Travel.

Despite being an experienced traveler, the dizzying blend of ultramodern and ancient in Tokyo left me feeling like a newcomer all over again. What started as frustration at being lost in the city's labyrinthine streets soon turned into an opportunity to embrace the unknown. By surrendering to the organized chaos, I discovered hidden gems, from cozy izakayas to tranquil shrines, that I never would have found otherwise. Getting lost taught me to let go of my need for control and opened me up to the magic of authentic, unplanned experiences that no guidebook could capture.

Despite being terrified at the prospect of traveling alone as a solo female, I faced my fears and booked a life-changing solo trip to Bali. This post recounts how I overcame crippling anxiety, learned to embrace the unknown, and emerged from my first solo adventure more confident, self-reliant, and brave than ever before.