They say your life can change in a year, and as I reflect back on the unforgettable year I just experienced, I can truly say that I am living proof of that. I’ve lived through many different chapters, each shaping who I am, with every year marking a unique phase of growth. Yet, 2024 stands out as one of the most transformative and defining chapters of my life, leaving me with a deep sense of purpose. Everything that has led me to seize this opportunity to embrace a nomadic lifestyle has paved the way for this journey. If I could say one thing to the version of myself back in January when I made this decision, I would say, “You f*cking did it!” 

This time last year, I was on the verge of a change in my living situation, uncertain about where I would go or where I’d end up. I knew something was about to unfold, but I had no idea what that would be or what I was about to endure. It wasn’t until I was searching for apartments one day and felt a sense of unease with the idea of living in a single place. Nothing felt like home to me. What felt like home was the idea of creating my own home wherever I wanted to go at any given time. Home is a feeling, and I allowed this feeling to guide me. 

A friend once told me about a powerful stone called moldavite, known for its transformative, lifechanging energy. It’s said that once you invite moldavite into your life, it begins to shake things up and accelerate you towards your true path. In November 2023, I decided I was ready to invite moldavite into my life, and ever since, there have been some major shifts. I allowed myself to surrender to this energy with the intention of releasing anything that no longer served me in order to pave a path toward my higher purpose. This truly became the theme of this year. In a beautifully symbolic way, I had to downsize my possessions to embrace a more expansive and fulfilling life through nomadic travel. This momentum also allowed me to let go of toxic energies in the form of people and situations that were weighing me down, and now I feel much lighter and intentional with my connections and experiences. It’s just me and my moldavite against the world.  

I think with a little mix of intention-setting and action-taking, you have the perfect formula to create a beautiful life. Because of that, I was able to fulfill a year of making a dream a reality.

This past year, I was able to see and do amazing things I’ve never encountered before. I was able to experience a whole new way of living outside of the familiar. I was able to travel from state to state and change my scenery at any given time. I was able to find peace in my own solitude and connect more to my true self. I was able to meet new people along the way who played a part in my growth. I was able to see nature at its finest, both in its breathtaking beauty and profound intensity. I was able to keep going even when I felt a bit of fear or uncertainty. I was able to adjust to new sceneries and soak up the culture of new places. I was able to feel deep liberation and have the most fun I’ve had in a long time. I was able to navigate life on my own terms as a solo traveler. I was able to launch this travel blog and share my experiences through the art of writing – something I’ve always wanted to do. I was able to prove to myself that I have the power to bring my heart’s calling to life.

Everything begins with a decision. Based on my human design type as a Manifesting Generator, it is more natural for me to make decisions off emotion. It’s all about how something makes me feel in that moment that will determine what is right for me. Sometimes the head gets in the way with too much logic even if it seems like the right choice on paper, but if there is an intuitive knowing about how something feels, then that’s what matters to me. It may not always make sense logically, but I lead with the intuitive feeling of what lights me up while figuring out the logistics later. I had no clue how I would make this lifestyle work as a traveling nomad while working full time remotely, living out of what I can fit in my car, and conquering unfamiliar places I’ve never been before all by myself, but I knew it felt like the right thing to do and that everything else would fall into place. Having that trust in myself and my inner guidance is what made this all happen.  

On that note, I’d like to share my top memories and things I’ve learned in 2024 in no particular order: 

Memories: 

1. Spending the month of June with my best friend Markie in Joshua Tree was definitely a summer highlight. Even though I’ve spent plenty of time in the high California desert before, this trip felt different—sharing quality girl time, staying in a trendy Airbnb, and checking out all the best local spots made it a memorable experience. 

2. Fulfilling one of my bucket list destinations, Jackson Hole, Wyoming! A year prior, I was obsessing over videos and photos online of beautiful Wyoming, not knowing that I would soon road trip there and experience all its beauty firsthand.  

3. My overall experience in Utah was very special leaving a lasting impression that I will always treasure. It set a new standard for one of the best places I’ve visited so far and, even a couple months later, I am still having withdrawals from its captivated energy. 

Things I’ve learned: 

1. Going into this, my goal was to stick to a specific monthly budget, but I underestimated how much the cost of living could vary from one location to another. For example, I didn’t realize how expensive my Wyoming trip would be, so I had to shorten my days spent there based on daily rates of hotels and accommodations. Budgeting was also challenging when things were booked last minute and options were limited. Sometimes it’s out of your control, but I will be more intentional with my budgeting moving forward. 

2. Being adaptable and learning how to roll with the punches. As someone who finds security in having control, learning how to be flexible and not getting worked up when expectations aren’t met is a skill I’ve mastered through this whole experience. I’m a firm believer that I’m being guided by a divine energy that has my best interest, so I trust that whatever happens, it’s all for my greater good. I’ve learned how to stay calm in stressful situations and understand that there’s always a solution. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan in order to teach you something or show you a better way. 

3. Minimalism will go a long way. If you’ve read my “Challenges of a Solo Nomad” blog, you are aware of my struggles with the amount of items I travel with and only being one person to lug it all. I’ve learned how to be intentional with what I need versus what I think I will eventually need. Not only have I become more mindful of my travel essentials, but it’s also a good reminder that materialism isn’t always beneficial, especially in my situation as a solo traveler.  

4. One thing I’ve learned about myself is my ability to assess situations with sharp awareness and keen observation. I’ve always trusted my instincts, but during my solo travels—especially as a woman—they’ve proven to be invaluable. Navigating the world as a woman often requires heightened vigilance and constant foresight, and I’ve been amazed by my ability to adapt and rely solely on myself. In moments of fear, uncertainty, or even fight-or-flight scenarios, my intuition seems to heighten while guiding me and keeping me safe on the road. This experience has not only deepened my self-trust, but also reinforced my confidence in my own resilience and resourcefulness. 

Now that I have a year of nomadic living under my belt, I find myself wishing I had started this much sooner. Timing truly is everything, and I believe this all unfolded at the perfect moment in my life. The best part? This is just the beginning. It is now December, the year is about to end, and I’ve ended back where I started in Southern California to be with family for the holidays and the beginning of the year. It feels good to reset and be in familiar surroundings with loved ones. I’ve been on the move all year long with no breaks, so I’m allowing myself to take this much-needed time to rest and stay put for a bit while I strategize this next year ahead. 

Each year brings its own unique theme, and no two years are ever the same. Growth is constant, and I’m not expecting to step into 2025 with the same story—I’m ready for what’s next. There are certain things I want to carry on into the new year and continue doing like traveling and blogging, of course, but I’m also ready to take on new endeavors and advance to the next level. I want to keep establishing myself online showcasing my life on the road and continue building my platform to reach the right audience. I’m looking to connect with a community of free spirits and advocate for pursuing unconventional paths toward a more mindful and meaningful lifestyle. The personal feedback I’ve received from both strangers and loved ones since launching this blog has been incredibly positive, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has read and engaged with my stories. Your support reassures me that I’m on the right path, and I’m confident it’s all leading to something significant.

Here’s to 2024 setting the stage for an even more fulfilling and adventurous 2025! 

XO, Tawnie