, ate the most delicious foods, rebranded myself, learned more about what I am passionate about, rebranded myself again, changed old habits and outgrew others, developed new values, skills, and boundaries, dated some interesting people, kissed some toads and princes, and met some creatives along the way.
Vulnerably, I share all this because I feel like we put this weighted pressure on ourselves to have life and all the things figured out, but the truth is we do not have to have it all figured out. Life is tough and sticky. Life is about exploring and getting messy along the way. The secret is to learn from the messes and have fun! If I didn’t get involved in the organizations I was involved in during my college years- I truly believe I would be a different person and would not have enjoyed college as much as I did. If I hadn’t decided to move to Chicago - the opportunities and growth within myself would look very different. Evolve, elevate, outgrow old habits and jump out of your comfort zone. I learn that when I travel. Travel is escapism.
The year of 2021 I promised myself I would take my first ever solo trip- and I was scared shitless. When the wheels hit the land way at LaGuardia Airport in New York I took a deep breath and exhaled. The trip was the most invigorating experience and I was proud of myself for accomplishing this goal.
Book the Flight, Sis
Courage, Dear Courage. What do you have to lose? Better yet, what will you gain!?
I had a list of places I wanted to travel to that I have never been before and some that I wanted to explore again. New York had always been a top contender. The hustle and bustle, the different neighborhoods, the pockets of culture scattered throughout the city, the smell of trash and urine, the sound of heels hitting the pavement and fresh bagels, the laughter and joy visiting the arts- everything that is New York is what I appreciate about the city.
When planning your travels- think about the “why” or purpose of the trip to help navigate your decision. For a break, for peace, for new energy, to visit loved ones, for your damn self and book that flight.
Research All the Things
Overwhelming and exciting- I know. All the feels of planning, especially if you are not a natural planner; but Honey- you got to do it.
I channeled my inner blogger and researched the top places to stay, the must- dos of the city, and places to eat and also view the skyline. I used to work in the Travel and Tourism space- so I appreciate a good planning and experience like the locals adventure. You learn something new and get an opportunity to discover something truly cool.
Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit New York
Explore All The Things
Took myself to dinner, marveled in the majestic city views, emersed myself in the Van Gogh Experience, almost passed out during rooftop hot yoga, walked the upper east side, explored Central Park, took a selfie on the stairs of the The Metropolitan Museum of Art (saying “spotted” like Gossip Girl every chance I got), and indulged in the corner café where fresh bagels and spread was an every morning pair with my coffee were all on my list of musts. I channeled my inner Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City trotting through the city in my best dressed and stilettos turning heads. You always know when someone is not from your city- they stick out. Well, I stook out proudly and confidently :)
Take a moment and soak everything in. Spend some quiet time processing that you did this! Something to be truly proud, fuck yes.
Enjoy the gritty and unpredictable. Be safe, always be observant of your surroundings, and trust if your gut is telling you not to go down that street- don’t. Mostly, enjoy the spontaneity of it all- and you never know who you will meet along the way. Take all the pictures. Try all the things. Enjoy what you discover.
Doyers St. in Chinatown is a historic as in the early 1900s it was known for a dangerous alley where gang was often taken place. That has now been transformed. Recently, Dasic Fernández- a Chiliean born street artist painted this beautiful technicolor street in partnership with “Asphalt Art Activations.” https://secretnyc.co/doyers-street-mural/
Plan Your Next Trip
Wanderlust- a strong desire to travel.
I understand- traveling is not for everyone, especially solo. Someone told me that when you can learn to do things by yourself, like take yourself to dinner, that is the most powerful thing and no body can tell you anything. That is how I feel about traveling. Also, my spirit animal, my grandmother, is deeply rooted in me. Her thirst for traveling and experiencing different cultures and foods made me appreciate her desire to travel. Typically, I have a full calendar booked with travels, and I will continue to do so and more intentionally. Hopefully my future partner and children will have that desire to explore and experience life and all of the beauty God created around the world. Until then…. always be exploring.
