One of my goals was to travel outside the U.S. at least once before turning 30. I had dreamed about it for years and planned my Costa Rica trip for months. I told just about everyone close to me. But two weeks before I was supposed to leave, my mom passed away unexpectedly.

At first, I decided not to go. It felt impossible and wrong to leave. But I kept remembering how excited my mom had been for me. Traveling was one of her dreams too. She would’ve told me not to cancel something I’d looked forward to for so long.

And then, just three days before the trip, I injured my MCL and meniscus.

Another reason to cancel. But something in me shifted. I felt more determined to go than ever before. I had to let go of the trip I thought I was going to have — active, adventurous, learning to surf — and instead embrace what this version of the trip could be: healing, slower, more rooted in nature.

Here are 3 things I took away that will stay with me forever, and maybe they’ll resonate with you too:

1. Most roadblocks are self-imposed.

Yes, sometimes life throws real obstacles your way. But more often than not, it’s fear, overthinking, or perfectionism disguised as reasons why “now isn’t the right time.”

After this year, I’ve realized: time isn’t promised. If you’ve been saying you’ll do that thing you’ve always dreamed of “someday,” maybe now is the time to start. Whether it’s traveling, returning to movement, building a business, or finally prioritizing your well-being, don’t wait until conditions are perfect. They probably never will be.

2. Your brain and body need more rest than you think.

Being in a country where I didn’t speak the language fluently was disorienting, but in a way, it was the break I didn’t know I needed. I couldn’t multitask. I wasn’t over-consuming media. My brain wasn’t constantly processing every road sign, ad, or headline.

It was a reset. A mental exhale.

This made me realize how much we do in our daily lives without noticing. No wonder so many of us struggle with burnout — our brains are maxed out! We need to actively create mental stillness and physical rest, not wait until we hit a wall.

3. Connection is essential — to others, to nature, to yourself.

This trip forced me to slow down. I had no choice but to rest, rehab my knee, and reflect. And in that space, I reconnected — with my body, my breath, and the kind of life I want to live.

In Costa Rica, people live closely with nature and treat strangers like friends. It was overwhelming, in the best way possible. I saw how disconnected we’ve become, from our own bodies, from each other, and from the natural world.

So here’s my challenge to you:

Move slower. Step outside more. Check in with yourself. Be present with the people you care about.

Because healing and thriving aren't about cramming in more, more, more. They’re about coming back to what really matters.

Why I’m Sharing This

This experience reminded me exactly why I do what I do, to help people (especially massage therapists and wellness pros) reconnect with themselves and avoid the burnout trap. If you’re constantly putting yourself last, always on the go, or waiting for “someday,” I hope this gives you a moment to pause and reflect.

And if you’re ready to start taking care of yourself like you do for everyone else, here are a few ways I can support you:

👉 Grab my free Massage Therapist Survival Kit — it’s full of simple tools to help you reset your nervous system, relieve tension, and move better every day.
👉 Join Move Better University — my self-paced membership with mobility flows, self-massage lessons, and more.

👉 Hand off your website stress — done-for-you Squarespace sites for wellness professionals, so you can focus on your clients, not your website.

Here’s to moving slower, living better, and saying yes to the things that matter. 💜

3 Life Lessons I Learned in Costa Rica (That Helped Me Heal from Burnout)