LOVE + TRAVEL

formerly known as, from the desk of Rachel Leeke.

Last week, I hit one year of writing for myself.

Choosing to write weekly has been a space of imagination for me. It’s a place of play where I’ve allowed myself to be guided more by intuition than a strict plan. It is a break from daily life, where so much is timed and calculated - I get to operate from a space of feeling rather than thinking.

I’ve also learned so much about myself through the process. For example, proceeding with urgency but without preparation sometimes often trips me up. And, conveying genuine emotion through the written word only works when I can connect and access that emotion within myself. But, mostly, writing has prompted me to slow down, pause, and ask, “What am I really trying to say?” It’s challenged me to be even more intentional with my words while also growing comfortable sitting with the unknown until I am clear on how I want to move forward.

The more I write, the more effortlessly the words flow. Each word typed and every sentence crafted has contributed to a growing sense of consistency and fluency in my expression.

It’s interesting to think this journey began when a contract managing communications for a brand ended. Instead of letting the joy that came from creating vanish from my schedule, I saw it as an opportunity for self-investment. I decided to experiment by retaining the same time block and redirecting it towards nurturing my own creativity.

Closed doors reveal nearby opportunities.

Which brings me to today.

My favorite part of writing is chronicling my life through the lens of love and travel.

Both elements provide exploration, discovery, and enrichment. They stimulate personal growth and deepen our understanding of ourselves and our world. I feel most free when erasing the bounds around my mind, body, and heart. I am grateful to connect with others who aren’t afraid to explore new landscapes within themselves and the world.

Think of this new heading as an expansion of everything I already talk about, but expect added elements that I will share in new and exciting ways. You can expect the heartfelt writing, lists, and poetry you’ve come to enjoy, but now, with book reviews, event rundowns, and so much more to come.

Thank you for choosing to read along. It means so much to me.

With all my heart and then some,

RL