The Wondering Wanderer

It's been a while since I posted on my website, but I can tell you that my adventures have been full of so much wonder. However, all the fun times do come with hard work, and most of that work has been from my heart.

For most of my life, I've experienced heartache, largely due to the pressure of trying to be in a relationship. I was never taught how to be in one, so communication and understanding were some of the tools I had to learn. But the teachers were rom-com movies, and that's what I thought love should be: this epic struggle to finally realize that it was meant to be. But that's not how real life works. I pressed people, so I could be in a relationship, not caring if it was really aligned with my values.

I was in lack and desperation. It fucking reeked.

Who would want to be around that smell? I was so numb to it. But I didn't sit well with it for a long time. Little changes started to appear. Finally, the words "I want to get better" open the door to this immense journey that I've been on.

The changes started happening when I was in my first relationship, a very long-term one, and also my first. No relationship is perfect. Through the highs and lows, it was a great one, until it needed to end. I'm so grateful for the teachings and kindness that my past partner bestowed upon me. Those lessons helped me become a better person. But much of the work had to be done on my own.

Reading, YouTube, therapy, and conversations with friends, I found myself in a negative mindset and feeling unworthy of anything. (I'll list the books I've been reading.) One thing I realized is that I was too afraid to live. I love photography, but I never knew where it could have taken me. And I still don't haha. But im happy to take it with me on trips.

Moab, Utah, Arches and Canyon Lands. There, I got to experience some of the most beautiful landscapes that I had ever seen. Months before, I was just seeing these places in a book I had, to booking 2 flights to get to this small town. There, I met 12 of the greatest photographers, and I got to learn a lot. And we still chat to this day!

A lot of my trips have involved surfing. It's my place to ground myself and have absolutely the most fun. Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York City, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Los Angeles, and San Diego are places that I went to surf at. With that also comes my camera.

im elated to bring my camera. I get to capture this world. I get to share the beauty with others that I met with my own eyes. But also along the way is the rewiring of my brain to switch from a place of lack to a place of abundance. It's the constant work to do to change your mind. It's not easy, but so doable.

The Chicamocha Canyon Trail Race in Colombia was the stage to take everything I've learned and to be forged into the person I am today. my first ever 1/2 marathon going 15miles. It was a battle for sure. The biggest Challenge was the 6-mile hike for elevation gain of 5000ft My legs were cooked on the way up. I persevered through. Meeting so many wonderful people, helping me on my journey. im eternally grateful. The mountain forged me. I'm eternally grateful to shed the past versions of myself on that mountain.

Your mind and your body are powerful. Speak to them with kindness, and believe.