I help first-time and infrequent travelers create memories of a lifetime with custom, stress-free itineraries. I've visited 26+ countries and lived abroad for 4 years; I've made the mistakes so you don't have to.
Share
[FIRST NAME GOES HERE], I am living proof that you don't need to have everything figured out; you just need to make the next intentional decision.
Published 2 months ago • 3 min read
Reader,
I am living proof that you don't need to have everything figured out; you just need to make the next intentional decision.
What matters is having a clear mental picture or creating a physical image of what you want to accomplish.
When life feels overwhelming, that vision reminds you where you are going and helps you decide what deserves your attention next. As Stephen Covey, the author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, taught,
“Begin with the end in mind.”
Recently, I began bringing my vision for a bedroom in my mother’s house to life. Before purchasing anything, I imagined how I wanted the finished room to look and feel: warm, comfortable, peaceful, and filled with boho-inspired character.
I cannot complete the entire room in one day with everything going on. But I can be intentional about my decisions, so I decided to do one thing each week to move the room forward.
I started with the walls, doors, trim, and ceiling. Each week, I will complete another piece—flooring, curtains, bedding, lighting, and finishing touches.
My vision for the bedroom
The process reminds me of preparing for international travel.
Many people believe they must have the entire trip paid for, every detail planned, and complete confidence before they can begin. But most dreams are not built that way.
You begin with the end in mind and then make the next decision.
Maybe your end goal is standing in Ghana, seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, or finally relaxing on a Caribbean beach.
True story: I once had the Roman Colosseum on my vision board. One Sunday, my then pastor in Georgia announced that our church choir had been invited to sing in Italy, and the congregation was welcome too. The opportunity appeared at a time when I was moving into a new apartment. I had to pay rent and utility deposits, purchase furniture, and all the other expenses that come with moving to a new place.
Money was tight. But I was determined to check the Colosseum (my first New Wonder of the World) off my bucket list. I held a garage sale, sold things I no longer needed, and used the money to pay my trip deposit.
The Roman Colosseum in Rome, Italy
A clear vision can influence what captures our attention. Once a goal becomes personally meaningful, you may notice resources, information, and opportunities that you previously overlooked. Visualization doesn't do the work for you, but it can help you focus on the next decision.
I’m practicing this same principle as I prepare for the Essence of Ghana Tour in 2027.
This week I applied and got approved for an American Express Platinum Card. I will earn 175,000 Membership Rewards points after meeting my spending requirement with money I was going to spend anyway. My goal is to use those points toward my airfare to Ghana.
What is one decision you can make this week to move closer to your picture?
Applying for your first passport
Opening a dedicated travel savings account
Reserving your place on The Essence of Ghana Tour 2027
Other ______________________________
Which step are you taking?
Hit reply and tell me. I would genuinely love to cheer you on.
✈️ Travel Tip of the Week
1st Global Entry Card
If international travel is part of your vision, Global Entry can make returning to the United States faster, and it includes TSA PreCheck benefits. The application costs $120, and membership lasts five years.
Some travel cards, including the American Express Platinum Card, may reimburse the application fee. If you don’t live near an enrollment center, conditionally approved applicants may be able to complete the interview through Enrollment on Arrival when returning from an international trip.
You may not have every detail figured out, but you can still create a clear vision for where you want to go. Every intentional decision moves you closer to the life you once only imagined.
Begin with the end in mind, then take the next step.
Until next week,
Chalanda Michelle ✨
Stress less. Travel more. Create memories of a lifetime. ✈️
Disclosure: Some links are affiliate or referral links. If you apply, open an account, or make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive compensation or rewards at no additional cost to you. Please review the terms, fees, and eligibility requirements before applying.
I help first-time and infrequent travelers create memories of a lifetime with custom, stress-free itineraries. I've visited 26+ countries and lived abroad for 4 years; I've made the mistakes so you don't have to.
Greetings, Reader! Moment of transparency: my bedroom makeover has officially surpassed my budget. 😅 Between Lowe’s, Home Depot, Ollie’s, and Amazon, creating my little sanctuary has added up, and I’m still not finished! Bedroom Vision Board via ChatGPT Along the way, I’ve been exploring payment options on my existing cards. With American Express Plan It, I can spread eligible purchases over monthly payments with a fixed monthly fee. A six-month plan gives me some breathing room, and 12-month...
Reader, Tuscaloosa (my hometown) is hungry for African food. I see the Facebook posts all the time from people asking where to find African food. Even my students ask me about fufu, and I love that they know what it is. Social media is making the world smaller. Everywhere I travel, I make it a point to try the national dishes. Food connects you to a culture. Every dish offers a taste of its traditions and its people. Not just through its flavors, but through how it’s prepared, served, and...
How helpful is this newsletter in making you feel more informed and confident about traveling? Extremely helpful—I use what I learn Very helpful—I always find something valuable Somewhat helpful—only certain topics apply to me Not very helpful—I need different content I’m a new reader—ask me again soon Reader, I thought I was sharing a little piece of Ghana with my students. Then my TikTok video started making its rounds in Ghana, and Ghana had something to say. 😂🇬🇭 The video showed me...
