Between Chapters: Reflections on Family, Travel, and What’s Ahead

There’s something about being in motion—between places, between chapters—that always stirs reflection in me.

For the past five weeks, I’ve been in the US spending time with family. It was grounding in so many ways, a much-needed pause to reconnect and breathe before stepping forward again. These weeks held their fair share of transitions and unknowns, but also a quiet reminder: even in uncertainty, there’s space for gratitude and renewal.  Time with my favorite not so little people and family and friends in the U.S. 

When I think about where I was a year ago compared to now, I’m struck by how much can shift in a relatively short time. Travel has a way of showing us that the path rarely unfolds as planned, and yet, it’s often the unplanned moments that become the most meaningful.

This past year brought me to places I never expected. Some journeys surprised me, others challenged me, but all of them shaped me. Looking back, I see not just the destinations but the growth threaded through them. The lessons of resilience, trust, and the beauty of leaning into the unknown.

And now, as I step into this next season, I feel both rooted and restless. Rooted in what I’ve learned, in the connections I’ve cherished, and in the memories I carry. Restless in the best way—inspired, curious, ready for what’s next.  Ready to shake sh*t up again professionally and personally.  Stay tuned in the coming week for updates and new ventures into substack.

I don’t know exactly where this chapter will lead, but I sense it’s one of the most exciting yet. That’s the gift of travel and of life: the story is always unfolding.  And…as it becomes more clear that the concept of finding home within - the grounding, alignment and stability - is hands down key to being able to navigate the unknowns and transitions with grace, joy, ease, humility and more.

Here’s to embracing the in-between, trusting the journey, and welcoming the magic waiting just ahead.

With wanderlust & joy,

Megan

Part 2:

Here's a real time story: despite traveling as much as I do, I still get anxious before leaving for a trip. Every time. The feels subside after checking my bags and going through security. It feels like stepping into a portal - especially when traveling internationally and there's time changes involved. While leaving from Pittsburgh almost always requires a connection to get across the Atlantic, there's still an element of magic to me in taking that first flight and I always trust it's all working out and will. I have been extremely fortunate to not have travel mishaps and misfortunes.

So when I started receiving text messages from United that bad weather could disrupt my flights in Chicago and gave me the option to change, despite increased anxiousness and a lot of swearing, I opted to 'chance' it. Off to the airport with an hour delay we went. Soon past security it turned into 2 hours. Still enough time to make my connection in Chicago. But then the message of messages - my first flight from Pittsburgh to Chicago was cancelled because of weather in Chicago. Which meant my entire trip was disrupted - I (had) 2 flights thereafter to my final destination. 

My nervous system took a major hit as I began calling the airlines (3 different were involved in this flight). Full on in panic yet survival mode as I called repeatedly, was online, asked chatgpt... Fast forward after 45 minutes of getting no where, I left the terminal and went to the airline check-in counter in a last effort attempt to try to find a solution to leave last night or asap. That proved to be the BEST move and decision I could have made. And one I HIGHLY recommend should you find yourself already at the airport with a cancelled flight. Yes perhaps agents (if you can find them) on the terminal side may be able to help.... but with airlines seemingly thinly staffed these days or no people in real life, being able to talk with someone in person was a godsend and despite leaving the airport and having to retrace through security ... it didn't matter. This angel worked magic to get me re-booked on different flights and out of DC with the same ticket class as well (this was my first time redeeming points as well for a business class ticket). Despite a brisk 20 minute walk between gates in DC and literally walking on as they were boarding my group... all has gone smooth.

So the moral of the story - if you find yourself at the airport with a cancelled flight, pursue calling AND try to find a human in person. The magic of in person conversations is not lost! 

And with that...I'm about to board my next flight to Milan. Reuniting a special someone who's part of the next chapter. (yes... for those who aren't in the know, I'll be sharing more soon;)