The Journey Begins Before You Leave
How I’m balancing logistics, soul practices, and saying yes to what’s next
#17
So much to do and plan!
It’s been a slow process starting to prepare for the next on-the-road experience. Partly because life at home has been full — in the best of ways — and partly because I’ve learned to trust the timing and flow of what life offers in the moment.
Time feels like it’s speeding up, so I’ve been practicing pacing myself, breathing, and being present right here.
The Itinerary Unfolds
This fall, the plan is Europe: Italy in October, Greece in November.
Tim will head out two weeks before me to see Germany and celebrate Oktoberfest with his son. In the meantime, I’ll visit family and friends in Portland, stop by one of my kids' college for Parents' Weekend, and spend a few days in Houston with my brother and sister-in-law.
Then… Rome. ✨ My favorite city in the world (so far!). I’ll arrive a few days before Tim to acclimate to the time zone and settle into the rhythm of Europe.
I’ll spend six days in Rome total, with three of those days overlapping once Tim arrives. After that, we’ll head into Tuscany — our first long stay, complete with vineyard views. Wine tasting, anyone? 🍷
Planning Differently This Time
If there’s one thing I learned on the road, it’s this: comfort matters.
This time around, I’m being much more intentional:
Larger spaces instead of small hotel rooms.
Apartments with kitchens and living rooms, so we’re not always eating out.
Extra bedrooms when possible, so I have space to work and write.
I’ll also begin a few coaching projects while abroad, so good Wi-Fi is a non-negotiable. Every trip teaches you something about how you want to live on the road — and I’m applying all those lessons now.
Practical Preparations
Logistics take time. I’ve been stocking up on vitamins, supplements, and travel essentials. I don’t take prescription medications, but if you do, that’s something to plan for early.
Other details:
Car insurance savings (by storing my car this time).
Researching shoes that are waterproof but still good for walking.
Filling travel containers with skincare, perfume, and essentials.
Testing new workout wear (if it’s not perfectly comfortable, it’s not coming!).
Adding a small travel fan for airflow and white noise.
It’s the small things that add up to big peace of mind on the road.
Grounding in the Flow
When I begin to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of details, I go back to the practices that keep me grounded.
I meditate. I breathe. I sit by the lake and listen to the birds, ducks, geese — even watch the eagles soar above the water.
Tim and I walk every day, either in nature or on the beach. I lift weights four times a week because moving my body is what anchors me. I’ve learned that when I feel grounded physically, I feel more spacious mentally and emotionally too.
And when the energy for writing isn’t flowing, but research is? I follow the flow of what wants to get done. Mornings are my best time for writing in the quiet, and then late mornings are usually workouts. Afternoons are when I dig into research and logistics. And about once a week, Spirit nudges me awake in the pre-dawn hours — 2 or 3 a.m. — so I slip out of bed and let the words pour through.
I don’t force the river. I trust the flow.
Looking Ahead
With Italy almost finalized, I’m now turning to Greece.
After Rome and Tuscany, we’ll continue through Italy with longer stays and larger spaces that give us more room to breathe, cook, and work along the way. Then, in early November, we’ll fly to Athens for a short two-night stay to take in the highlights before heading out to the islands for week-long stays.
Because we’re traveling in November, ferry schedules are trickier, so I’m planning carefully. And after Greece? We’ll see how the Mediterranean feels in December. Croatia, Albania, and Crete are all on the short list.
One of the blessings of planning this round is using new tools that are already helping me bring our monthly expenses down by a third (sometimes even by half). Off-the-beaten-path stays not only bring more peace and space, but also save money.
The Joy of Creating
It takes a lot of organization — planning where to stay, how to pack, and how to keep all the threads of life and work moving forward. Alongside travel, I’m writing this weekly blog, supporting clients, and even mapping out my next book with a coach.
It’s a full season, yes. But it’s also a joyful one. Creativity and adventure are what make me feel alive, and I’m grateful to be in a place where both are leading the way.
Here’s a glimpse of our place in Tuscany — our first stop after Rome.
Wine tasting starts here. 🍷✨
To your highest and best,
Dianna
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