WELCOME! I'm steph! thank you FOR following my journey!
Reprioritizing, Rediscovering and Reclaiming My Joy as a Selfish Luxury Traveler!
This blog is not about Stephanie Jones, the leader, entrepreneur, business woman or speaker. It's about me without all the titles, the vulnerable side of me. As a woman of God first and foremost, I have dedicated my life to fulfilling my life's purpose for more than 20 years, I am grateful for the many blessings and favor provided by God along the way. As a servant leader and disruptor, I have strived to use my gifts and talents to make a difference in other's lives, businesses, and communities. My journey of service has been a rollercoaster ride with highs and lows and wins and losses. Tears cried. Sleepless nights. Feeling overwhelmed and most times alone on this journey.
Over the years, I have become lost in my work, not knowing where Stephanie the leader and entrepreneur ends, and where Steph, the mom, wife & friend begins. It has been an uphill battle working for change for underrepresented and underserved communities in my industry. It's meaningful and impactful work, yet most dare not undertake, and it's not for the faint at heart.
Recent health challenges and just being tired mentally, physically, and emotionally has brought me to a deep place of self-reflection, questioning how much longer I can ride this nonstop rollercoaster ride, and if I have it within me to stay the course. I've been seeking God for answers. I know I must shift course for my well-being.
The Selfish Luxury Traveler is a personal passion project that will help me be intentional about creating some form of balance in my life. It's my way to redirect how I spend my time to ensure that I focus on self care, self love and rediscovering what I need for me to be happy and to do the things that bring me joy! The way I've been living is no longer conducive to my well-being, especially as a woman of a certain age.
Traveling to experience the world for personal gratification and to simply slow down to just be in the moment, is not only what I desire...it's what I need and deserve. And, I deserve to do it as a luxury traveler, as defined by me! This is my time to do me! Creating balance in life is what I must do. It's no longer an option!
Anyone who knows me will attest that I do not have a selfish bone in my body and that I have always put the needs of others before own. I will continue to serve and fulfill my purpose until Gods says differently. But, I also realize that God never intended for me to deplete myself serving others. I know that's not His will!
The Selfish Luxury Traveler blog is my way of reprioritizing every area of my life to refill my cup through travel, rebuilding a supportive community, prioritizing my spiritual and fellowship life, and making my needs and dreams a priority. I need my cup to remain full to continue to serve which I desire to do. I will be mindful to put my mask on first!
Luxury travel is not a privilege for me, it's my personal preference and simply what makes me happy. My happiness is my priority!
It's Okay to be Selfish!
Writing is healing for me and helps to provide clarity! Through this blog, I will be transparent in sharing my personal, not professional, thoughts and journey toward rediscovering me! I'm going to dust off a couple of my journals and start journaling. I've always wanted to do it but just never made time to. Making time to journal, even if I have to schedule time on my calendar, is making "me time" a priority and putting myself first!
If my story resonates with you, I invite you to be selfish, and choose you first! Take your own personal journey to reprioritize, rediscover and reclaim your independence from stressors of life that disrupt your joy!
As I continue on my journey rediscovering the woman I need to become for me, I welcome you to share your thoughts and journey with me because sometimes we just need to voice our thoughts and feelings to someone and to know we're not alone. I will write you back!
I recently hired a professional life coach to support me through my journey! We all need to feel supported and sometimes outside perspectives help us gain clarity about ourselves.
Also, I invite you to join me on future selfish luxury travels! Remember, we only have one life to live, so let's live it to its fullest and with no regrets! We deserve it!