Slowing down 🍂

Being back in the States means I’ve gone to Costco twice, Amazon Prime’d over 10 items, and treated myself to a Crunchwrap Supreme from Taco Bell (with the Diablo Sauce, obviously).

It takes leaving to make you appreciate the little things. Something I’ve been thinking about more deeply below.

Let’s dive in.

Hey, this is Kelsey, and you’re reading the SiteSee newsletter. Expect an email from me every Friday filled with tips for living a location-independent lifestyle and the gear to get you there.

Travel Story✍️

Since returning to America, I’m back to this:

But unlike Toula from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, I’m happy to be here.

My Dad cooks me Blue Apron meals every night. My Mom brings me cheese slices as we relax and watch TV on the couch.

It feels so nice to be taken care of.

And it got me reflecting on the importance of balance.

Years ago, I used to view my life solely through the highlights.

“Last year I got 5 new clients, traveled to 4 countries, went on two safaris, and did one epic diving trip.” 

The rest of the year was basically dead space. I had placed more value on the grand, adventurous experiences in life far more than the smaller, everyday moments.

But with age comes wisdom.

And I now see downtime as just as important as the “big” moments. 

Let me explain.

Since being home, I’ve gotten back into my routine of walking every morning. I see familiar faces while on my walk and know a few of the dogs. (Hi, Ollie!). 

During those walks, I've managed to finally sort through the mental clutter. Old thoughts and ideas of myself rubber-banded together in a torn manilla folder were in desperate need of sorting.

Certain self-perceptions were no longer helpful and needed to be shredded, while others warranted deeper exploration.

I came to realize that these moments I once considered unproductive were actually my mental spring cleaning sessions. It's when I’d sift through the positive and negative, creating space in my nervous system for the adventures that lie ahead.

And along with spring cleaning, these periodic breaks were fodder for creativity. 

I got the chance to actually sit in a Starbucks and implement the things I wanted to try with my business. 

I had time to finally read. Run. Meditate. Journal.

Having downtown where you’re not forcing yourself to produce something is so, so important.

An obvious statement. But something that I think needs reminding.

Now when I plan out my month or the year ahead, I think about how I’m going to balance everything:

• If I plan on having a workcation to launch a new revenue stream for SiteSee, how will I balance that with some fun?

• If I want to go on a week-long tour throughout Egypt, how will I balance that with several days of downtime?

• If I want to embark on another plant medicine retreat, how will I rest after and give myself the space to process and integrate what I learn?

My mantra is now less of, “How do I make [insert thing] happen?” 

And instead, “How will I balance adding [insert thing] into my life?”

Going to see the pyramids last month was magic. But there’s also magic in resting. In snacking on slices of cheese as you watch The Crown with your Mom.

Both are important. 

Both are necessary.

And you can’t have one without the other.

Gear Check🧳

There are many inevitables in life: Death. Taxes. And the fact that when you go into Subway, you always leave smelling like it.

But do you know what’s also inevitable? The exhilarating sensation of being on cloud nine when you discover a top-notch dupe that closely resembles the original, but is significantly more affordable.

I’m talking about this Cuyana dupe I just ordered from Quince. It looks exactly like Cuyana’s popular weekender bag but it’s half the price. I’m taking it next week on my trip to San Diego and I can’t wait to show it off.

Airport Reads🗞️

• Speaking of Quince, they just launched their holiday gift guide. I want pretty much everything on this list.

• This interview with Boyd Varty who wrote the Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life. The stories he shares are so moving. It made me want to give up everything and go live in the African bush.

• Travel + Leisure put together an article on the cheapest places to live for digital nomads. I’m not surprised by #1.

Last Thing✨

Thanks for being here! Before we part ways, I wanted to share a quote from Morgan Housel who I mentioned in last week’s newsletter. One question he likes to ask clients is:

I know for a fact, mine would be prioritizing travel and new experiences. No matter how my life looked.

What would yours be?

Onwards,

Kelsey

Was this email forwarded to you?