1. Why are you a Culturalista?
I am a Culturalista because I quit a very lucrative and promising career to do what I absolutely love, which is travel the world!
Culturalista A-HA Moment: Often times, we find it hard to quit comfort and stability. We are taught by society our whole lives to go to school, get a great job, and work it until retirement. So breaking that mindset is powerful. Doing what you love full-time…THAT’S DOPE.
2. When did you choose yourself?
It was not until I was traveling solo, meeting so many amazing people, had once in a lifetime experiences, and had times to really reflect on my decision, that I absolutely chose myself.
That was when I started walking in my air - started realizing my true worth and remember and the promises God has for my life.
Culturalista A-HA Moment: What I found special about this choice of self, was the fact that it wasn’t until she traveled alone and ventured outside of her comfort zone. Can you imagine how scary it could’ve been to make a choice to travel to foreign countries by yourself?! I was truly inspired to go to Abu Dhabi because of her great travel deals.
3. Describe your journey
After battling anxiety and mild depression, in the summer of 2014, I left my job as a Project Manager. Many thought I was absolutely nuts for walking away from a promising career, amazing social life, and a consistent salary to walk in my passions. I went against the grain and decided to leave and travel.
Over a year later, I am still traveling and walking in my passions and God's promises. It's been a lot of lessons, lots of alignment, and some disappointments but the journey has been beautiful!
Culturalista A-HA Moment: I wanted to take notes of the signs she received prior to deciding to leave her job. I too experienced signs of anxiety and depression, before I decided to choose another career. And similarly, I was called crazy on TWO occasions and it was hard to stand up to my loved ones. Rachel was super courageous in the way she did it. To think…over a year has passed and she’s STILL doing what she loves!
4. What was the most difficult/most rewarding part?
The most difficult part is sometimes feeling 'alone' in the journey. I have to remind myself that there is a distinct difference between being 'alone' in the journey and feeling 'lonely'. All of our journeys are individual so there is an aspect of being alone; however, we are never lonely.
The most rewarding part is truly feeling and being free. I am doing what I have dreamed of as a child, honoring that which is within me. It is awesome and I wish more people would honor those gifts inside of them as well!
Culturalista A-HA Moment: I love her perception of going through life’s journey individually, but never lonely. My experience is that sometimes you have to isolate before you elevate. Also, she found freedom whole being alone. Imagine freeing your mind and spirit up to live out your dreams?!
5. What did you learn about yourself?
Two things I KNOW for certain about myself is;
1) I am resilient. At this point, if I want it, I work very hard to get it. If it does not happen, I know it is for my greatest and highest good! And something better usually follows afterward.
2) I am a BEAST. I have taught myself how to code, design, how to become a better business owner, professional, networking, the list goes on. All things I have been able to nurture and cultivate because I am walking in passion and purpose.
Culturalista A-HA Moment: Although choosing self has its highs and lows…it’s a true way to learn new things about yourself. I can’t imagine a better way to determine your resilience! I love how she didn’t use time away from a 9-5 to be idle, but to pick up new trades. She freed herself up to learn things that truly interest her. A BEAST indeed-à Make sure you check out her website at www.racheltravels.com and her IG @racheltravels