I hurt my thumb in Mexico and didn’t even realize it was actually broken for a month. It happened after getting off a resort bus in the Cancun Hotel Zone — the kind of moment that should have been forgettable. On the surface I blamed it on the drinking… but if you’ve ever had resort drinks, you …
Real Life Stories & Reflections
Stories from the road and the heart. In Real Life, I share reflections on travel, personal growth, and the everyday experiences that remind us what truly feels like home. These moments aren’t always picture-perfect—but they’re real, and they shape who we become.
The Most Unexpected Moment in Cancun Wasn’t the Jungle Party
If you’d asked me what I’d remember most about Cancun, I would’ve guessed the obvious: turquoise water, an all-inclusive wristband, and a resort party with “jungle” in the name. But the most unexpected moment in Cancun wasn’t the Jungle Party. It was seeing my childhood best friend again, the …
Creepy Travel Stories: When Nature Adds a Plot Twist
The flashlight slowly scanned the top of the water, although I could barely see any actual water. There was a marshy scent in the warm summer air as I carefully scanned the thick lily pads sporting the occasional white and yellow flowers. The white flowers were beautiful water lilies and the …
5 Pieces of Travel Wisdom That Changed How I See the World
Travel Wisdom, Lessons, and Reflections from a New Year’s Eve in Santiago de Cuba, 1989 Some trips entertain you.Some trips relax you.And some trips — usually the ones that don’t go as planned — leave you with the kind of travel wisdom you carry for the rest of your life. My week in Cuba in …
The Decline of Manners: Why “Thank You” Still Matters
As I walked toward the bathroom, she’d yell, “Don’t forget to wash your hands!” It often felt like my grandmother’s purpose in life was making sure her grandchildren didn’t leave any evidence behind after using the bathroom. My brothers—six and nine years younger—learned how to beat the system. …
Creating Cadence Podcast: Journey from Imbalance…
...to Authenticity Someone once said, "Life is a symphony!" and for the longest time, I struggled to find the right rhythm. As a responsible mom juggling two young children, a business, and a home, my life was often played out of tune. The constant demands left little room for my own needs. It …
