Hey everyone! I’m back from my once-in-a-lifetime, debt-free-dream trip to Italy with my mom. The trip was everything I’d hoped it would be.
We saw beautiful art, stunning architecture, ate ALL the food, drank lots of espresso and wine and generally had a wonderful time.
Here are some pics to prove it:
Unfortunately, right before my trip, and right after it, I got overwhelmed with work. That’s what two weeks off will do to you — though, I actually did work some on the trip, as I just couldn’t do four weeks of work in two weeks.
Aside from climbing out of my work cocoon, I’m also making headway on my book! We’re finalizing the cover and the edits. It’s starting to feel real. I can’t wait to share it with you. The fact that this not-so-big blog turned into this crazy career and a book is awesome! I’m so honored and grateful.
I need to remember some of these accomplishments, as lately work seems hard. The more opportunities I get, the harder the work is. The harder the work is, the more I second guess myself. The more I start feeling like a fake-ass phony. But I’d take this over being unemployed and underemployed like I was when I started this blog.
Aside from that, still finding my footing here in LA. We don’t have our own place yet, which presents its own challenges, but I’m trying to be patient and enjoy life, even though I do feel like a mild depression has crept in.
Speaking of which, I’m going to be part of a Blab this Friday at 1pm EST about the costly relationship between debt and mental health. It’s #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth and this topic is so near and dear to my heart. I hope you’ll join or at least watch the recap. I know how hard it is to get up every day and just live life when you’re facing depression. Couple that with debt and it can be disastrous. But remember, you are not alone. You are not a loan.
Lastly, I’m also organizing the blog tour for the Road to Financial Wellness. I helped out last year and this year it’s going to be bigger and better. If you’d like to participate and write about financial wellness and empowerment, comment here or send me an email.
That’s about it for now. How are things with you?
- Talking About Money and Mental Health - September 12, 2022
- Dear Debt, We’re Better Apart - June 27, 2022
- Announcing The Mental Health and Wealth Summit - May 4, 2021
23 comments
Sounds like you had a great trip. I’m sure working on your vacation wasn’t that fun but worth it to be your own boss I think.
Do you have more information on the blog tour? Sounds like something I would like to do.
Yeah, it wasn’t fun, but it was nice to have the flexibility to take off. I’ll send you an email about the blog tour!
Nice to have you back Melanie! And congrats again on the book. Hopefully work settles down soon and you find your own place soon as well!
Thanks! I hope so. It’s harder than I thought not having real stability to work or live. It’s not terrible, just an adjustment.
Welcome Back! And goodness, it looks beautiful in Italy! I know exactly what you mean by the more opportunities that come it seems like the harder it gets. Sometimes you feel like pinching yourself and asking, “Is this really happening?” I see that Road to Financial Wellness is coming to Columbia, SC…please share more deets, I’m intrigued!
Thanks! Italy is stunning. Yeah, it’s been weird — I’ve been so happy, but also overwhelmed haha. Will email you deets!
Totally jealous of your Italy trip, Melanie! I went to Southern Italy about 5 years ago and one week just wasn’t enough time. Congratulations on all the amazing stuff you have going on. It’s really inspiring! And I’m stoked to be a part of The Road To Financial Wellness again 🙂
Yeah, my mom was concerned about taking two weeks. But after such a long flight and jet lag, you really need two weeks to explore and relax. So happy you are part of RTFW this year, too! You rock, friend!
Welcome Back! The pictures look great!
Thanks, friend! I hope you are well!
I’m definitely looking at your Italy pics with envy! Glad you were able to get away and enjoy it. And congrats on the book! I’m sure you’ll get settled in soon enough so try not to stress.
It was fun! And yes, need to learn more patience. Things come in time…all of this is temporary.
Hey Melanie!
Seeing those photos make me miss Europoe! And shoot me an email about the blog tour, I’d love to take part 🙂
Awesome, will do!
We are currently traveling and I’m trying to stay caught up on work, but it’s so hard to do! It’s nice to have the flexibility to bring my work with me everywhere I go, but I want to spend most of my time soaking up the sights here.
Boo! Your comment was stuck in the spam folder for some reason. It’s a tough balance for sure! Last year I worked when I was abroad and it’s hard…but the flexibility of freelance is so nice.
Wow, gorgeous pics of Italy—what fun to be able to treat yourself to a dream after all your hard work. Speaking of which, isn’t it funny how the reward of work well done always seems to be more work, not less? It can get depressing, especially if you lose sight of why you’re working so hard. (Debt freedom, or financial freedom.) Would love to participate in the blog tour.
Ha, you’re so right! Work begets work. A good problem to have, but forces you to focus on balance. Will email you about blog tour.
Beautiful pictures and thanks for the update–I’m excited to hear more about the book. I can imagine feeling a bit insecure in the midst of so much transition and growth, but it is ultimately a great thing to be changing and growing!
Yeah, it’s tough to grow so much. Growing pains exist, even as an adult.
Melanie, looks like you two had a great trip glad to see you back at it. I hope to make it to Italy in the next couple of years, have not been but keep hearing its a wonderful place.
It was lovely. Work is kicking my butt, but I’m glad to be back 🙂
Wow, your pictures look gorgeous Melanie! And congrats on your book 🙂 That is exciting!