Over the past year I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want this next chapter of my life to look like.
Turning 45 felt like an invitation to slow down, breathe, and make more intentional choices about how I spend my time and energy. Instead of rushing into the next big commitment, I downsized my home, my space, my committmeents and decided to give myself something that feels both exciting and necessary. A “gap year.”
When people hear the term gap year, they usually think of students taking time off before university but lately I’ve been realizing that adults need that space too. Life moves quickly, and sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do is pause long enough to reconnect with yourself.
For me, that pause has taken the shape of travel, reflection, and creating space for experiences that bring joy.
Earlier this year I spent time in Cuba, and more recently I traveled to Barbados. Both trips reminded me how powerful it can be to step outside of your normal routine. Traveling allows you to see life from a different perspective, and sometimes it gives you the clarity you didn’t even know you were looking for.
This season isn’t about escaping life for me, it’s about experiencing it more intentionally.
Part of that experience includes something I’m especially excited about: hosting my own group trip to Italy.
Italy has been on my heart for a long time. The history, the culture, the food, the architecture. The slower place invites you to slow down and savor life, which fits perfectly with the energy I’m trying to cultivate during this gap year.
I’ll be traveling there with a group of women who want to explore, connect, and experience Italy beyond the typical tourist checklist.
If you’re curious about the trip or thinking about joining us, you can learn more here:
👉 Travel to Italy with us:
https://atomictrips.com/trips/past-the-postcards-8-day-all-inclusive-italy/
This year is less about rigid plans and more about being open to allowing new experiences into my life.
More travel stories will be coming soon! Including my recent trip to Barbados, which I’ll be sharing more about here on the blog as well.
For now, I’m simply embracing this softer season and seeing where it leads.