LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE

Traveling is one of my favorite things. I love visiting the Caribbean and writing by the sea.

Growing up I spent many days at the shores of Lake Erie reading, writing and swimming. But Summers were never long enough living in the northeast.

“When I grow up I’m going to the Caribbean,” I’d tell myself and my family every August when the winds picked up and sunshine was limited.

“Exactly how will you do that?” asked my family. “You’ll need a lot of money and a job that gives paid time off!”

I rarely argued with my family. It was fruitless.

You see, we had very different beliefs.

Maybe there’s a place you’d love to visit but can’t find the time to get away. A spot you could never get enough of or have never been to. An place that feeds your soul.

That place for me is in the Caribbean.

Most people use the excuse of money or time to postpone getting away from the rat race.

Not me! That’s because I know something they don’t.

Here’s what I’ve learned.

In 2003 I was not well.

Stress from my divorce and life as a single working mom was physically killing me.

I needed the ocean and an emotional break from everything.

I contacted a friend who placed fitness instructors in Caribbean luxury resorts. The price was just two hundred dollars for 8 days as long as I agreed to teach a few relaxation classes during my stay.

“Sign me up!” I said. And I was off on my first Jamaican adventure.

The following year I did the same thing and visited the Dominican Republic.

I loved the Latin culture and Spanish language. Romance was everywhere, and the energy of love nourished my soul. I was incredibly happy.

I continued to find opportunities to travel and teach.

Every new person I met felt better after class and many shared their stories of healing and overcoming obstacles simply by taking time to get away.

Most people have a hard time believing a single mom could visit the Caribbean 4 times in one year.

What convinced me there was a higher purpose for my travels is when I lived on a small island named Ambergris Caye in Belize for 3 entire months.

This is when I felt the hand of God guiding me towards my highest calling – writing. Belize is where I began to write my first book. Many stories come from my travels to this beautiful island.

Getting away to do what you love is priceless.

Many people don’t know this.

It’s something you discover when you get away from your everyday responsibilities. You see everything differently.