You don’t need proof to walk away—just a feeling that something isn’t right. After decades of travel and sailing with strangers, I’ve learned that the most important safety tool I carry is my own intuition. In this post, I share the personal safety standards I’ve practiced for years, and how they helped me navigate a recent situation that could have turned dangerous. If you travel solo or sail with new crews, this one's for you.

👉 Read: Personal Safety Standards for Travelers

Ever ignored that quiet inner voice telling you something was off?

What started as a hopeful sailing opportunity turned into a situation that tested every boundary. In this post, I share what happened, what I learned, and why listening to your gut is never a mistake.

👉 Read: When Your Gut Says Go: Learning to Walk Away

Many thanks to Unsplash Edgar Chaparro

@echaparro for the image up above.

Showing up for yourself can be one of the most challenging—and most powerful—acts of self-love. We often show up for others, offering our time, energy, and care without hesitation. Yet when it comes time to show up for ourselves, we can struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, and unworthiness. But what if we redefined “showing up” not as an obligation but as a form of deep, nurturing self-care?

True self-care is about more than pampering; it’s about prioritizing your well-being, setting boundaries, and honoring your needs. It’s about taking intentional moments to check in with yourself, practicing self-compassion, and creating space for rest. When you show up for yourself, you lay the foundation for everything else in your life—your relationships, your work, your growth.

Showing up for yourself doesn’t require perfection. It’s about being present and gentle with yourself, recognizing that you deserve the same love and care you so freely give to others. Every small act of self-compassion counts, and each step brings you closer to the truest form of self-care.

As the season of love approaches, with hearts and flowers beginning to fill the air, take a moment to reflect on the most profound love story of all—the one you have with yourself. True self-love is not found in grand gestures but in the quiet, daily dedication to your own well-being. It’s a discipline that invites you to nourish your soul with the same tenderness you might offer to a beloved.

In these early days of February, as thoughts turn toward connection and affection, let your love for yourself be your guiding light. Ask yourself: Is this choice a reflection of my self-respect? Does this relationship uplift and nourish me? In embracing these questions, you cultivate a love that is steadfast and enduring—a love that grows and flourishes, not just for a single day, but for all the days to come.

In the quiet moments of healing, we often rediscover the joy we thought was lost. It’s not about erasing pain but finding peace amidst it. Through compassion, self-love, and intentional living, we can gently guide ourselves from the depths of grief towards the light of joy. By allowing ourselves to feel, to grieve, and to heal, we create the space for joy to return—reminding us that even after the darkest times, beauty and happiness can flourish once again.

Fear connects us all, a silent companion in our darkest moments. It whispers doubts into the quiet of the night and grips our hearts when we face the unknown. But within this shared struggle lies our shared humanity. By embracing our fears, we uncover the courage to grow, to heal, and to find beauty even in vulnerability.