Where Are You Going?

In just two days, I’m jetting off on an Andean adventure in Peru. In a few months, I’ll be lounging in Italy, and maybe working in Hawaii in between.

We’re likely heading south for the winter, and in the past three months alone, we’ve traveled through 12 different states.

While this might sound like a not-so-humble brag about my nomadic lifestyle… hear me out.

Some people see this list and think, “Wow! I want to do that!” while others might say, “Geez, that’s exhausting,” or maybe even, “Great you’re doing it, but I’m glad to be home.”

And to be honest, sometimes I think all those same thoughts, all at once!

That’s the thing about being human—and especially about the nature of our internal world—we can hold multiple, sometimes conflicting feelings and thoughts simultaneously.

This is a fundamental truth uncovered in parts work: different “parts” of ourselves have their own perspectives, desires, fears, and needs.

One part of me, the Nurturer, feels gratitude and care for myself amid this adventure. Another part, my Free Spirit, delights in the excitement and freedom of travel.

Meanwhile, my Inner Child needs constant soothing and reassurance that everything will be okay, even if things feel uncertain.

Then there’s the Inner Critic, always ready to remind me to stay practical, stay on track, and be responsible. And finally, my Adult self keeps an eye on the budget and the bigger picture, ensuring I don’t overextend myself physically, mentally, or financially.

Working with these parts is not just a mental exercise—it’s deeply rooted in somatic therapy and nervous system regulation.

When we travel or go through life transitions, our nervous system can get activated, overwhelmed by new stimuli, unpredictability, or stress.

Parts work helps us recognize and name these different internal voices and sensations, allowing us to regulate our nervous system by acknowledging each part’s feelings and needs.

It’s about integrating the whole self so that the mind and body can move through change with less anxiety and more ease.

So, I’m curious: where are YOU going?

Maybe it’s not a physical trip or vacation. Maybe you’re navigating a big transition—starting a new job, ending or beginning a relationship, moving to a new city, or setting a fresh goal. Or maybe it’s simply a new chapter within yourself, a personal transformation or healing journey.

Wherever it is, I invite you to pause and check in with your different parts. What is the Nurturer in you feeling? Is she relieved, excited, or worried about this change? What about your Inner Child? Is she scared, overwhelmed, or hopeful? How is your Inner Critic responding? Is it protective or judgmental? And what does your Adult self say—practical, grounded, and ready to guide you through the transition?

This kind of internal dialogue is more than just self-reflection—it’s an essential practice in trauma therapy and healing.

Trauma often fragments our nervous system and parts of ourselves get stuck in survival modes—fear, shame, or avoidance. When you engage with your parts consciously and compassionately, you can begin to soothe those parts, helping your nervous system settle and your whole self to integrate.

When I actively listen to my parts, I often use somatic tools—deep breathing, body scans, or grounding exercises—to help calm my nervous system. These practices allow me to feel safe inside my body even as I navigate external uncertainty. It’s one thing to intellectually understand change; it’s another to embody the change in a way that feels sustainable and healing.

So, as you prepare for your next step—whether it’s a literal journey or a metaphorical one—remember this: your whole self is coming along for the ride. Embrace the dialogue happening inside you, honor each part’s voice, and lean into the power of your Adult Self to lead with compassion and clarity.

Wherever you are going, may you feel supported by your own inner wisdom and the healing journey unfolding inside you.