Why I am Leaving Atlanta, GA in 2020: Where I am Headed, What I Will Be Doing, and for How Long
No matter where you look, 2020 has brought us surprise after surprise in many ways in our own personal lives, our cities and countries, and all across the world. I am no different and walking right along side you.
In March - June of this year, I found myself resiliently walking through both my own challenges and the worlds. I increased content creation, online launches and courses, communities, and launched Inspiring Travel Now and in the Future. This also included over 20 episodes on the show: Create with Katrina Julia in April alone.
In June, I experienced a moment of impact, migraine, and feelings of heaviness. It felt like all of what is going on hit me literally and figuratively. I took spiritual and practical action. I increased both prayer and studies, and online communities and accountability.
While focusing on mission, and vision and leaps of faith with automating and scaling like a boss,
I increased my presence, contentment, and joy. I evaluated current circumstances in my own life, business, and expenses. I considered short=term and long-term goals with momentum and paying off debt. I glanced at the pulse of the world and estimates of potential vaccine process and readiness.
As a global traveler to over 25 countries and a retreat host, I previously envisioned increasing travel 21-22 with 7 Continent Retreats, Camps & Months. At the same time, my friend Silvana and I had a pivotal conversation at the park about adventure, travel and freedom in July of this year.
The seed was planted. I began to explore possibilities of leaving Atlanta, GA this year. I knew my lease was coming up in January 2021 and inquired about options to end the lease early. I imagined being surrounded by sunshine and adventure, and how it would impact my spirit. I decided to stay until December knowing the cold was coming and would likely impact me with increased time indoors.
I explored destinations like Bermuda offering travel benefits for digital nomads and travelers. I dove into nearby destinations like Nicaragua, and Costa Rica with lower cost of living. I began to create a completely different 2021. I knew my strength came from our Creator this year more than ever. I understood that I would not be able to handle 2021 in the same way with the same circumstances being mostly alone in Atlanta, GA.
I am taking off from Atlanta, GA in 2020. First Stop: Destination Central America - Costa Rica.
What my life will look like in the coming year will be radically different than 2020.
I am embracing the life of an Accidental Nomad and Limitless Wonder Woman.
Let's Take Off as I share Why I am Leaving Atlanta, GA in 2020:
Where I am Headed, What I Will Be Doing, and For How Long!
Photo by Chad Peltola on Unsplash
Why I am Leaving Atlanta, GA in 2020
2020 hasn't been the easiest year. For me, it has been filled with stretching and growth at every turn. While I have fought for faith, freedom, and joy, I have recognized the impacts of isolation in person, as well as the environment all around me.
I love Atlanta, GA. I moved here in 2010, and have shared from the start about Atlanta, GA "it was love at first sight, and then we got married". At the same time, the decrease in co-working, communities in person, being apart from family, and four seasons impact me.
As a result, I am leaving Atlanta, GA temporarily because of spiritual and practical reasons like sunshine daily, ability to have adventure outdoors often, and cost of living in Central America and other travel destinations.
In addition, I imagine the ways I will grow towards freedom, the incredible people I will meet, and what I will create from this new state.
Photo by Brad Huchteman on Unsplash
Where I Am Going: First Stop: Destination Central America
I chose Costa Rica as my first destination because of the Pura Vida I experienced myself in 2016. I enjoyed Costa Rica incredibly when I hosted one of our Transformational Retreats there.
From an added practical standpoint, the cost of living impacts my decisions as well. I am considering the cost of living as well from both my own experiences and research. For example, I have found wonderful Airbnb's for less than $1000 monthly, an immediate minimum savings of $600-$800 compared to Atlanta, GA.
2020 is teaching us more than ever to embrace the unknown, possible and tentative. I am walking through the same mindset shifts and breakthroughs like many of us, and embracing it all. Trusting God in the process step by step, and what I am gaining in character, refinement, and purpose.
My current tentative plans include:
Costa Rica December - February
Nicaragua: February - May
Mexico: May - July or later
South America: September
Africa: December
I love to travel. If you didn't know, I am conceived in Bulgaria, born in Poland, experienced a refugee camp in Italy, and immigrated to USA by the time I was two years old. I have traveled to 27+ countries, and hosed retreats in 4+ countries.
Like millions of others, my being and choosing to be grounded all of 2020 was a radical departure from my usual travel of 25-35% annually to say the least. Not only that, being at home over 75-95% of the time added to the isolation impact from every direction.
Other than a local woman's retreat within driving distance, a friends birthday, a rooftop gathering, grocery store, and walks in the park, I stayed in Atlanta, GA and chose to self-quarantine the majority of the time
To give you some insights into impacts for my decisions in 2020, my parents live in Bulgaria, and my brother and his family in Austria, and early on in 2020 I personally knew two people who passed away from CoVid, as well as two others who were infected right away with a horrid experience. In comparison, in September I met more people who did contract CoVid with minor symptoms.