I just got back from an amazing three-week trip to the UK with my family. We reconnected with loved ones, soaked in the sights, and learned so much about what it actually feels like to live our vision. Spending time away from home gave me a fresh look at what it means to truly step into a dream, rather than waiting for the “perfect” time.

This trip was more than just a getaway—it was a mini experiment for a vision we’ve held for a long time: spending extended time in Europe as a family. We’ve imagined it, talked about it, even mapped out a few steps here and there. But actually spending three weeks abroad was a wake-up call to what’s possible and what might need adjusting.

I came home with some insights that might just help you take that first step toward your own dreams. Here’s what I learned on this journey.

1. Get Out There and Try It

I love what Marie Forleo says: “Clarity comes from engagement, not from thinking about it.” I used to spend so much time trying to plan out every last detail, waiting for things to be “just right.” But here’s the truth—sometimes you don’t know what you need or want until you actually try it out! Whether it’s testing the waters in a new city, renting a beach house for a weekend, or just doing a mini version of your dream life, these experiences can give you so much clarity.

2. Find the Right Support for the Journey

One thing we learned real quick? Three weeks with no childcare made balancing family and work more challenging than expected. In the future, we know having childcare will be essential for us if we plan an extended stay. It’s not always obvious, but having support in place is a huge part of making your vision work, especially if it’s a long-term plan.

3. Explore Your Options

I’ve always been a city lover, so we naturally spent a lot of time in London. But we also ventured out to the countryside, and wow—it completely shifted our perspective! The slower pace, the green spaces… it really clicked for us as a family. Sometimes your dream is just a few tweaks away, and you’d never know it until you’ve actually experienced different versions of it.

4. Space Matters

When we hosted family, it became super clear that we’d need a bit more space to feel totally at ease. If we’re going to make this part of our lives, we’ll need a little more room to breathe and relax. So, for future trips, we’re already thinking bigger (literally) and envisioning a setup that allows us to welcome others comfortably.

5. Work Smarter, Not Harder

Trying to balance work and family while traveling was harder than I’d expected. Looking back, I think a more structured approach—dedicating specific days to work, specific days to play—would’ve helped a lot. Life is already a juggling act, and adding travel can make it even trickier. So, if you’re working toward a dream, think about what routines or boundaries you can put in place to make it easier on yourself.

6. Don’t Forget Self-Care

This one caught me off guard. Even though I know where to work out and keep a routine, I found it hard to fit in fitness during our stay. It reminded me how crucial it is to prioritize self-care, especially when you’re pursuing something new. Your well-being is the foundation, so build that into your vision from the get-go.

Don’t Wait for Someday

I think a lot of us get stuck in that “someday” mindset. We tell ourselves we’ll take that big leap once we have more money, more time, more stability… but when you put things off too long, you miss out on living. And here’s the thing: you don’t need to go all-in right away. Start small. Take a mini step. Even the tiniest action can get the ball rolling and bring your dream into focus.

A beautiful reminder for us? My husband recently found his dream car for $25,000 under value. He’d been wanting it for so long but didn’t think it was “time.” It was a little nudge from the universe that sometimes we just need to trust and take that first step, even if we don’t know how everything will play out.