I don't have a five-year plan

Checking in on what I know (and don't know) before a summer abroad.

I don’t have a five-year plan right now. I don’t even have a two-year plan.

I’m 34, and while part of me thought I’d have a little more figured out (or at least feel more “locked in”) by now…the truth is, I don’t. Not in the traditional sense, anyway.

And honestly? That feels equal parts terrifying and liberating.

What I do have is a one-way ticket to Lisbon at the end of the month, notes upon notes of trip prep to-dos, places I want to try, outfits I want to wear, and a growing sense that I might finally be getting closer to the kind of life I’ve been dreaming up for a very long time. This is also the happiest I’ve felt in a while.

I’m sleeping better, I’m more present with the people I love, I’m laughing more, and I’m honoring my body and hunger in a way that feels even better than before.

So before I go, I wanted to name what’s true for me right now—what I’m leaning into, and what I’m slowly building. (PS: You’re welcome to do the same. I’d love to hear.)

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What I know:

• I feel most alive when I’m somewhere new, walking for hours with no agenda.

• My sensitivity is a superpower. It’s how I see the world, and how I relate to others.

• Most decisions are better made after a proper meal and a good night's sleep.

• Alone time is just as nourishing as time with the people I love.

• I don’t need to have everything figured out to take the next step.

• There’s a difference between running away and running towards.

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What I’m chasing:

• A slower, softer, more creative version of success.

• Mornings that begin with matcha and writing, instead of urgency.

• Work that reflects my taste, my voice, and my values.

• Collaborations that feel expansive, not obligatory.

• The kind of self-trust that doesn’t need external validation to feel real.

• A sense of home and belonging (even if I’m moving around).

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What I’m building:

• A newsletter that feels like a creative playground.

• A library of writing, travel notes, and personal rituals to evolve alongside.

• Client partnerships that feel deeply aligned.

• A path that honors both motion and stillness, aka time to work, rest, and wander.

• The space to fill my days with what makes me feel most like myself.

• A future with a zine, a book, or a studio—or something I haven’t quite dreamed up yet.

Here’s to the beauty of not knowing.

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More soon: I’ve got some really fun posts lined up for June, including the next how she got here interview with Grace from how to go freelance, a piece on how I’m prepping for 6+ weeks abroad, and possibly a roundup (or two) of all the things I’m excited to get into this summer.

If you’d like to support my writing, you can do so here—thank you, truly.

Also, come say hi on Instagram.

Until next time <3

Jess