I have always wanted to go to Europe. It’s been on my “bucket list” for years but after a traumatic experience flying back in 2015, I never really thought I’d actually do it, because of my fear and discomfort of flying long distances (internationally). Looking back, it’s crazy to think that so many of my hesitations with following my dreams stemmed from these fears (bodily discomfort, either with flying or nausea - a whole other story).

But over the last few years, and especially within the last couple of months, things started to shift for me as I started creating digital products that helped with various life challenges. I actually created a Ground Before You Fly Kit because I felt so passionately about the subject, and coincidentally enough, it came at the right time.

This summer, I had the opportunity to go to Europe, and instead of just playing with the idea, I actually went for it. I booked the trip, I got on the plane (five flights!) and made it to Europe! That felt like such an act of bravery. Of course, I still felt a bit nervous leading up to my flight, but it didn’t consume me like it had previously (which is such a MAJOR win).

We spent 16 days traveling (Michigan, Latvia and Ireland), so three different time zones! Now that I’m back, I wanted to share some takeaways from my first ever European trip.

My Body Is Stronger Than I Realized

One of the most important lessons I carried home was this: my body is resilient.

Over the past few years, I’ve done a lot of healing and intentional work - nourishing myself mentally, physically and emotionally. And while I still faced challenges on this trip (jet lag, exhaustion, unexpected hiccups), I noticed how much better I handled them compared to the past.

On the overnight flight to Amsterdam, I started to feel nauseous (one of my fears while on an international flight!) In the past, I couldn’t imagine handling that, and would have felt so incredibly anxious and scared, and thus would have done everything I could to avoid that (ie cancelling the trip). But instead, I was prepared for this, and so I turned to the digital product I had created specifically for this moment: the Ground Before You Fly kit. I put a few of its practices into motion - breathing slowly, anchoring to things that supported me and calmed my nervous system, reminding myself that I was safe to feel this and the moment was temporary. I also accepted the discomfort and sat with it. Eventually, I started to feel better, and the nausea passed. (Also PS: hydrating very slowly helps with the nausea!)

Later in the trip, I woke up queasy in the middle of the night in a new city in a new country in a new continent. The old me would have spiraled into fear, depression, and wondered why this was happening to me. But instead, I pulled out my Feel It, Don’t Fear It kit, I leaned into the feelings instead of resisting them, and soon the wave passed. Those small moments reminded me just how much strength, resiliency, and trust I’ve built over time.

Feel It, Don’t Fear It

Of course, resilience isn’t just physical. Travel has a way of pressing our emotional buttons - being out of routine, navigating the unknown, moving through discomfort.

In the past, I might have resisted those feelings or let them spiral into anxiety, sadness and panic. But this time, I leaned into my own practices. The kits I created weren’t just ideas on paper anymore - they literally became lifelines in action and kept me afloat during my travels.

And through all of this I’ve learned I didn’t need to be “fearless” to enjoy my travels. I just needed to allow myself to feel what came up, instead of fearing it. That simple act of presence and acceptance created so much more ease, which is pretty remarkable. It’s often the tiniest shifts that make the biggest difference.

Bravery Beyond the Flight

Getting on the plane (5 times) was REALLY brave for me, but what surprised me most is how that courage continues to ripple into other areas of my life now that I’m back home.

Because when you face one big fear (one that you had been secretly carrying for YEARS) - and come out not only okay but stronger and more confident - you begin to approach other challenges differently too. Instead of running from them, I’m meeting them with presence and care, knowing that I’ve got this, especially because I have the kits I’ve created to support me through it all.

What’s Next

I share this because I know how easy it is to let fear keep us from the experiences we crave - whether it’s a trip, a new venture, or even a personal shift. But fear doesn’t have to be so loud anymore. It doesn’t have to be the driver or main character in our lives.

What if you trusted your body more? What if you trusted YOURSELF more? What if you allowed yourself to feel the hard moments instead of fearing them? What if you chose courage, even in small ways, even when it’s hard (especially when it is hard), each day?

You might just find that your life expands in ways you never thought possible.