I almost said no to this trip.

On May 16th, I boarded a flight to Barranquilla, Colombia, to a place that wasn't on my bucket list, for a trip I almost didn't take, with one of my best friends. It turned out to be exactly what I didn't know I needed.

Here's how it happened.

In late April, my coach asked me what three things I wanted in 2026. At the top of my list: a real vacation. Not a long weekend but a full week away. But between schedules, work, and the general chaos of life, it had stayed stuck in the "someday" category.

Hours (and I mean mere hours) after that conversation and being reminded of my power to co-create what I desire, an opportunity appeared: a week-long river cruise through Colombia.

This wasn’t a trip on my radar or a place on MY bucket list. But then I remembered it was a dream of my dear friend, Amara. Her father had grown up in one of the places we'd be visiting. She was also turning 50 this year and we hadn't yet planned our annual trip to see each other. The catch? The trip was less than 3 weeks away.

When I called her, we both agreed it was crazy to go.

And then we both decided it was crazier not to go, especially when everything was falling into place. We both miraculously had passports (that’s a whole other story), and there wasn’t anything on our calendars that either of us couldn't reschedule. The serendipities were stacked up like signs.

So we said YES. And that became the theme of the entire trip.

What else can we say yes to? What can we try? What can we explore?

I said yes to new foods, meeting new people, off-boat excursions, salsa dancing, practicing a language I don't speak, Cartagena's nightlife, bird-watching at 6 a.m., and deep, meaningful conversations. I tried drumming, a filigree workshop, medicinal moonshine, karaoke, and even a city walk with a photography lesson.

I saw beauty everywhere. In the land, in the rich culture of past and present, in the beautiful smiles of the Colombian people. Every single day brought a new place, new art, new music, and a new way of seeing the world.

The whole experience stretched me in the best way. There were times when I felt awkward, nervous, or out of my depth. And that also led to feeling more alive than I have in a long time.

The biggest gift? It reconnected me to my joy. The magical, childlike joy of curiosity, imagination, and discovery. The past few years have been heavy, and this trip helped me reclaim something I didn't realize I'd been missing. I laughed until my face hurt. I danced my heart out. I had deep, meaningful conversations and followed my wonder wherever it led. (Pics at the bottom of this email.) 

Our maître d' even commented on my glee and laughed when he caught me returning for another scoop of ice cream. (To put in my espresso, of course.) Joy is contagious. 

So, what from my story can you take into June? Here are a few ideas.

1. Your desires are speaking. A wish stated in a coaching session became a reality within hours. Don't underestimate the power of getting clear about what you want.

2. Discomfort and joy are not opposites. Sometimes one is the door to the other. Go do something out of your comfort zone. 

3. Joy isn't frivolous. It's fuel for truly living. Reclaim it and also protect it.

What if June is for joy? Where can you create some this month?