On Monday, July 6th, I am launching our first challenge in this community. It's a 90-day (or 12-week) travel savings challenge that will allow us to experiment with new ways to save for our travel fund. My personal goal is to save $1000 in the third quarter (JULY-AUGUST-SEPT) towards my June 2027 sabbatical in Colombia (South America). Stay Tuned! Happy 4th! Crystal PS. There are a few new posts in the community too.

Happy July 4th, everyone! Today marks a massive milestone—the USA’s 250th birthday. As a Black American, holidays like this always come with a bit of complexity. Just a few weeks ago, many of us gathered for Juneteenth cookouts, honoring the true day of freedom for our ancestors who were still enslaved back in 1776. Holding space for both of these histories is part of our unique journey. But there is also a fascinating shift that happens when you look at home from the outside. One year ago today, I was in Guadalajara, Mexico, and I was in a lot of physical pain, actively adjusting to a major mobility challenge after an injury a couple of weeks prior. However, my son and I were determined to find some comfort food. We searched high and low across the city for some authentic barbecue ribs. It was a hilarious, beautiful mission, and being a "foreigner" in Mexico made us feel more connected to our identity back home. Whether you are surrounded by family today, raising a glass from a café half a world away, or navigating your own unexpected physical or life transitions. You don't need a crowded room to celebrate how far you’ve come. Sometimes the most profound gratitude is found when you're looking out an unfamiliar window, honoring your history, and realizing you are stronger than you ever gave yourself credit for. To the 8 (and counting!) members in our community: How are you marking today? Are you tapping into that solo travel lifestyle? Have you found creative ways to bring a piece of home to where you are? Let’s share in the comments!

Leaving your home country to live abroad doesn't mean leaving your people. Dr. Davia gets honest about the guilt of expat life — and the intentional rituals that keep her connected from Bangkok to her front porch back home. This is part of the Wiser Abroad series on my YouTube Channel, where I'm sitting down with women who chose themselves, crossed an ocean, and built a life on their own terms. In this community, we are sharing our experiences and learning how we can slow travel abroad or move completely. I was honored to stay in Bangkok with Dr Davia for 6 weeks earlier this year. She has an amazing story. You can also learn about her from the full episode at @OnSabatticalwithDrCrystal or her channel with is called NOT.... ALL the Things (@DrBrownFranklyn)

Here is a very special article from my Substack on how we have always used to travel to escape and find freedom. https://open.substack.com/pub/drcrystallharris/p/the-radical-restorative-power-of?r=1o4srk&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Hello, Savvy Sisters! 🌿 As we continue to build this space together, I’ve been reflecting on the transitions we are all navigating—whether it’s moving toward a sabbatical, a career pivot, or simply finding our footing after a season of burnout. Transitions are hard. And truthfully, most of us were never taught how to do them well. We are taught to push, to hustle, and to keep moving forward. But lately, I’ve been practicing the "sacred art of endings"—finding the space to stop, rest, and let go of what no longer fits. I just published a new piece on Substack called "My Savasana: Learning the Sacred Art of Endings and Letting Go." It’s a very vulnerable reflection on my own struggles with letting go—from my mother’s passing to leaving Chicago—and why I believe the practice of "Savasana" (or deep rest) is the only way to successfully move into our next chapter. I’d love for you to read it, but I’d love even more to hear from you right here. In the spirit of our community, I’ll ask the question I posed in the article: What is one thing (a worry, a role, an old routine, or an expectation) that you are currently trying to let go of, but find yourself still carrying? Let’s support each other in letting go. You can read the full reflection here: https://open.substack.com/pub/drcrystallharris/p/my-savasana-learning-the-sacred-art?r=1o4srk&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Blessings for Peace, Joy and Ease this week!