The healing side of exploration
Sometimes the best way to feel grounded again is to leave for a while. Travel has a way of pulling back the noise and revealing what really matters. In unfamiliar places, with nothing but curiosity as a guide, it’s possible to reconnect with parts of yourself you didn’t realize had faded. Whether across the world or just a few hours away, these trips became a way to reset, reflect, and return home feeling more like myself.
Vacation vs. Traveling
For me, traveling has always been when I feel most at ease. Some might say the same about a vacation, but to me, vacation and traveling are two very different things. A vacation is about relaxing and taking a break from everyday life. Traveling is about learning, letting go, growing, meeting new people, and remembering who you are. And you don’t have to go far to feel that shift—it can happen just a few hours from home.
Lessons from Thailand
I remember coming back from Thailand after being away for almost five months and hearing people say I seemed different. I had a new outlook on life and carried myself with a new energy. I had fallen in love with the culture. One moment that stuck with me was during a mountain hike when I bought an ice cream cone. The person at the stand gave me too much change, and for a second, I was excited. But my Thai friend gently reminded me, “Jenna, that’s not the right thing to do—you need to go tell her she gave you the wrong change.” That small moment taught me a big lesson about putting good energy into the world, something I try to practice every day.
Missing Home, Valuing Family
When I moved from Iowa to Florida, I started to realize how much more I appreciated my family. Maybe it’s just part of growing up, but being away made me value them even more. I miss them, and I look forward to every visit. It makes our time together feel more special because it doesn’t happen as often. Being away reminded me that I’ve always wanted to stay close to my family. Someday, I hope to have a home base near my brother. But for now, I know we’re both exactly where we’re supposed to be.
Growth Through Travel
Traveling isn’t always easy, but it shows you who the most important people are—the ones who support you from afar, help you through travel struggles, stay in touch, and check in. It reminds you who you want to hold onto. It also gives you space to think about yourself and what you want to get out of the experience. I often ask myself, “What can I do during this trip just for me?” It’s important to keep growing your hobbies and making time for the things you love. Travel helps with that. It’s good for your mental health, and it gives you the chance to try something new—and sometimes, that’s how you find the people and places meant for you.