A tempting creature. A devilish fiend. She gives and takes, and then she leaves. But who can deny her joy filled moments? It makes the risk seem unimportant.

It’s been 70 days since I left my job, my home, and friends to travel for a year. In that time, I have… Had hour-long conversations with people who spoke no English. Had the flu. Hyped myself up with an R&B playlist to walk down the street in Beijing. Had an encounter with the Chinese…

Don’t think. In a crucial moment, there is only one way; forward. In this case, continuing to breathe.

Don’t let your insecurity turn you into a person you don’t want to be. Someone who’s more critical. Someone who’s afraid to ask questions. Someone who’s easily offended.

Having snorkeled before, I entered the water confidently, but soon water seeped into my goggles. While adjusting them, I unintentionally took in saltwater, turning my refreshing exploration into a burning sinus safari. At that time the heavens decided to join in on the mockery and a strong rain fell down. Choppy water led to a…