Dear Subscriber First Name,

Traveling solo has, for me, always been freeing and challenging.

At some point in my life, the side of me that’s cautious also started to skew fearful. Perhaps anxieties got the better of me. Traveling and everyday life provide opportunities for me to challenge my cautious side, and instead say “yes” to my adventurous side.

What has saying “yes” to adventure looked like for me?

• Santorini, Greece - Following my curiosity down an unmarked path to a secluded rocky “beach”, swimming out to a giant rock and cliff jumping, then spontaneously spending the rest of the day with some new friends.

• Gili Air, Indonesia - Meditating through a panic attack so that on my third try, I could successfully scuba dive.

• Aarhus, Denmark - Leaning into my desire for movement and out of fear, and biking for the first time in years. Discovering that I kinda love biking, especially through beautiful nature and architecture.

• Los Angeles, CA - Visiting an art museum, seeing artwork by renowned artists in styles unexpected, and feeling inspired to start sketching again.

These experiences taught me how gorgeous and alive life can feel when we say “yes” to our curiosities—even when we’re kind of scared. They taught me to trust myself and life a bit more, to open my mind and heart.

I’m realizing now that these moments accompanied pivotal moments in my life. They came during times when I was in deep need of healing and reinvigoration. They came when my spirit had grown dull and I doubted if any sheen remained.

Though the environmental reset that comes with travel helps facilitate the process, I do believe that our everyday lives have space for the moments that feel robust in shape, color, feeling, and sound.

Try a new method of transportation. Explore a new section of the bookstore or library. Pay attention to when the flutter of curiosity arises, then follow where it leads. Let us know what you find. 💌

Following Curiosity,
Haemee

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