And just like that, I’m traveling again. Before the pandemic I flew frequently for work, and I always knew I’d be back on the road eventually. True to form, I skipped a gradual return and went all in: a personal trip from Los Angeles to New York, then Houston, Dallas, and finally home. In hindsight, what was I thinking? I was exhausted—after a year and a half off, I’m so out of practice. 🤪
Still, I made it and felt deeply grateful. I reconnected with a close friend and her family, stayed at two beautiful Hotel Zaza properties in Texas and enjoyed their striking artwork, met new colleagues, and took time to simply be. Those moments reminded me why travel can be so rewarding.
I won’t pretend I wasn’t nervous. I almost canceled a week before, letting worry and what-ifs take over. It was unnecessary, of course, and once I shook it off I realized it was time to get back on a plane and see people. I’m glad I did.
One clear change since my pre-pandemic life is how much more gratitude I feel. I keep reminding myself of all I have to be thankful for, and I hope I won’t let life get so busy that I forget again. As Ferris Bueller said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
