A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Travel

Did you know that traveling can boost your life satisfaction by up to fifteen days before and a month after your trip (Kwon & Lee, 2019)? However, I must admit that I didn’t feel the full thrill of our upcoming trip to Greece until the morning we were set to leave. Why was that? It was because we didn’t know if we would actually board the plane until the day before, as my little sister was in the midst of Hurricane Helene's search and recovery efforts. This journey began with uncertainty, but it couldn’t have arrived at a more opportune moment. I am incredibly thankful for the love of travel instilled in me during my childhood and continued throughout my adult life. Travel has always been a vital part of my personal development and life experiences, and my trip to Greece was no different. While I could simply label this adventure as an exciting birthday celebration, that would only tell part of the story. In June, while in North Carolina with my sister, we talked about my younger sister's upcoming 30th birthday celebration. I spent weeks trying to coordinate a gathering to celebrate her special day, but my plans just didn’t seem to come together.

While following the updates from Eyia Retreats—something I’ve been doing for years—I received an email one August day, while I was sitting with a happy cup of Iced Chai Tea made from my favorite coffee shop, Restoration Coffee House, when I was feeling particularly low and disheartened by my life's journey and the losses I had endured. To my surprise, the email mentioned there was one double spot and one single spot available for the trip. I immediately called my sister and shared how perfectly this aligned with our discussions about her birthday.

Kat, the founder of Eyia Retreats, joined us on a call to explain the trip details, and by the end, we both enthusiastically agreed to go. I approached this journey with the hope of creating special memories with my sister and mom, but more importantly, I aimed to reconnect with parts of myself that I had been grappling with over the past two years, filled with loss, pain, and transitions. I had no idea what healing awaited me on this trip, but I was prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead. Greece may seem like a spontaneous destination, but this trip has been a dream of my twelve-year-old self for nearly two decades. I'm a huge fan of both the movie and the book "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," and the enchanting setting of Greece has always inspired me to explore. Although I had set this dream aside after it didn’t materialize for my 30th birthday, I soon realized the beautiful plan that God had crafted for my journey. From the places we visited, and the days spent exploring, to the incredible people I met and the reconnection with myself, it was all perfectly designed.

Traveling pushes us to go outside of our comfort zones because it is going to be outside of routine. This journey began with a deep connection to Becca's most authentic self, allowing for healing and growth. Over the past two years, I've struggled to rediscover my true essence and embrace the joy in each day. This trip facilitated my process of letting go of grief and adapting to the changes in friendships as life evolves. Throughout the week, we explored various cards, and one of mine emphasized "Direction," reminding us that self-reflection can guide us away from wrong paths. My primary focus during the retreat shifted toward pruning and releasing my expectations of how life should be, learning to love this current version of Becca wholeheartedly. The Stacked Intent Happy Moments  Challenge would help you to find the version of yourself to reconnect with this version of yourself. The key takeaway for me has been to sit with my feelings and reflect on their significance. For me, it means cherishing each morning and the beauty it brings. I find joy in witnessing sunrises and sunsets, as they uniquely paint the sky each time, reminding us that we have the opportunity to redesign our lives every single day. 

Through this journey, I have found solace in simple pleasures, like the sound of leaves rustling in the wind or the warmth of a cup of tea cradled in my hands. Each moment has become a canvas, inviting me to paint it with gratitude and mindfulness. I've learned that embracing the present doesn't mean ignoring the past or the future, but rather weaving them into a harmonious tapestry that honors my journey.

As I continue to navigate this path, I've discovered the importance of surrounding myself with those who uplift and inspire me. Friendships have deepened, and new connections have blossomed, each one adding a unique thread to the fabric of my life. I've come to understand that relationships evolve, just as we do, and that growth often requires us to adapt and let go of what no longer serves us.

Reflecting on this retreat, I've realized that the greatest gift I can give myself is the freedom to be who I am, unapologetically. By embracing my imperfections and celebrating my strengths, I've opened the door to a more fulfilling and authentic life. The journey is ongoing, and while there may be challenges ahead, I am equipped with the tools and insights to face them with courage and grace. With each step forward, I am reminded that I am not alone, and that the path to self-discovery is a shared experience, rich with lessons and endless possibilities. This retreat revealed to me how complete strangers can offer healing words without even realizing it. Over the past couple of years, I've encountered some deeply painful words, but this trip provided me with healing insights for some of those experiences. One such moment occurred during an art session when I was asked, “Becca, are you truly fearless in everything you do?” My response is a resounding yes; I've always had faith that God has a purpose and a plan for every piece of my journey. The struggles I've faced in the last two years also come with their own puzzle pieces, contributing to my healing process. I feel incredibly fortunate for my partner, whose unwavering support in building a business and love for me at my core has been invaluable.

The path of grief is a topic I plan to explore further, but it's crucial to allow yourself to grieve. If you don't, grief will catch up with you and demand to be processed when it becomes overwhelming. The grief stemming from my Granny's passing, the miscarriage of Baby M, changes in friendships, career shifts, moving, selling a house, and transitioning from singlehood to marriage all require space for reflection and processing. All these emotions converged for me in Greece, which became a lifeline for truly understanding what I had been going through and reconnecting with my authentic self.

Why an international trip? Every international journey I've taken has deepened my connection with who I am, and I saw this trip as a vital opportunity to reconnect with the authentic Becca. It aimed to help her restart, regaining habits and patterns that lead to discovering joyous moments every single day. One day we reflected on Who am I of being in touch with the real you. I would challenge you to answer this question of “Who am I?”

Be ready for a series on what else Greece taught me and recipes from some of my favorite foods! Be sure that you are on the Stacked Intent Newsletter to see deeper insights on becoming your most authentic version of self.