Plans Only Get in the Way
If you’d told me three years ago that I’d be living day-to-day with no secure plans or expectations, I would’ve called you nuts.
My Type A personality wouldn’t have believed it for a second.
But the truth is, for much of my life, I didn’t think I’d even make it this far.
I’ve struggled with depression for as long as I can remember. There were so many moments when I felt like giving up completely, moments when I tried to. I couldn’t imagine a future for myself—let alone one filled with joy, adventure, and purpose.
One day, though, I decided something had to change. I couldn’t keep living that way. Since then, I’ve been working on my mindset, building a better version of myself, and slowly learning to trust in the possibility of a brighter future.
And I’m so glad I did.
Next week, I turn 28. That’s not something I ever thought I’d say, but for the first time in my life, I’m looking forward to the years ahead. I dream about being 78, full of memories of a well-lived life, knowing I made the most of my time here.
Today, I’m leaving Bali. I was planning to stay in Thailand for a while after my visa run, but it’s my first holiday season away from my parents, and I don’t want to be alone for Christmas. The amazing friends I’ve made here in Canggu already feel like family, and the thought of being away from them doesn’t sit right. So, I guess I’ll just buy a ticket back before Christmas.
They say people come to Bali and get “trapped,” and wow, is that true.
The Unexpected Magic of Canggu
I’ve spent the last two months living in Canggu, a place I once avoided because I thought it was just a party scene. When I first arrived, I wrote about how curious I was to see what Canggu was all about. I had no idea then how deeply this place would pull me in.
Canggu has everything you could dream of. It may not be the most beautiful part of Bali, but it’s the community that makes it extraordinary.
I’ve traveled to 38 countries and countless cities, towns, and provinces, but there’s nowhere like Canggu. It’s a place where everyone can find their people. A hub of dreamers, doers, and humans striving to become their best selves.
Over these past months, I’ve created a life here that I’ve been searching for my entire 27 years. It’s a life filled with moments that make my heart full.
Finding Home in the Everyday
Recently, my friends and I created a video about “home” that captures what this word means to me now. Home isn’t a physical place; it’s where you find peace, comfort, and freedom. It’s where you can unapologetically be yourself, surrounded by people who inspire you to live fully.
I’ve found a new love for surfing—even if it’s more about tanning and scraping wax off my board than actually catching waves. Each time I get trapped under a wave, I need to hype myself up to try again. But even so, I love being in the water, feeling the rain on my skin, and watching the waves roll in.
Most mornings, you’ll find me at Times, a café right on the beach. It’s become my second home, where I start my day with coffee, a good meal, and the company of friends, all while watching surfers glide across the waves.
And then there’s Udara, a place that feels like a spiritual haven. Every Sunday, I join the Sunday Festival, which is the closest thing I’ve ever had to church.
It’s an experience like no other—a mix of trip-like breathwork classes, ecstatic dance, and affirmations that make you feel alive. I discovered that I can actually dance, even sober (shout out to the guy who asked if I was Latina “because of the way your body moves” after a particularly freeing dance session – I WILL RIDE THE HIGH OF THIS COMPLIMENT FOREVER!!).
The festival ends with a celebration of life where we scream affirmations and sing together before enjoying a delicious brunch with friends. These Sundays remind me to celebrate the simple joy of being alive.
Bali has a way of teaching you that life isn’t about the destination—it’s about how you show up for it. Being here has shifted my mindset in ways I didn’t expect. It’s not just about the beauty of the beaches or the people you meet; it’s about learning to be present, to embrace the chaos, and to find joy in the simple moments.
Whether it’s hyping myself up after getting tumbled by a wave, sipping coffee at Times with friends, or dancing my heart out at Udara, Bali has reminded me that happiness isn’t found in the perfect plan or the next adventure. It’s found in choosing to live fully, right here, right now.
The Journey to Contentment
Earlier this year, I spent four months traveling through Southeast Asia, moving to a new location nearly every week. It was an amazing experience, but I was constantly chasing something new. I struggled with the idea of consistency, wondering if I’d ever feel truly content.
When I decided to travel again, I thought I’d live the same way—always on the go. I even brought a backpack instead of a suitcase, ready to move from place to place.
But then I got “stuck” in Canggu.
I chose to stay because of the incredible people I met and the way I felt about myself here. For the first time, I realized that consistency doesn’t have to be boring—it can be grounding.
Someone once told me, you attract what you’re ready for. That idea has never felt more true.
Life has shown me I’m ready for the people I’ve always dreamed of. People who laugh, dream, and manifest. People who live with kindness, embrace their true selves, and inspire others to do the same. My people.
Gratitude and Moving Forward
To all the incredible humans I’ve met over these past months: thank you. I love you.
Canggu won’t be my home forever. There are still so many places I want to visit and explore. But for now, this is home. And for the first time in a long time, I’m truly happy.
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