The Year of Milestones: Lessons From 100 Days Around the World

2024 was a year of profound milestones. It was also a year that taught me how navigating major life changes back-to-back is rarely stress-free—but it’s often deeply rewarding. After three incredible years at Thrive Global, a tech startup dedicated to combating burnout and promoting wellness, my (now) husband and I decided to take a leap of faith.

In just two weeks, I left my job, got married, and boarded a 13-hour flight to Japan, embarking on a 100-day journey around the world. Our goal was simple: to prioritize well-being, strengthen our relationship, and embrace the kind of adventure that reshapes perspectives. It was an unconventional decision, but stepping away from work to invest in personal growth turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Looking back, the highlights of the year might seem obvious—getting married and traveling across cultures and continents. But what stands out most are the lessons learned along the way.

Joy Is Fueled by Connection

Some of the most meaningful moments from our travels were the simplest: a quiet morning cappuccino, a stunning view, or the first bite of a new dish. I’ll never forget the serenity of sunrise in Udaipur, India, where golden light illuminated the hills around Lake Pichola and the City Palace. It was a reminder that joy often comes from connecting with oneself.

But the greatest joys came through connection—with my husband, with strangers who became friends, and with the cultures we immersed ourselves in. This journey underscored how deeply intertwined joy and human connection are.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness has reached epidemic levels in the United States, with profound implications for mental health. During our travels, I was struck by the strength of familial and community bonds around the world. In India, multiple generations often live together. In Taiwan, we met a guide who visits her parents every weekend, lighting candles for them at a local temple. In Vietnam, a H’mong guide welcomed us into his home, sharing a traditional meal and walking us down the mountain with his son by his side.

Whether it was strangers rallying to support someone in need or communities celebrating shared achievements, these moments highlighted the importance of leaning into community. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, nothing compares to the power of in-person connection—a handshake, a hug, or simply meeting someone’s gaze.

Food Is More Than Just Nourishment

Food was a central thread throughout our journey, offering a window into history, culture, and tradition. From sipping King Coconut on the roadside in Sri Lanka to savoring steaming bowls of pho in Vietnam, every meal told a story.

In Japan, we learned that slurping ramen is a sign of appreciation. At a tiny ramen counter in Tokyo, I embraced this custom, savoring a bowl infused with porcini mushroom flavor. In Sri Lanka, our host showed us how to mix rice and curry by hand, creating a sensory experience that deepened our appreciation for the meal. Each dish, whether a vibrant curry or a delicate pudding, connected us to the people and traditions of the region.

Food became more than sustenance—it became a bridge, a way to connect and celebrate differences. Shared meals broke down barriers and reinforced the idea that food has the power to bring people together in profound ways.

The Value of Taking a Break

Choosing to take a three-month sabbatical came with mixed emotions—excitement, yes, but also guilt and uncertainty. Would stepping away harm my career? Was it irresponsible to pause for this kind of adventure?

As we shared our plans, the overwhelming response was encouragement: “Good for you,” people said. And they were right.

This break wasn’t just a time away from work—it was an investment in well-being, perspective, and renewal. Along the way, we met others doing the same. A couple from Melbourne was on a seven-month sabbatical. A young pair from Barcelona had chosen to take time off to travel. Even a former executive we met described leaving his role to recharge and rediscover his purpose.

Arianna Huffington said it best: “When we take breaks to reset and recharge, we are able to connect more authentically, work more productively, and perform at our best.” This experience affirmed that sometimes, the most valuable professional decision you can make is to step back and reset.

Final Reflections

Traveling for 100 days was a privilege—one I’ll never take for granted. We built connections, shared meals, and created memories that have forever enriched our lives. It wasn’t without challenges—there were moments of exhaustion, culture shock, and even food poisoning—but each hurdle was an opportunity to grow.

This journey taught me that the greatest rewards often come from stepping outside of your comfort zone. It reminded me of the value of community, the joy in connection, and the importance of taking time to pause and refocus.

Here’s to embracing adventure, building connections, and creating stories that last a lifetime.