Austin Adventures, Part 3: Facing Fear


Since I was a kid, I’ve had a fear of doing things that are outside of my comfort zone. When I started traveling earlier this year, I decided that each trip would include something that pushes me past self-limiting beliefs. This is the third part in my Austin Adventures series, check out Part 1 &…

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Flying/Traveling and Essential Oils


I’ve found that I really enjoy bringing essential oils when I travel for a number of reasons. I feel like the biggest benefit to oils is that they help calm and ground me and when I’m literally in the air, with feelings of anxiety about arriving safely or just what to expect when I arrive somewhere,…

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Discovering Essential Oils- Join me!


This year my focus has been on wellness and finding peace and happiness in being alone and discovering how essential oils have helped me to be calm and feel a sense of relaxation. I first started using oils for neck pain and stress relief, but I quickly realized that I could use it for making…

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Watkins Glen, walking under waterfalls and being a weekend warrior


Journal entry: Today is going to be about being present and mindful in my experiences, with friends and others around me, to be and feel amazing.  Earlier in the year, I had mentioned to one of my best friends, Jen, about taking a trip to Watkins Glen to see the amazing waterfalls. We decided we’d…

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Denver Experience, Part 4


September 28 Journal Entry: I believe in the power of just being aware of the space where you are, and I love that about our group. We talked about our challenges and what’s stopping us from moving closer to this life we want.  Friday morning kicked off the Location Indie Denver Experience, the conference that…

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Denver Experience, Part 3


This is the third in a series of stories from my experience traveling to Denver, Colorado. Please read the second one here.  September 26 Journal Entry: As I stepped onto the gravel pathway, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, I took a moment to be grateful for this moment, and vowed to…

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Denver Experience, Part 2


  September 24 Journal Entry- This week will challenge me, drive me, and motivate me. I think about all the possible outcomes and know that the people I meet are going to have such a profound effect on my life. I will take what I learn and write about it, finding ways to use the…

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Denver Experience, Part 1


“Dare to live the life you’ve always wanted.” As I walked on the gravel trail through City Park in Denver, I thought about how I got here, to this amazing and vibrant city. The air was different in Denver, and I was different, I was so excited on the plane because I knew I’d meet…

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10 Years, 100 Lbs, 1000 lessons


“Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance.” ― Steven Pressfield 10 years ago I made a decision that I was going to put myself first. I was going to make significant changes to my lifestyle, to get the body I wanted,…

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One red balloon offers a bird’s-eye view


“Use every person’s skill set to the fullest. Both optimists and pessimists contribute. An optimist invents the hot air balloon, and a pessimist invents the parachute.” ― Ramesh Lohia and Surbhi Lohia The annual Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Festival kicked off on Friday, Sept. 8 and eager to capture some images of the balloons, I drove…

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Discovering Adventure & Strength while Kayaking in the Susquehanna River


“Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.” ― Lucius Annaeus Seneca It started as a calm, breezy Sunday evening. After a very productive weekend of household chores, writing, and journaling, I wanted to enjoy the remaining few hours of the weekend out on the river with a friend, relaxing in a kayak on the…

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Balance at Raymondskill Falls


“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself in your way of thinking.” ― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations On a recent hike, I found myself working to keep myself balanced on rocks in a stream, to keep from falling in, getting my tennis shoes wet. It takes an effort to keep from…

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Rediscovering Annville, my hometown


“If you really want to escape the things that harass you, what you’re needing is not to be in a different place but to be a different person.” ― Seneca, Letters from a Stoic Recently I took on a challenge to walk around my hometown of Annville, PA as a tourist. I’ve always wanted to…

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Feeling Connected at Sweet Arrow Lake


“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” ― Brené Brown As I walked on the trails of Sweet Arrow Lake with my friend Jen, I felt a…

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Learning History on Gravity Trail


“As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.” ― Seneca On my 30-something birthday I continued the tradition I started last year, to get outside and go for a hike. Unlike last year, this time I went hiking alone. I traveled to Gravity…

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Discovering Japanese culture and traditions at the Cherry Blossom Festival


“You will never know the moon or stars, unless you breathe in their solar system and inspect it from many diverse vantage points as possible.” ― Shannon L. Alder The world really is an interesting place in which to discover unique history, inspiring people, and fascinating sights. Although I have my sights set on traveling…

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Learning to Live life like it’s a Circus


I recently went to the Circus. Not Ringling Brothers Circus or Barnum & Bailey, but a small local circus that comes into Harrisburg once a year. The 71st Annual Zembo Shrine Circus, located on N. 3rd Street & Division Streets in the city, the unique building is one of Harrisburg’s gems. It’s a throwback to…

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Coaching, Yoga, and Learning More


The past three months I practiced yoga, meditation and walking on a daily basis and began a coaching program for transformation of mindset and weight loss. Here are the changes and improvements I made in the last 12 weeks. I learned so much about myself and I’m so excited to continue the learning. My journaling/tracking…

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Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival 2018


{Photos by Deb Schell created on March 11, 2018} I attended the 5th Annual Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival this past weekend. Check out my photos from some of the artists. More Photos

Saying goodbye to my comfort zone


“Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.” ― Seneca In the new year I didn’t exactly make “resolutions” but I did set some intentions to create better habits. These include working on improving my physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I often think that I wish I could see people I admire while they…

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Light at Little Buffalo State Park


Last Sunday, in 11-degree weather, I ventured out solo to Little Buffalo State Park for a winter hiking adventure. Recently I decided to make changes to choices I make by stepping up instead of stepping back. I know that I can handle the cold, and I look forward to being in nature, so there’s no reason…

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Inspiration, Meditation, and the joy in being alone at Caledonia State Park


“True belonging and self-worth are not goods; we don’t negotiate their value with the world. The truth about who we are lives in our hearts.” ― Brené Brown Last Sunday I decided to travel to Caledonia State Park, which is in Adams and Franklin counties, midway between Chambersburg and Gettysburg along the Lincoln Highway, US…

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Feeling alive at Lehigh Gorge State Park


“Thus sometimes hath the brightest day a cloud; And after summer evermore succeeds Barren winter, with his wrathful nipping cold: So cares and joys abound, as seasons fleet.” – William Shakespeare The cold weather has arrived and it reminded me today just how cold winter feels, and that feeling means I’m alive. Life is short….

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