PUSHING PAUSE FOR TRAVEL
I normally would never equate myself to Simone Biles, except for the fact that I was a gymnast growing up. But when I saw the new Powerade campaign starring Biles celebrating her decision–or irrefutable need–to refuel, rethink, and recharge, I found myself in a very similar position in life.
I just turned 40. I’ve been working in luxury hospitality marketing for over 20 years. For the past four years as the head of marketing for luxury travel brand, Cuvée, I’d been operating at breakneck speeds, logging over 100 hours a week at times, and rolling up my sleeves to do whatever was needed to get the job done. Why? Because I was born with a deep, dark work ethic (thanks, Dad) I loved it, and to a degree, I still do. I love the brand, the product, the people, and every tremendously gratifying opportunity and experience that came my way.
All that being said, I realized a few weeks ago that I didn’t love myself. I used to be someone that was always there for friends and family, always present, always loyal, and always adventurous. A few things happened in my life that made me realize that I was no longer the best version of myself. And how could I be? I was giving everything I had–and then some–to my job.
I mustered up some mighty courage, shed a not-so-insignificant amount of tears, and resigned. Sure, there was certainly the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back” that officially catalyzed my decision, but it’s somewhat irrelevant. Despite the fact that my previous and incessant work anxiety has now evolved into “did I just blow up my life?” panic attacks, I know this was necessary. I wasn’t making time for exercise, for sleep, for friends, for family, for rest, even for basic dental care, and beyond that, I’m sure my work product was faltering, too.
When the smoke (and tears) started to clear, I thought about what I really wanted to do. The one urge that kept coming back to me was to get back out there in the world to explore. To make it clear, the pandemic has not kept me from traveling over the past couple of years – I worked for a travel company after all. This past January alone, I was in nine different cities and destinations. But work travel is not truly deep travel - the kind that escalates your senses, allows you to discover and embrace new cultures, and challenges you.
After literally visiting every doctor I haven’t seen in years, later this month I’m embarking on a two-month journey - partially solo, partially to meet friends along the way. I’m both nervous and excited; nervous about my first trips to both Asia and Australia, nervous about severing ties with a regular paycheck for the first time in my life, but excited to explore, to breathe, and to stop being fixated on all my screens for 18 hours a day.
The plan is still coming together, but here’s how it’s taking shape:
Home: Visiting my parents, some friends and family and bringing my pup, Scarlett to stay with my dad (man am I going to miss that Scar-face)
London: Hanging with my BFF, her husband and kiddos
Bruges: Tagging along with aforementioned bestie on a family weekend getaway
Paris: Heading back to my favorite city in the world with my favorite travel partner, same best bud and another one joining us
Singapore: A 24-hour stopover (suggestions welcome!)
Bali: Two glorious weeks of soul searching, yoga, self care and surfing
Australia: Two more weeks and hopefully a wonderful friend joining
TRAVEL RECS & INSPO WELCOME! E-mail me at christa.weaving@gmail.com.
