Meet Cha Cha
In May 2023, a few days before my 49th birthday, and as a recent empty nester, I dramatically shook up my world, selling everything and moving to Bali (baby pics & memorabilia went into storage)! I didn’t have a plan for what I refer to as my “2nd Act,” but knew that after 16 years of being a single mom, 13 years of custody battles (long story!) and nearly 20 years as a Realtor, I needed a break.
Taking on New Adventures
WHAT READERS SAY ABOUT ME
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MEET CHA CHA
I’M CHA CHA, AND I BELIEVE THAT LIFE IS A JOURNEY.
In May 2023, a few days before my 49th birthday, and as a recent empty nester, I dramatically shook up my world, selling everything and moving to Bali (baby pics & memorabilia went into storage)! I didn’t have a plan for what I refer to as my “2nd Act,” but knew that after 16 years of being a single mom, 13 years of custody battles (long story!) and nearly 20 years as a Realtor, I needed a break.
The original plan was to move to Bali and really focus on making shoes (one of my favorite hobbies), but my 3D printer literally blew up the first time I plugged it in. The answer to the question you may be asking yourself is “Yep, I brought my 3D printer and 2 sewing machines with me to Bali – I’m funny that way!” 
Shaking up my life so dramatically I unknowingly created a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the past 30 years, and contemplate what I want my next 30 years day, week, month… to look like. I started meditating again, drastically curbed drinking alcohol, started fasting, began eating mostly vegan and overall was finally able to kick my toxic sugar habit. The beautiful thing was, it happened organically, without the usual “pain & suffering” we often feel when making dramatic life changes. I dropped 30+ pounds effortlessly, made new friends from around the world, discovered new activities like ecstatic dance and cacao ceremonies, renewed my love of surfing… and most importantly for me, I found a new zest for living an authentic and meaningful life that I am excited to share with you, and sincerely hope inspires you to live YOUR best life!!
Let me ask you something, though:
If you don’t set off on the path to making these big travel dreams happen now, then when?
Do you really want to be standing at the trailhead years from now wondering “What if?”.
What if you’d started that travel blog and became location independent?
What if you’d spent that summer abroad and gave yourself the opportunity to be transformed by travel?
What if you’d stopped letting excuses hold you back from creating the life you want?
Because you absolutely have the power to do so!
And, I’d love to help! 🙂
My Story
THE SHORT VERSION
Once upon a time there was a young woman who was told by society that in order to lead a fulfilling life she had to graduate college, get a 9-to-5 job and live a settled life with two weeks vacation per year (because obviously if you want anymore than that you’re just immature, selfish and lazy. Duh.)
Despite resistance from loved ones, she decided to go the “immature” route, waving goodbye to her short stint in corporate America, and starting a business called Jessie on a Journey that allowed her to get paid to be creative, be her own boss and travel however much or little she pleased. She traded suits for suitcases, and her “office” is typically the nearest coffee shop or an airplane tray table. She lives happily ever after. The end.
THE LONGER VERSION
THE LONGER VERSION
Have you ever felt like the “right path” was the “wrong path” for you?
Yeah, I’ve been there.
Here’s the skinny: I was born and raised in New York — where I am also a certified sightseeing guide — and grew up traveling, mostly Caribbean cruises and North American road trips.
In 2010 I received my BA/MA in Communication & Rhetoric from the State University at Albany in New York, with the goal of getting into non-profit communications. By the time I graduated I had already had some inspiring travel experiences — studying in Australia, backpacking Europe solo, doing a homestay in Ghana, hiking my way through China and teaching English in Thailand.
You probably saw this coming, but I soon realized I wouldn’t be able to give up the complete freedom to travel. My travel experiences were what made me feel like I was truly living.
When I finally got a “real job” they wouldn’t let me have any time off for travel until I had been there for six months. And even when I got the time off, it was only two weeks for the whole year. I loved slow travel and really spending time in a place to get to know it, and knew in my heart the job situation was not going to work. I couldn’t stop thinking about how alive travel made me feel and how stagnant I felt working in an office. I was on someone else’s schedule following someone else’s rules; I wanted to live my best life and do things my way.
When I quit, my friends and family of course did not approve, but travel was something I felt really strongly about. I decided I didn’t care what they thought. If they loved me they would accept my choice.
When I quit, my friends and family of course did not approve, but travel was something I felt really strongly about. I decided I didn’t care what they thought. If they loved me they would accept my choice.
I DIDN’T WANT TO BE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE THAT DID THE SAME THING EVERYDAY AND LIVED A SIMILAR LIFE TO EVERYONE ELSE. I WANTED TO LIVE MY LIFE.
So I started waitressing full-time until I could come up with a plan, which allowed me to work overtime while I was home to pay off loans and bills, but also request off freely when the travel bug would hit.
Then one day I stumbled upon a travel writing class (funny enough, I teach a few myself now) and signed up. I loved writing and loved travel. Meeting the other students and alumni and reading blogs, I realized it was possible — as in real-life-this-isn’t-made-up — to combine my passions and make a living doing what I loved.
Today I split my time at home in NYC and on the road. And even though I travel somewhere almost every month — mainly on my own — I still have a bucket list and things that make me nervous. But once you take one step in the direction of your dreams you’ll be able to take another.
LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE. I WANT TO EXPERIENCE IT TO THE FULLEST. AND I WANT YOU TO, TOO!
I see too many of my friends and family working jobs they’re unhappy in and living their lives in a way that doesn’t completely fulfill them. Even if you’re not in a position to take travel to the full-time level, it is still possible to enrich your life by exploring the world.
Check out the blog and find adventures you might be interested in having yourself and start planning the trip of a lifetime.
Happy trails!
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