It's Hard to Explain...
Thank you for becoming my family.
As virtually everyone knows by now, my “job” is hosting international travel groups these days. On average I am gone one week a month somewhere around the globe with a group of amazing human beings that all have merely one thing in common when the journey begins.
They all follow me online and are crazy enough to come on a group vacation with me. Each group is different, special in their own way if you will. But occasionally there will be a hand full of women that leave me a little better off than they found me… without even realizing it.
That would be my Iceland group in March.
It took me a couple weeks to simmer on the experience before being able to translate my feelings into words that would even shed the slightest bit of light on how much they all touched my life. Shit, I don’t think these words will probably do either.
When we all start out we are strangers. From different backgrounds, locations, age groups, socio-economic status… you name it and they are different. But, for the majority of my groups you will see mostly women over 50. As old as their early 80’s! So yes, if you were thinking you were too old to come along… this group is for you!
This group continuously impressed me. These women who some of which were finding themselves in their 70’s. Women who gave everything of themselves to their families; husbands, children, making sure everyone was cared for without ever knowing how to care for their own well being.
Widows learning what they like because they never had the chance to really explore a hobby. Time was always dedicated to husbands and children and the hobbies that would encompass that time. Never realizing how much is given up in the process.
Just think about how much mothers put themselves last. In fact, none of us think about that. It Is just one of those things, not realizing sometimes we are suffering in silence. Or drowning in chaos. Or just trying to keep our heads afloat for our families.
And my god, some of the most badass women who got dealt such shit hands in the hardest moments, only to fucking fix her crown and handle life like the Queen she is. The awe I had listening to their stories.
Those late night moments on the couch of the Guest House living room where I couldn’t help but hang on every last word with complete fascination. The things these women had lived through, and the just sheer impressive lives they have lived. I could only wish to be half as resilient as some of these ladies, and just a fraction as interesting.
In the last days we would all joke that our vacation really doubled as group therapy. And to this day… a month later all of these ladies talk on a daily basis. The group text can become a chaotic nightmare of coming back to my phone to 76 texts…. but the genuine love, and friendships that continue to bloom from these adventures reminds me of why I do what I do.
Despite having major buyers remorse about my career choices over the last 9 months, these moments and humans are what keep me going right now in this absolute shit show of an administration.
“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life - and travel - leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks - on your body or on your heart - are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt.”
-Anthony Bourdain
This journey has very much changed me. From the sisterhood that was born in my first overseas trip ever to Ireland, to the family we birthed in the deserts of Zimbabwe and Botswana. I am not the same person who embarked on this unknown journey in 2023, and I am forever thankful for ever second of it. No matter how long it lasts.
My soul is rich with the amazing family I have created along this journey. I wish each and every one of you understood the imprint you’ve made on me forever. It is the fuel that keeps me going during all these times of chaos.
Because after all, we all originally bonded over the news, our ethical beliefs, and the desire to do better for this world.
Thank you all for making this my life.
Even if it is only temporary.
It is extraordinary how you can expand your mind when you expand your borders.
-Danielle
ChasingOz
Isn't that what life is about. Experiences the more you have to varied and diverse the stronger we all become together. I guess that's why I call myself the TravelingLiberal been around the world a time or two myself and forever better for the experience good and bad. Fortunately for my mother she passed before being able to love, embrace and learn about herself so it's wonderful to see women able to take this pilgrimage inward and outward.
You're so freakin' brilliant. A way to see the world, be with amazing people, and get travel paid for. BRILLIANT!!!!!!