The Preface

The Bali Chapter.

We’re officially five days into Bali.

This place has lived in our dreams for years (especially Justina’s). One night in January, she started sending dreamy Airbnb listings over text. I saw the prices, FaceTimed her, and we both said, “What the hell are we waiting for?”

Before leaving, it didn’t feel real. Roberta and I kept asking, Are we really going to be in Asia? It was surreal to think we could just decide to go somewhere this beautiful. I felt excited, nervous, and at times—not ready. Not in the mental space I thought I’d be in for something like this. Not in the clothes I wanted to pack, the career level I envisioned, or the mindset I hoped for.

But maybe that’s the point. Maybe you’re not always meant to be "ready" when your dream shows up. Maybe it's supposed to meet you exactly where you are, and show you who you're becoming.

There is never a perfect time for a dream to come true.

So many of us wait for the right amount of money, or PTO, or clarity—until the moment passes and we never go. Booking spontaneously wasn’t exactly the smartest plan, but it worked. Sometimes the key is just booking the flight and figuring it out from there.

That said, it’s not all glamorous. What you don’t see are the months we worked, saving every bit we could. This trip wasn’t handed to us. We made it happen.

And even now, it’s not all easy. A 12-hour time difference, language barriers, unfamiliar streets, homesickness, and constant adjusting. But that’s part of the beauty, too. The discomfort means you’re growing. It’s all worth it—as long as you take it day by day.

Already, Bali has blown us away. The people, the culture, the spaces, the food, the hospitality. The smiles we are greeted with and friendly energy. I’ve already cried more than once. And it’s only day five.

One funny observation? The Bruno Mars/Coldplay/Ariana Grande playlists are everywhere.

Over the next month, we’ll be sharing moments from this journey: the places we visit, the people we meet, the things that make us feel most like ourselves. From dreamy cafes to collaborations with surf hostels, this is all part of the story.

Welcome to The Bali Chapter.

Here’s to soulful living, and letting your dreams find you — ready or not.