meeting Alex Elle in DC at the Hey Girl Podcast show

I’m fortunate to have a Fiance who knows my love languages. For my 30th birthday, my Fiance surprised me with a solo vacation to DC and tickets to attend the Hey Girl Podcast show, hosted by Alex Elle. It was the best gift ever and it came at the perfect time. May is a tough month for me. I lost both my Dad and my best friend in May. This year I was more emotionally exhausted than usual so I was super grateful for the opportunity to spend some time alone.

The highlight of my solo trip was attending the Hey Girl Podcast show and meeting Alex Elle! Alex is my girl! I love her, her writing, and the impact she is making in women’s lives. If you are unfamiliar with Alex, she is an author, certified breathwork coach, and writing teacher who assists others in finding their voice. She is my inspiration!

The Hey Girl Podcast sadly came to an end but the live show was a celebration of sisterhood and storytelling. The show was split into 3 segments: Grief, Growth, and Gratitude and each segment hit home. Alex had conversations with Ajolique, Chloe Dulce Louvouezo, Yasmine Cheyenne, Angel Gregorio, Chanel Lewis, Natalie Lauren and Farrah Skeiky who have all been guests on the show prior. I was honored to share the same space with all of these women. Listening to their testimonies reminded me that I’m not alone. It was great to see myself in so many different women.

One question that Alex asked all of the ladies was, if you were mentoring your younger self, what would you tell her? I loved this question and all of the responses so much that I had to reflect on it myself. If I was mentoring my younger self I would tell her to ask for help. You don't have to struggle alone. You don’t have to be strong all the time. There are people out there willing to help you, you just have to ask for what you need.

What would you tell your younger self?

I still can’t believe I met Alex Elle!!! Meeting her was a huge surprise! She didn’t schedule any meet and greets and I didn't expect to talk with her at all. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. After the podcast show, I hung around reflecting and connecting with another woman who attended the show alone. After about an hour I decided to leave and there was Alex, taking pictures with some of the guests. I was so shocked but excited more than anything. When Alex was done she greeted me with a hug and the first thing I said was “Thank you”. I thanked her for the stories. I thanked her for the sisterhood. I thanked her for the space. I thanked her for the love. I thanked her for reminding me that I belong here. That moment was everything! We even took a selfie, which I will cherish forever.

Overall, my solo trip to DC was AMAZING! I visited a botanical garden, went out to dinner, relaxed in the hotel, explored some more and met new people. Most importantly I reclaimed my joy.

Traveling solo can be scary but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself. Over these past five years I've grown tremendously. My trip to LA taught me to be fearless. My trip to Baltimore taught me to master my craft. My trip to Denver taught me to walk in my purpose. My trip to Nashville taught me to build and nurture relationships. My trip to DC reminded me to keep showing up for myself.

This year I am celebrating my 5th annual solo trip and I’m so proud of myself for investing in my future. I’m so grateful for every conference and workshop I’ve attended and all of the opportunities that have come my way. I’ve been exposed to so many wonderful people and environments that motivate me to walk in my purpose.

If you are contemplating traveling alone, I’m here to tell you to DO IT! Your future self will thank you. Traveling solo will give you clarity, boost your confidence, give you a chance to reflect & reset, introduce you to new people, and help you step out of your comfort zone. People may not understand why you’re doing it but it’s not their responsibility to. Personal growth is PERSONAL. Everybody can’t come!!! Do something you really want to do this year and stop rescheduling your joy!

What’s on your bucket list this year?