The Call to the Tropics: Spiritual Lessons in Leaving the Familiar
Ever since I was little, I've had a deep thirst for travel. Coming from someone with Jupiter in Sagittarius in the 9th house, it makes perfect sense. My Sun is also conjunct Jupiter, so adventure and exploration are woven into the very fabric of my identity.
But here's the thing: if travel is such a natural part of who I am, why am I only truly embracing it now, at 29? Some might think my partner and I are a little mad, taking a one-year-old across the world for an extended adventure. The short answer? Divine timing. The slightly longer answer? A growing sickness for London-a city I love but have outgrown. For the last decade, I've felt that London was eating me up from the inside, but I didn't have the courage to fully face it. Part of that resistance was my family, especially my mum, who plays such a big role in my life. Being without them felt too painful. The thought of leaving made me hesitate, even though I tirelessly shared my yearnings with anyone who would listen.
The other part of my hesitation? How deeply rooted I was in the life I'd built-the routines, the expectations, the safe familiarity of it all. But deep down, I always knew that the moment I stepped into something new, I'd feel alive again. I've seen it happen before:At 19, in New York, I felt sexy, free, and lucky. At 22, in Bali, I felt peaceful, loving, and enlightened. Travel awakens something dormant in me-something that's been waiting patiently to come alive again. Life in London, especially as a self-employed new mum living in a tiny flat, can feel monotonous. The idea of being somewhere new, somewhere tropical, was so gorgeously tempting.
Facing Resistance and Embracing Adventure
Of course, fears and resistance surfaced as I thought about this plan. I imagined the mothers of London, their white picket fences, and their rigid routines gasping at the idea of taking a toddler into the unknown. Sleep schedules, stability, predictability-these things are often prized above all else. But the idea of leaving that behind didn't scare me; it excited me. First, I love a challenge. And second, I wondered: is there really anything so wrong with showing my child the world before we're tied down to school schedules? The pull to travel felt persistent, almost like a divine nudge.But one fear was harder to overcome than the others: leaving our dear dog Daphne. The guilt and sadness felt almost too much to bear at times. Daphne is such a central part of our family, and the thought of being away from her for two months weighed heavily on me. Fortunately, Daphne absolutely loves staying with my family, so I could at least be consoled by the fact that she would be happy, loved, and well-cared for in our absence.
In the middle of 2023, after Ari had gone on his first holiday, I asked my spirit guides why this call to adventure was so strong. The answer was clear: this little soul was looking for an adventure, too. All the fear and worry that had previously held me back softened because Ari became the missing piece. He wanted to join us. What an incredible lesson in surrender. It was as if the universe was showing me that families don't all look the same. The idea of embracing a different kind of family life-a life built on love, adventure, and trust-suddenly didn't feel so radical. It felt natural.
Spiritual Lessons in Leaving the Familiar
As I prepare to leave London, I realize this isn't just about travel. It's about leaving behind the familiar-routines, comforts, and old identities-and stepping into the unknown. There's something deeply spiritual about that. It requires trust, surrender, and a willingness to let go of control. In particular, I feel a growing focus on health and wellbeing. Here in London, I've found it hard to break out of old habits. Thepull of routine and the energy of the city often keep me stuck in patterns that no longer serve me. It will be a fun and exciting challenge to see how being in a new environment-under the sun, surrounded by nature-can shift mymindset and my body. This journey will also be incredible for me and Daniel as a couple. We'll have to lean on each other more than ever, working as a team in ways we've never had to before. Without family nearby to help, it'll just be the three of us-against the world. That thought excites me because it's a reminder of how strong we are as a family unit, even in the face of uncertainty.
The tropics are calling me, not just because of their beauty or warmth, but because they remind me of how expansive life can feel. They remind me that my identity isn't tied to a place or a routine-it's something far greater, far freer.
