"The best way to get out of a rut is to go on an adventure."

-Me

I completely believe in this theory. Anytime I've ever felt locked up, or stale, I've taken trips to shed my dull skin and it has always proven to freshen my outlook on life.  

I just sifted through endless amounts of photos I'd taken from previous trips to England, Germany, France, Chicago visits, before I'd moved there. I was 23 around the time I'd visited these places. My heart was heavier than it is now. I was in search of something then, some serene place, dewey and dripping of gold in my soul. Revisiting yourself through old photos you haven't seen in a while is intense, but can be the perfect opportunity for growth. It's like having a conversation with your younger self through imagery. 

As we age, and live through experiences, we wake up.

I'm still in search of something now, but in a completely different way. I'm 26 and have evolved so much since 23. I know that the peace and calm I search for is within. It's all within. Remembering that is half the battle. Remembering to stay conscious, present. This is freedom. 

I love myself. 

High atop a small German town where my Grandma grew up.

My mom's hand cutting through the wind on a country road.

Coclico flowers in France.

On a boat tour of castles on the Rhine River - Germany.

Arturo's Tacos - Chicago

Falling in love with fall - Chicago

The more I remain conscious and present, the more I can open my eyes wide and look around at all the beauty that surrounds me. The more I can lay in the grass and let the sun shine warm on my face and arms and legs, the more I can strum my ukulele and sing what feels good without thinking, the more I can be okay with just being... the more I will soar through life like a bird in flight, with grace and intention.

All of this being said... tomorrow, I'm taking a trip.

Following my bliss and clearing my head.

My itinerary goes as follows: 

Chicago, IL - Staying with a dear friend, revisiting places/things I love, i.e. Earwax, Lula, Humboldt Park, Milwaukee Ave., so many beautiful friends, delicious beer, gettin' crafty and instrumental! 

Upper Peninsula of Michigan - Family, quiet, meditation, art with found things in nature, bliss 

From Michigan, I'll be taking an amazing road trip with my dad and my 17 year old nephew, Gage, in my dad's used but newly purchased RV. We're heading to Nashville, Tennessee to stay for a week in a timeshare. Super psyched for this part of my adventure. Having an RV and traveling the USA is one of my dad's retirement dreams. That and having his own butterfly farm. I love my dad. I'm really grateful that I have the opportunity to take this trip with him. 

Once our week in Nashville is up, I'm hoping to swing through Asheville, North Carolina and stay for a couple days... that's still up in the air though. 

My adventure ends where it began, in Port Charlotte, Florida, where I was born. 

Along the way I plan to take many photos and videos to share and as always and most importantly to raise good vibes everywhere I go. 

Life is beautiful. 

♥