One year ago today, I hopped on a plane to Phoenix, Arizona, to begin a life of travel. I had just quit my parks and recreation job (3 years, 10 months…new record!), put all my possessions in storage (after selling/donating/trashing over 60% of it) and was jobless, homeless, and ecstatic about the unknown future.

So, what made a 31-year-old woman quit her job, vacate her townhouse, and say goodbye to her friends and the life she’d known for the last 7 years?

Maybe it was my navy brat childhood and moving every year. I developed a love to travel, to explore new places, meet strangers. Luckily for my addiction, my 20’s were all about traveling…working on cruise ships for two years, backpacking through Western Europe, visiting Central America, taking monthly trips when I settled down at a 9-5 job. I entered my 30’s and was content with a flexible job, recreational soccer/softball, and a good friend base.

Setbacks Along the Way

Work was great, but I craved more responsibility. So, I applied for various jobs with different cities all over the US. Made it to a second and then a third interview (a few times!), yet nothing panned out. Then in October, I tore my ACL/Meniscus…for the second time. Life stood still.

I went through a bit of an identity crisis and backed away from people. Became a hermit. If I couldn’t play soccer (and let’s quote everyone in my life at the time: after two ACL surgeries, why would I risk playing again?), if I couldn’t run, play softball or kickball, what was the point? That’s all my friends did for fun.

So, with restlessness (and perhaps a bit of depression) overtaking me, what was a girl to do? Quit. Her. Job. (duh).

(Side note: I’ve been a saver since I started babysitting at age 11. I don’t buy name brand of anything and always try to find deals. All excellent habits for a savings account that allowed me to travel and not work for a year).

Traveling and Still Finding My Path

Initially, everyone’s excited, oh look she quit her job and is traveling. That’s so cool. I wish I could do that. Then it became “old” news. People kept asking, “When are you getting a job?” “When are you done traveling?”

In May, I planned my final drive up the East Coast from Charleston to Maine, but then … I hesitated. Something inside me was saying stop. No more. Just breathe. I believe wholeheartedly in following instincts/intuition.

So, I stopped. I stopped moving and I pondered what to do next. Should I look for a recreation job within a city? Maybe, but where?

In many ways, this pause was the beginning of truly finding my path. For so long, I thought my identity was tied to traveling, working in recreation, or even recovering from injuries. But stopping forced me to reflect on what I really wanted my future to look like. It wasn’t just about the next job or the next city—it was about creating a life that felt authentic and fulfilling.

But…nothing fit. Some jobs were in beautiful places, but…too far. Some jobs were in Houston/Dallas, but…something held me back from applying. After almost a year of traveling, what was I still looking for?

Discovering Organizing While Finding My Path

Then…one day in June, I knew. What would make me the happiest was controlling my life by working for myself while helping others. So, I started a home organizing business.

I registered for the national organization (NAPO), took a few classes, became a professional member, and am continuing to learn. I’m happy to report that it seems to come naturally. But more importantly, it suits me and I genuinely enjoy doing it.

So, I set up a website, talked to a few friends about the details, researched and read article after article on what I needed to do to start and run a business.

Choosing Houston

Then came the question of “where”. Where do I set it up? One friend suggested I become a traveling organizer, but at this brainstorming point, I was tired.

So, the question became Houston or Dallas? Family or friends?

It’s…strange for me. Growing up, we moved every year and I became adept at making what my friends and I termed, Superficial Best Friends (SBFF). It wasn’t until high school and then again when I settled in Dallas that I formed deeper connections.

But it’s a no brainer, right? The family connection. Staying with my parents in between trips made me feel that connection again. To be surrounded by family who genuinely care about you.

So, the pressure is on: I signed a 12 month lease (slight panic attack, butterflies, anxiety, yet so much joy) in Houston, walking distance to trails and restaurants and a twenty minute drive to family. It’s on me to find clients, to succeed. But I love it. I enjoy working again and knowing exactly where I’m laying my head that night.

Living With Purpose

I don’t know what the future will bring, if when my travel bug returns (because I know it will), I’ll be drawn to another 60 days of traveling while living out of a backpack or truck.

Still, I’m committed to building my business and determined to design a life around what’s important (the people) and who’s important (me and my physical and mental health).

Before quitting my job, I asked for a sign—and it was given to me. I asked for a sign when I started my business. It was shown to me. I ask myself if I’m where I need to be and everything within me shouts YES. YES. YES.

I hope that when your inner self shouts at you to take action, you listen.

Listening to that voice has always been part of finding my path.

Every challenge, pause, and leap of faith has led me closer to a life rooted in purpose, freedom, and connection.

So many hugs to you as you perhaps ponder your next path in life.

Stephanie

P.S. Interested in reading about my next 50-day trek that took me across Northern Spain? Click here.