This is something near and dear to my heart, because I’ve realized as I grow older, I use traveling for something more than just to explore new cities. I mentioned it a bit on Lizzie’s podcast – but I’ll reiterate it here for you as well.

(If you are here just for the Aruba pics – scroll down my friend, scroll down!)

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always had the thought process that we travel to take a break from life. Finding a long weekend, or a week to ignore all the duties and responsibilities that comes with being an adult (well to a point). Many of my favorite memories occurred purely because I needed to just get away, or readjust. Studying abroad, for example, happened as a spur of the moment “brick hit me in the face” “needed to get out and find new ground to stand on”, necessary decision. Or my beach vacays happen out of the need to step out of a situation and reevaluate my emotions.

The past two weeks I spent with sand under my feet. During this time, I realized as I grow more into my “old-age” I’m using traveling as a way to reset my priorities.

I’m not sleeping in until noon – I’m getting up at 5am to watch the sunrise.
I’m not eating like crap every evening – I’m going to the grocery store to meal prep.
I’m not sitting on my butt all day – I’m finding some way to move my body and sweat.
I’m not binge-watching TV during lunch – I’m reading books (lots and lots of books!).

I’m setting a routine for myself.
One that I know will keep my mind sharp when I get back to that office chair & my schedule.
I’m taking time to focus on that small detail of readjustment in order to keep myself sane.

I’m using traveling as a source of self-care. 

They say it takes an average of 2 months to form a habit. A legit one. So if that means I need to spend a couple days forming an idea of what I want, in a place that allows me to fully focus on those goals, then heck yes, I’m raising my water bottle to that plan.

As I mentioned, I spent the past two weeks with sand under my feet, and a wind breeze in my hair. Aruba & Florida were not only for work, but also for pleasure. That water color is just something you cannot get anywhere else. Scroll below to see some Aruba shots for yourself! 🙂 // xo

(First things first: this beautiful Family Session – my clients foregoing their last evening on the island so we could take some photos! I can’t wait to send them these pics!!)

Allllrighty and now the personal ones: