Wherever you go, there you are

Lessons from spending a (blissfully restorative) week in Bend, Oregon.

Hello from the sky (or, realistically, my Los Angeles apartment where I’m editing this now). Today, I’m letting the words flow freely—no overthinking, just sharing.

To kick things off, I wanted to share the following list with you—and for myself, to properly document my past week in Bend, Oregon. It was exactly the reset I needed.

Grateful for:

• Getting to spend five consecutive nights within walking distance of my family

• Daily coffee shop runs with my boyfriend (especially here and here)

• Impromptu morning dance parties with my nieces

• Waking up to deer in our front yard—also, fresh mountain air

• Getting quality 1:1 time with each of my three older brothers

• Family sauna sessions and cold plunges—we sang through the pain (lol)

• A non-traditional Thanksgiving feast, complete with local natural wines—the menu was loosely inspired by the Kismet cookbook (there were deviled eggs, carrot salad, homemade hummus, warmed pita, fattoush salad, roasted beets…)

• Getting to end each night playing cards by our Airbnb’s fireplace

• Cardamom buns from Sparrow Bakery (pillowy soft, melt-in-your-mouth delicious)

• Sipping hot peppermint tea, and snacking on the juiciest of tangerines before bed

• Having time to slow down, put my phone away, and spend uninterrupted time with those I love

And now, as I’m reflecting on having had so much time (and space!) to spend with my three older brothers, sisters-in-laws, boyfriend, and nine nieces and nephews—I’m leaving with an incredibly full heart, and even fuller stomach. Nothing better.

This trip was extra special because it was the first time my core family got to enjoy my brother Brock’s new home in Bend (who recently moved up there after having lived in Los Angeles for over two decades). He and his wife have truly created the most warm and welcoming atmosphere. I cannot wait to return this spring with my mom.

And it’s the house of my dreams—floor-to-ceiling windows, tons of natural light, a beautiful, open kitchen, and an outdoor hot tub surrounded by the tallest of trees. We California kids were eating it up.

Visiting Brock’s home also made me realize how much I miss having him and his family nearby. Our weekend tennis matches and collaborative dinners had become steady weekend activities in my life. Now, Brock and his crew are in Bend, and my other older brothers are in San Diego with their own families.

I’m learning to navigate what our sibling unit looks like from a (slight) distance.

There’s also something about stepping into a new environment that completely shifts my mindset. In Bend, I left behind my need to plan every detail or stick to a routine. I slowed down, let things unfold naturally, and found so much joy in the simplest of moments—like sipping peppermint tea after dinner or spotting deer on our walks.

In other words, I relaxed, went with the flow, and embraced what was right in front of me. I felt more present, and therefore more me.

This realization made me think about why I love traveling so much—it brings out my best self. And it’s something I’m actively working on better integrating into my daily life at home. That means more outings and novel experiences—whether through trying out new recipes, workout studios, restaurants, or otherwise.

Here’s the truth: I love my routine, but I love breaking it even more. I need that contrast. When life feels repetitive, I start getting restless. Can you relate?

Reflecting on this week, I realize it wasn’t just the new surroundings that helped me feel more like me—it was my presence, the way I was able to show up. I’m learning that I don’t need to hop on an airplane to embrace novelty or break free of routine. That same level of ease, and peace, is possible wherever I am. I just have to choose it.

How was your Thanksgiving week? I hope it was delicious and restful if nothing else.

Ciao for now,
Jess