RV Travel Blog

Wrestling with imposter syndrome and a deep-seated fear of public speaking, I adopted a new mantra: "You deserve to be here!" This shift in mindset empowered me to overcome my fear and seize the opportunity, hopefully inspiring my community that confronting our fears can lead to remarkable growth and achievement. In the end, it's not about erasing fear but using it as a stepping stone to personal triumph.

In life, we all have our comfort zones – those safe spaces where we feel secure and in control. But what happens when we step out of that zone, into the unknown, and face our deepest fears head-on? This is the story of my journey to Grand Teton National Park, a trip that tested my limits, pushed me beyond my boundaries, and taught me invaluable lessons about living with anxiety.

In a world where conversations about mental health are still held in whispers, Brazen Traveler stands tall, resolute, and unafraid to speak out. We believe that raising awareness about mental health challenges is not only essential but our responsibility as a socially-conscious business. Our journey began with the idea that clothing can be more than just fabric and design; it can be a canvas for messages of hope, resilience, and unity. Now, I'm inviting you to join us in our mission. You can make a significant impact by supporting Brazen Traveler and wearing our apparel proudly, declaring your commitment to breaking down the walls of stigma surrounding mental health.

Discover how spending time in nature, through activities like hiking, can alleviate anxiety. Nature's calming influence reduces stress, encourages mindfulness, and releases mood-enhancing endorphins. It fosters social connections and a sense of accomplishment, offering a holistic approach to anxiety management.

Suicide is a real subject and I want everyone to know one thing…. If you have ever considered it, you shouldn’t feel bad, wrong, or less than, and there are always people who are willing to talk with you. Data shows that roughly 5% of men and 5% of women have thought about it in their lifetime. I personally believe it’s higher, but everyone isn’t comfortable sharing something like this. 

It took almost a month, but I was able to retrain the pathways in my brain that previously led to a panic attack in the altitude of Colorado. I promised myself that this story wouldn't end up there. I would find a way to get back into the altitude and this time do something even more #brazen. So here is part two! 

We were headed to Antelope Point RV Park right on Lake Powell, in sunny Arizona. Or so I thought. 

It was a five-hour drive from where we were just outside of Albuquerque to Lake Powell, and we had just passed the halfway mark. I was happy because we had left early enough to do something in the afternoon when we arrived. That's always nice after a long day.

Have you ever woken up and knew you needed to go on an adventure to find a new coffee spot? 

It was a Thursday morning and I just knew there was a cool coffee shop to be discovered. I was about 50 minutes outside of Savannah so I knew it was going to be an adventure, but hey, Savannah should have a great coffee scene right? 

I was only minutes from thousands of people, but I felt like I was completely alone. 

Garden of the Gods is a magical place and is full of nature, though somehow it's in the middle of Colorado City. Up against the quaint town of Manitou Springs, the giant red rocks tower above the city and shoot out making themselves known to anyone within 15 miles.

The Black Hills are a magnificent place with a complicated past. From Mount Rushmore to Crazy Horse and everywhere in-between, I see why man has worked so hard to claim these majestic hills for himself. Of all the places we have been so far, the Black Hills stirred something up inside me that I am going to try and unpack here. This place is much more than just its attractions.

It’s our first full day at the Grand Ole RV Park outside Nashville, TN. I want to get breakfast on-site before we head to the store. I didn’t know what to expect before walking in and that caused me to feel quite nervous - a normal feeling for me. When I walked in they had everything you could need in such a quaint and small building. A wall dedicated to essentials, refrigerated goods, and basic medical supplies. Then a space for RV needs and campsite setup items. Lastly a counter with the most friendly park staff.

If you set out to find your limits, limits shall you find. From the moment we left South Dakota I couldn’t shake this feeling I had of impending doom. We were headed to Colorado, one of the places I was most anxious about on our trip. I had been there as a young person and had a pretty memorable (traumatic) experience with High Altitude Sickness. It was a memory I couldn’t easily forget; but I thought to myself, what’s the worse that could happen? Well when you have anxiety, the worst can sometimes surprise even the most experienced host. 

There have been countless individuals with whom I've shared the "burnout" conversation. Over my career, I would say this topic has come up at least two or three dozen times. Whether it's working an unsustainable amount of hours, having too many complicated and higher order thinking tasks, a bad boss, toxic company culture, or difficulty managing your work and home life, burnout is real.

We are staying in Burnettesville, IN for free at a family farm, The Freebird Farm and Homestead. It feels like we are in nowheresville, and I love it. Being from the city I never really understood the appeal of a small town. I am changing my mind and am falling in love with nowheresvilles all across the country.

I get tunnel vision when my anxiety activates. It’s overwhelming and all-consuming. I feel like my life is going to end and there is no hope. 

I got back on my road bike again today. Although it makes me very nervous riding out in the middle of nowhere, this is a part of my growth. I have a goal to become more comfortable and confident in remote locations where self-reliance is key. When things go wrong and you are alone, can you handle it?  

I worked my entire career to get where I'm at, and I just walked away. After 15 years as a nonprofit executive, I decided it was time to quit. No job, no plan, just the most exciting and scary chance of a lifetime.