I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason with life unpredictably throwing you curveballs that you never could have planned for. That's what keeps things interesting though, right? I had not imagined that my conversation to discuss moving by Goodale Park, would turn into my decision to pursue taking a leave of absence from work to travel.

My passion and intentional desire to learn more about people, places, and cultures in part of my core being and supported throughout my childhood. Travel, exploration, and curiosity, has been instilled since I can remember, traipsing through mountains on road trips, being tasked to pretend my parents weren't there to navigate an airport, learning that everywhere has something new and exciting to offer and people to connect with. Exploring outside in the woods, alongside rivers, on the beach, out at sea, across the world, or in our backyard, the Earth and people have energized me since I can remember. My eyes feast on destinations I see on travel blogs, TV, social media, and in my wildest dreams. The bucket list of places to go should just truly indicate, the world. The notion of taking time away from work, to live in a back pack with an open heart and mind, seemed not only irresistible, but truly necessary for my being. So really, why not now.

Some of my favorite, and extremely valid questions, are below and I look forward to expanding on many, as I continue to write and prepare for leaving in July.

Are you just quitting your job?

-I am not quitting, and am blessed to be supported in an organization that will allow me to leave for 5 months, and return to a fantastic team and job.

Are you going alone?

-I am going to be joining my best friend, Sarah, who lives in California and will meet me out east to take our first flight to Paris.

How expensive is this?

-The plan is to stay under 10k, or about $55 a day, which of course includes some of the more expensive purchases like a flight, train passes, etc. That means, we will be creative, and have a chance to meet people in local hostels, camp in beautiful regions, and explore.

What will happen to your things?

-I will have them in my home that will be watched over by family. Though to be honest, I have been trying to purge as many 'things' as possible as they often get in our way of seeing what life’s really about.

How many bags are you packing?

-Everything will be on my back, carried with me in an extremely strategic fashion. I will be sharing more in a future blog.

Are all your flights booked?

-Just one flight is currently booked – a one-way ticket to Paris! Blog coming soon on what it's like to buy that first ticket on a Tuesday.

Where are you going?

-A fluid journey through countries likely including France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Romania, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam Taiwan… but that will likely change. These will adjust, depending on the journey, opportunities, and where our hearts lead us. Romania will be especially special as we have a beautiful opportunity to volunteer at the opening of Hospice for Hope (check out their amazing site https://www.hospicesofhope.co.uk/romania-projects). The list of places may grow or shrink! You'll just have to wait and see.

What are you doing?

-The first thing I would want to be clear on is the notion of "finding yourself"… which is not what the goal is. That's not an attainable end, or goal. I strive to be more comfortable being myself, to the fullest, daily, learning and growing in all manners possible. I expect to have immense growth - mind, body, and soul. We want to further connect to ourselves, tune into our soul food, be amazed by the sights the Earth has to offer, authentically connect to people, help people by spreading love and knowledge we may have and take for granted, learn more about cultures, food, places, ideas, and so much more.

Why now?

-Why not now. There are precious chances, opportunities, and decisions that must be made at critical times in people's lives. This is a pivotal point for me. There was a distinct time before I decided this would be my reality, and now after. I am (not quite) 30, single, mom to a dog (who will be with family while I am away), solid supporting career, financially responsible, and luster of the unknown places I hope to explore, connecting to the people, cultures, and opportunities that will arise. Knowing I want to have a family soon, I have this time now to be as selfish as ever by taking time without as many responsibilities, obligations, or commitments that I envision and know creep in when we throw a significant other and kiddos in the mix. The time will never be better. We often think we can push things off 'when the time is right' -- but, in reality, when will it ever be right? When will you ever be fully ready? You might let life pass you by if you wait until just the right moment. You must be willing to push yourself to take the leap of faith, and know you'll be okay. It's a change, you're taking a chance, it's something new…you'll never be ready. You just have to go for it.

Are you scared?

-The emotions are endless and vary on a moment by moment basis. I will be sharing more as I continue preparing for the trip and blogging through some of the preparatory activities.

I look forward to sharing this journey.

-Earthy Endorphins