A change in plans for 2024

As we wrap up the first month of 2024, I’m reflecting on the start of a new year. I decided this year I won’t be traveling as much, which may come as a shock to many.

The past two years I’ve been taking trips on an almost weekly basis. I would constantly be looking for flights and other travel deals to see what new places I could explore. It was a lot of fun and I got to experience a lot of cool places all over the country and even some outside of the country.

Ever since I moved to Jersey City, I’ve been happy to be home. I’m not looking for ways to get out of the city as often and I’m more excited to find events happening here. I’ve gone to come cool concerts, fun baseball games, yummy dinners and more.

There’s a quote I’ve seen online that has started to resonate with me more. “Wherever you go, there you are.” I think part of my many travels was inspired by a part of me thinking, “Maybe at this place, I’ll discover something better about myself,” or, “This will be the trip that changes everything.” So dramatic, I know.

While visiting new cities brings new experiences, it never changed who I was at my core. I grew tired of trying to find myself somewhere else. For 2024, I’ve decided to be more present and look after myself wherever I am now, instead of hunting for a new place to escape to every weekend. Easier said than done, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.

This doesn’t mean I’m becoming a hermit. I still have trips planned throughout the year to see friends and reconnect with family. I’m just scaling back the flights, train rides, and road trips a bit, and hopefully I’ll save some money along the way. It’s already kind of weird, not having to catch a flight or hit the road after work on Fridays. It’ll be an adjustment, but one I’m optimistic about. 

If anyone has recommendations for the Tri-State area, let me know! I love to travel and see new places, but I’m looking forward to getting to know my new home a bit more.