Finding Solace Through Exploration: My Journey of Self-Discovery
Coping mechanisms come in all forms. While some might turn to harsher methods such as drugs, alcohol, or even unhealthy relationships, we all need an outlet—something that helps us escape from real-life problems and find joy in the world around us. For me, that outlet became traveling and exploration.
A New Beginning
It all started in the winter of 2018. After a painful breakup from a two-and-a-half-year relationship, I metaphorically slept through the rest of the winter. But as spring arrived in 2019, so did a glimmer of hope. I decided to make some changes: I chopped off my hair, focused on my relationship with God, and set out to build a sense of community. This newfound desire to explore led me to an unexpected adventure.
One Sunday at church, the pastor announced a mission trip to Spain. The trip involved teaching Moroccan refugees how to cook American dishes to help them find work and build a community in their new lives. With a passion for cooking, no children, and a need for exploration, it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
Spain: A Journey of Connection
In November 2019, nine of us flew to Spain. There, we bonded with the older women and their teenage daughters, cooked together, played games, and shared meals. They taught us how to bake traditional cookies and shared their stories of faith. We explored Leganes, Fortuna, Old Town, and Madrid. Celebrating my birthday with papaya fried rice in Madrid and a glass of wine in Leganes was a highlight. The entire experience felt divine.
Solo Travel: A New Chapter
Inspired by my trip to Spain, I decided to embark on my first solo travel adventure. In December 2019, I found a cheap flight to Charlotte, NC, and welcomed the New Year there. Staying in an Airbnb with people from all walks of life, I cooked pasta from scratch and connected with a little girl who eagerly wanted to help. Her joy reminded me that this journey was about more than just travel—it was about mission, connection and community.
I spent seven days exploring downtown Charlotte, taking trolley tours, and meeting new friends. I had become better acquainted with one of the other Airbnb residents, and we decided to spend New Year’s Eve in downtown Charlotte. We met someone who gave us VIP tickets to a piano bar party. The night was unforgettable, filled with lively music and dancing. As I looked around during the countdown to 2020, I felt a profound sense of belonging and joy.
Facing Challenges
My next solo trip was to Atlanta, GA, for Valentine’s Day weekend in 2020. I was determined not to let the previous year’s depression define this day. I volunteered for community service, packaging meals with locals, and explored the city. But the trip took a dramatic turn when gunshots erupted at a restaurant where I was dining. Despite the danger, I managed to stay safe and continued to enjoy the rest of my trip with heightened awareness.
Embracing the Journey
After Atlanta, the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, confining me to Chicago. In 2021, I visited a friend in Dallas, and in the summer of 2022, I explored Scottsdale, AZ, where I won an award for the best Segway rider. The following fall, I took a cross-country train from Chicago to Seattle. The train ride itself was an adventure, filled with stories, laughter, and breathtaking scenery. The journey through mountains and streams was a highlight, and Seattle offered more adventures before my return home.
Embracing Solitude: My Journey from Tulum to New York
In November 2022, I embarked on my first solo international adventure to celebrate my birthday. My destination? A serene resort in Tulum, Mexico, nestled within a lush jungle. My home for the week was a cozy hut overlooking the vast ocean. Days melted into one another as I basked on the beach, lounged in cabanas, sipped Piña Coladas, and swayed to the soothing tunes of acoustic guitar by the shore each evening.
The highlight of my trip was my birthday. I ventured beyond the resort to explore local life, enjoying a meal at a charming restaurant where the staff sang “Happy Birthday” just for me. I also picked out souvenirs to share with family and friends back home. However, it was snorkeling in the open ocean that truly took my breath away. Swimming alongside stingrays, turtles, and vibrant coral reefs was a bucket-list moment realized. On my final day in Tulum, I found solace on the beach, whispering a heartfelt prayer: “God, I don’t know what you have planned for me, but whatever it is, make my journey beautiful.”
Since then, my travels have continued to shape my journey. In June 2023, I ventured to New York City for a week, immersing myself in the vibrant culture as I auditioned for Broadway and agents. Although not a solo trip, it marked another significant chapter in my travel story.
In between, I’ve enjoyed peaceful solo getaways to a cabin in the woods in Michigan with my dog, Princess. These trips were rejuvenating retreats, offering a tranquil escape and a chance to recharge.
Now, as I reflect on the past two years and my current home in New York, I’m filled with gratitude. Moving to New York was undoubtedly the right choice for me, and I’ve cherished every moment. Looking ahead, I’m excited for my next solo journey, set for December 2024. While the destination remains a mystery, I am eager for the adventures that await and the new friendships I will forge. I trust that God will continue to make my journey beautiful in ways I can only imagine.
Each destination has taught me something new about myself and the world. From the divine moments in Spain to the challenging yet memorable experiences in Atlanta, travel has become my way of coping and finding joy in life’s journey.
Here’s to the many adventures ahead and the beauty that lies in embracing the unknown!