BIG GIRL TIME

Last year, I set a goal that felt exciting and slightly unhinged at the same time: travel to one new place every month. Not as a flex. Not to escape my life. But to experience it more fully.

And somehow… I actually did it.

From Aruba in January, to Virginia Beach in February, the Dominican Republic in March, California in April, Ocean City, MD and North Carolina in May, Richmond, VA in June, Aruba (again) and Ocean City, MD in July, Florida in August, Norfolk in September, New York in October and November, and closing the year in Orlando, Florida and Washington, D.C. in December — every trip carried something different. Not just memories, but lessons I didn’t know I needed.

Travel Taught Me How to See God Everywhere

Travel has a funny way of slowing you down and waking you up at the same time. Being in new places forced me to look up, look around, and really notice things — the ocean, the people, the stillness, the chaos, the joy.

Even during seasons when my personal life felt like it was quietly unraveling, I couldn’t deny how present God was. In conversations with strangers. In moments of peace I didn’t earn. In beauty I didn’t plan for.

I learned that God’s blessings aren’t always loud. Sometimes they look like safe arrivals, unexpected laughter, or the reminder that the world is still big — even when your problems feel overwhelming.

I Learned the Power of Connection

Travel connected me to people I never would’ve met otherwise. Different backgrounds, different stories, different perspectives. And it reminded me how much we all carry — hopes, heartbreak, faith, fear — regardless of where we’re from.

It softened me. It grounded me. It made me more grateful, for even the smallest of things.

I Learned My Worth (For Real This Time)

Somewhere between airport terminals and hotel mirrors, I learned something very important about myself: I am powerful. I am beautiful. And I don’t need to shrink to be chosen.

I learned that when a man truly wants to show up, he will. That effort isn’t confusing. That consistency isn’t rare — it’s intentional. And that I never need to perform, beg, or downplay myself to be worthy of time or energy.

But even deeper than that, I learned that my worth can’t come from attention, affirmation, or relationships. It has to come from God alone. Anything else is temporary. Faith is not.

I Learned That Stewardship Is Spiritual

Travel also taught me some very practical lessons — especially about money. Managing your finances isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a lifelong commitment that affects every choice you make.

Every trip reminded me that freedom requires discipline. That joy and responsibility can coexist. And that being grateful doesn’t mean being careless — it means being intentional.

Gratitude Changed Everything

This year was definitely NOT perfect. I wasn’t always confident. I wasn’t always healed. I wasn’t always sure.

But I was present. I was learning. I was growing.

And above all, I was grateful.

Grateful for movement. Grateful for protection. Grateful for lessons I didn’t ask for but needed anyway. Grateful for a God who met me in airports, on beaches, in cities, and in quiet moments alone.

Travel didn’t just take me places — it brought me back to myself.

And for that, I thank God every time. Now you may be asking me…so what is next? Where are you going, what are you seeing, etc etc. I will be making a full blog post on all of my goals including travel! But for now know that I have a LOT of travel planned this year and SO many places I have never been and I am so excited to take you all with me!