One of the most challenging aspects of mental illness is that it’s often “unseen.” Unlike physical conditions that manifest visibly, mental disorders can be hidden beneath the surface. My anxiety and panic disorder don’t have outwardly visible symptoms, but they’ve taken a significant toll on my body and mind. From the outside looking in, I might appear as happy and healthy as ever, but that’s just not the truth.

This summer we decided to spend a few weeks on the road, camping and exploring some new states and national parks. We drove from California through Utah to see Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks. We visited Wyoming for the first time and fell in love with Jackson Hole and Grand Tetons national park. We made drive through Yellowstone before heading to Montana where we spent time with family and enjoyed Bozeman, Whitefish, and Glacier national park. It was the ultimate summer vacation and we will never forget our roadtrip through Utah, Wyoming, and Montana.

Death Valley is one of the country’s most unique and underrated national parks. It is also one of the closest National Parks to where I live in Southern California. Ever since we moved to California and saw how close we would be living to the park, I have wanted to plan a Death Valley camping trip. I knew I needed to wait until the winter months as during the summer Death Valley National Park is one of the hottest places on earth.

In September 2022 Brandon and I were invited to a wedding in Washington state and instead of flying we decided to make a roadtrip out of it. I was so excited to see and explore the Pacific North West that I put together a 10 day itinerary with stops all over Oregon and Washington. The plan was to spend some of the time camping and some in hotels, but never sleeping in the same place twice. I wanted to see and explore as much as possible in those 10 days.

During the couple weeks I got to spend on island I made sure to indulge in all my favorite local restaurants. I also adventured all over the island. From driving through Haleiwa, to hiking mountains, to swimming in waterfalls, to diving with turtles, I did a little bit of everything. I even got to visit my old house from when I lived on the island! This trip was just what my soul needed and I already can’t wait to go back!

In July 2021 Brandon and I found out we would be moving to Fort Irwin in Southern California. We were immediately excited for all the possibilities to come in our new home. Come October 1st we were on the road and ready to start California living. After a quick stop in Palm Springs to see the windmills we arrived in our new desert home and were in love with all the scenery. We got settled into our new house and started making friends right away. With Fort Irwin being such a central location to so many amazing places I started planning trips right away.

Living on the island of Oahu, Hawaii was one of the most memorable & magical times of my life. Most days I spent traveling around the island and indulging in all this tropical paradise had to offer. Hawaii life was my ultimate dream come true.