After decades of balancing a 9 to 5 job with bucket lists, I’ve finally done it—I’ve retired! It’s been a year now. This year marks not only a major career milestone but also a year of personal transformation. So this birthday was extra special, I’m celebrating with a heart full of gratitude, a passport ready for new stamps, and a renewed commitment to slow, meaningful travel.
WHAT IS IN THIS POST
Reflecting on 10 years of travel, creativity, and personal transformation
Retirement isn’t the end—it’s a beautiful beginning. I traded deadlines for daydreams, meetings for memories, and I couldn’t be more excited to embrace this next chapter with open arms. While we have always been traveling, now that the kids have graduated and have started working, the timing felt right. I have traded routine for painting, reading, roaming, and just being—I’m loving every minute of it.
From blog posts to brushstrokes, here’s to the next chapter
This season of life feels nothing short of poetic. While I have closed the chapter on my 9-to-5 career, and stepping fully into a life I’ve spent the past decade slowly building—one filled with travel, creativity, and intention. This year marks 10 years since I launched my travel blog. And I picked up a paintbrush for the first time in a long time. Both of which have taken me on journeys far beyond what I imagined. As I celebrate another birthday, I find myself not looking back with nostalgia, but forward with wonder. The road ahead is wide open—and I’m finally free to follow it, full-time.
Now, I get to enjoy the magnolias blooming in the backyard, look for the hummingbirds that visit the honeysuckle, and get to sip coffee and read some books that have been on my list for so long.
Lately, I’ve been diving deeper into my creative side—taking portrait and art classes, experimenting with new techniques, and letting curiosity lead the way. It’s been such a fulfilling journey to rediscover the joy of making art simply for the love of it. You can follow my art journey here.
Wanderlust Unleashed: My Big Adventures After Retirement
What a whirlwind the past year has been! To celebrate retirement, we set off on a journey that felt like a dream come true—I planned a six-week journey through Europe.
Starting in the storybook streets of Munich, wandering through the rich history of Poland, and finding magic in Budapest’s thermal baths and riverside views. We drove the Romantic Road in Germany, where every village looked like a painting, before heading west to the artistic lanes of Ghent and the canals of Amsterdam… we ended our trip soaking in sunset views of fairytale spires in Prague.
Last November, we traveled to India to celebrate Diwali with family—an experience filled with light, joy, and so much warmth. On the way, we made memorable stops in Paris and London, a place close to my heart. In India, we celebrated our wedding anniversary by staying at the Leela Palace in Jaipur. We explored the vibrant city of Jaipur, with its colorful palaces, bustling markets, and timeless beauty. It was a trip that blended celebration, culture, and connection. A connection back to our roots!
Finally, we had the freedom to travel slowly, deeply, and intentionally. It was more than a trip—it was a reset, a reward, and a reminder to cherish the time we have on this planet.
Celebrating new beginnings, big birthdays, and bold adventures ahead
To celebrate my birthday—my first since retiring—I spent a beautiful day in Dallas with my husband and son. We enjoyed a leisurely brunch at the elegant Rosewood Mansion, followed by a lovely afternoon browsing and shopping at Highland Park Village. It was the perfect blend of family time, indulgence, and a little well-earned luxury.
Marking milestones and making memories—one trip at a time
This year, we’re trading schedules for spontaneity and heading to Italy for six weeks. We’ll be slow traveling through Sicily, soaking in the charm of the Amalfi Coast, and wandering through the hidden gems of small Tuscan towns. No rush—just good food, golden light, and the joy of discovering places at our own pace. I can’t wait to share the journey with you!
Have I inspired a trip you’ve taken? A city you visited because of something I shared?
To each of you who’s been here—reading, following, encouraging—thank you. Truly. If anything I’ve shared over the past 10 years has inspired your own adventures, I’d love to hear your story. Whether you booked a trip, bought an outfit, picked up a paintbrush, or simply saw a place differently because of something I wrote, I hope you’ll share it with me.
Cheers!
You know I love discovering and supporting Indian brands—this dress is one of my current favorites! Thoughtfully designed, beautifully crafted, and perfect for days when comfort meets elegance. Bonus: If they travel well 😀
My dress is by Saaksha and Kinni from perniaspopupshop.com
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