I’ve been trying to put my thoughts on our trip to Japan into words for a few days now. We’ve officially been back in the States for a week, and I still can’t believe our experience there. A bucket list, trip of a lifetime thing was checked off, and I’m in awe! We spent 8 days exploring and only scratched the surface of what this beautiful country offers.

I’d been in a whirlwind of crazed agency and production life leading up to this desperately needed time off. Since the end of last year, it’s felt like a never-ending loop of creative dev, production prep, shoots, post production, unreasonable client demands, and accusations; the list goes on and on. I’ve worked myself into the ground, literally sick as a dog the day before we were set to leave, unsure if all the effort I’d been putting in was even worth it.

The timing of this vacation could not have been better—not just the month and days we decided to go, but the season of life that God opened the doors for me to truly appreciate this place for what it was.

I experienced firsthand God's intentionality toward His children. He was so very specific about the big and little surprises along the way that they often brought me to tears. From hidden record shops with absolute CLASSICS in their archives to small sandwich shops that feel like Brooklyn and actually end up being native to it, the serenity of nature to cinematic alleyways, everywhere we turned had something outstanding to behold. It feels incredible to have romanticized a place for it to, in turn, meet those expectations and then some.

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE MOUNTAIN -

On our third day in Japan, we took a luxury ride on the Bullet Train to Kyoto to visit the Red Gates, otherwise known as Fushimi Inari. I won’t discuss the ride back home other than to say it was a BUST lol…hint: always splurge for the green car!

Something about this two-hour ride to this unknown city excited us like little kids. It felt like the first time I could breathe and fully take in the fact that I MADE IT TO JAPAN! We were expectant, and God did not disappoint.

Arriving there, I knew we were in for a journey. I mean, most days our step count averaged 15-18k 🤯. What I didn’t expect was the mental and emotional battle on top of the physical one that I would face as we trekked all the way to the top. Full disclosure, I’m asthmatic and not exactly in tip-top shape; my friend, on the other hand, is a 2x marathoner who often runs just to clear her head. WE ARE NOT THE SAME! Lol We had also just hiked the day prior for beautiful views of Mt. Fuji. All that to say, I know my limits, but I also know that I can do hard things. There were several times on the way up when I didn’t think I’d make it…I even said it out loud. But there was something in me that wouldn’t give up, even when I wanted to. I paused, reset, sweat, and talked myself through it with Fallyn’s help and a great deal of patience. Towards the end, when the incline got even more real, she carried my bag the rest of the way up. (*See Exodus 17:12-14 on why this was SO SIGNIFICANT).

Once I got to the top (leaving room for your applause here lol), the reward wasn’t necessarily the view but the fact that I had accomplished this massive, seemingly insurmountable obstacle.

On the way back down, there was a spot on the mountain that was so peaceful, I could feel my brother standing right there with me. He passed very unexpectedly in 2020 (pre-pandemic) and was the last person I went on a hike with a few years prior. Needless to say, I cried like a baby in that spot for a while. I felt his love and him cheering me on. I didn’t do this hike for anyone else, I did it for ME, and I know he’s proud. I’m beyond proud of myself alsol!

The rest of our day in Kyoto was pure magic. So much so that it felt like home. *PLEASE visit @takusando_kyoto and tell them we said what’s up!

All in all, our trip to Japan was transformational for me. It reminded me that my purpose in life is not tied to the four walls of an office and that I DO DESERVE GOOD THINGS. It sparked creativity, joy, abundance, and peace, and I’m already trying to figure out when I’m going back.

If it will advance you, your purpose and the vision you have for your life…do it afraid, do it exhausted, keep marching forward, even with tears in your eyes, because the breakthrough on the other side, not to mention the things you’re shedding in the process is beyond worth it!

Japan...A Transformational Journey