World Mental Health Day

Them: Cha, where are you now?

Me: We Outside!

Yes as cool and exciting as that may sound to have a travel itinerary that spanned two months it soon became very daunting and disorienting especially as the world is still trying to figure itself out. After being in the US for so long, unwillingly, I was looking forward to this season. Which was originally scheduled for me to each country for two weeks max and only be home for no more than a total of seven days. Yep, #TheChaLife, right?! As many people would dream of an itinerary like such it simply got overwhelming especially with the various Covid measures and maintaining client deliverables across various time zones. During one of my adventures, I was gut-checked by intuition to challenge the very concept that I worked so hard to build, Cha the Traveling Sommelier was now questioning where she should be and the work opportunities invite she had been waiting so long to receive. 

As a large practitioner of self-care, because it is a lifestyle choice, not just a hashtag. I am here to tell you it takes a lot of self-awareness to truly be able to assess your own mental health. And if you need help ask for it. Today is World Mental Health Day I post this as a reminder to take inventory of yourself, TODAY!

After returning back home and checking in with myself here are my finding of this current season: 

Remove scarcity mindset: Believe that there will be an abundance of opportunities in my future to visit and work with the right people. Saying no and suggest another time or person is a sign of growth and awareness related to my current assignment. Give yourself the grace and space you need to show up.

Get realistic with my body: It takes a large amount of regiment endurance to travel. (yes I believe running to the tarmac with overpacked carry-on should be an Olympic sport)  Listen to your mind and body develop a routine/habits for when I am doing intense traveling to last when on the road. Yes, this is one of my What Would Beyonce Do? Moments, she has a team who helps her but she is the one who can get on stage in multiple countries and show up full of energy every night. Get disciplined for your Beyonce moments. Your time is now, so train like you own it!

Seek Counsel: Currently have a business coach and therapist, yes they both are necessary especially as a small business owner. Had a therapist for years and in my worst days I may have visited her twice a week and when I am doing good I would speak to her once a season. Realize keeping in conversation with my therapist to understand what fills me when I am happy is equally important to help me get out of the funks. And she suggested I get a business coach as I would ask her for advise on things that were pressing me related to work and that has been the perfect balance to have someone who knows my growth plan to help me make decisions. If you don’t have a mentor to consult this a business coach is a great option to have in your back pocket. And consulting the Bible and reading autobiographies of people I look up to are part of my daily practice of seeking counsel.

Question my travels: what’s my ‘why’? I understand the inviting party may have their reason but what do I personally/professionally gain from this trip. This is a hard one as travel sometimes feels like my kryptonite but it also saves me. Understand my current assignment and where I need to be is very important. Being at the right place at the right time can set you up for the next level. Someone you met on the plane, an idea you get while in the vineyards, or even getting much-needed sleep because you didn’t take that trip. Either way, taking the step back to evaluate my why for each trip gave the best result for all parties.

Travel will always play a major role in my identity, regardless if I am traveling for work, pleasure, and even the trips that never make the gram. I am currently exploring new ways to travel even when I am not traveling through education about new wine regions, exploring spirits, language learning, foreign Fridays through music and films, and of course a good ole road trips to change up the scenery. 

#TheChaLife