James Dylan

This summer was one for the books!

Good times. Good friends. Good memories.

First summer in years I didn’t escape to a far off place, and It couldn’t have been better.

It’s been a hot minute… time for a life update. 🌿✨

Over the past month, I’ve taken a major step back from social media — been living more offline, more grounded, and honestly… it’s felt amazing.

For the last two years, this page became the face of my online business — built to inspire, to promote, to “live the dream.” And in many ways, it was an incredible experience. I learned a lot, met amazing people and some not so amazing people, and got a crash course in entrepreneurship, personal growth, and… other things I’m still unpacking.

But life has shifted. My values, priorities, and vision for the future all look a little different now. New ideas, new direction, and a deeper sense of clarity. Needless to say, this space kind of fell off my radar — and I’m okay with that.

I’ll still be posting here, just more like I used to. Travel, sustainability, holistic living, good food, nature, and the messy, beautiful human experience. And yes, politics — because silence is complicity, and I don’t have the stomach for performative positivity anymore.

So here’s to change. To waking up. To choosing your own path, even when it ruffles feathers or raises questions.
This next chapter feels a lot more like me — and I’m excited to take you along for the ride. 🌍✈️

Let’s be real—flying around the world isn’t great for the environment. But that doesn’t mean we have to abandon sustainability while traveling. Small choices add up, and here’s what I do to minimize my impact:

✈️ Swap out liquids for solids – Toothpaste tablets, shampoo & conditioner bars make travel easier and cut down on plastic waste. Not using the toiletries provided by accommodations also saves on waste and sends them a message!
💧 Always carry a reusable water bottle – No need to spend ridiculous amounts on airport water bottles or live off single use plastics — just refill at safe water sources.
🛍 Be mindful of what you buy – Skip the cheap souvenirs…lets be honest here, most of the crap people buy while traveling isn’t authentic to that destination and will eventually end up in landfills anyway. Spend on experiences or locally made, high-quality goods instead.
🚶‍♂️ Choose better transportation – Walk when possible, rent a bike, or take trains instead of short-haul flights.
🏡 Support sustainable stays & tours – Many accommodations are shifting to eco-friendly practices—seek them out instead of big chains. If you like tours, find a company thats locally owned or invests back into smaller communities.
🌍 Get off the beaten path – Overtourism damages popular destinations. Explore less-traveled spots for a more authentic, waste-free experience.

You don’t have to be perfect—but being mindful makes a difference. If I missed anything let me know in the comments!

Don’t travel to Mexico, it’s too dangerous!🇲🇽

Ok, I am so sick of this narrative! So many Americans genuinely believe this because of how Mexico is portrayed in the media. Yes, bad things can happen there—but they can happen anywhere. The U.S. has daily shootings, yet no one says, “Don’t go to the grocery store. Don’t send your kids to school. It’s too dangerous.”

Mexico is a vibrant, beautiful country full of rich culture, amazing food, kind people, and incredible places to explore. Like anywhere, there are safe and unsafe areas. A little mindfulness goes a long way—just like it does at home.

So let’s stop with the irrational fear and start seeing the world for what it really is. I feel safer in Mexico then I do in the US right now, and that’s saying something!

Top 3 things I wish I knew before starting a business 💻

1️⃣ Success Takes Time – I knew it wasn’t an overnight thing, but I really didn’t grasp how long it could take. Living in the reality of slow progress, setbacks, and the uncertainty of when things will take off is a whole different experience. You have to be ready for that.

2️⃣ You Will Change—A Lot – When I started, I didn’t consider how much I’d evolve. My goals, finances, mindset—everything has shifted, and that’s impacted my business in ways I never expected. Growth is great, but it also means constant adaptation.

3️⃣ Personal Development is Non-Negotiable – At first, I thought I just needed to learn business skills. I had no idea how much inner work was required—mindset, confidence, resilience. Turns out, the more you grow personally, the more your business grows too.

Would knowing all this have changed my decision to start? Probably not. Because the truth is, you figure it out as you go. And that’s just part of the journey.

Spending time in nature is like hitting the reset button for the mind. 🌿✨

The fresh air, the deep connection to our Earth—it’s humbling to remember that we wouldn’t be here without nature. It’s not just a backdrop to our lives; it’s the literal reason we exist. When you’re surrounded by trees, plants, and wildlife, I promise you’ll feel more grounded and connected. Nature’s intricate balance and the way everything has a purpose, is fascinating to me—it helps me see the beauty in all things, even the ones we overlook. It’s hard to dwell on stress and anxiety when you’re surrounded by such raw beauty. 🌳

It always surprises me when people say nature isn’t for them. We’ve grown disconnected from the earth, yes, but at our core we are part of it. Nature isn’t just a place to visit—it’s where we come from, and where we can find peace again. 🌍

And just a little PSA - Nature is repeatedly under attack by careless governments who put profit over people and do not care for the future generations of our planet. Clean water, breathable oxygen, climate change and crucial species that allow us to thrive, are disregarded in the name of money.

Who you vote for, where you shop, and how you use your voice are all important in this ongoing fight.

Be mindful.
Be educated.
Be loud.

If your looking for ways to support the movement, DM me and I can help direct you!

Life Cycle of a Traveler ✈️🌍

Work, save, travel—then repeat. It’s a cycle many of us know all too well. You work hard, save up, quit your job and take an amazing trip, and then eventually… you’re back to work, counting the days until you can escape again. As incredible as this lifestyle is, it’s not sustainable long-term. Even two years into my business, I’m still sometimes caught in that same cycle.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to choose between the freedom of travel and financial security. For me, starting an online business is helping me change that cycle for good—and it’s helping others do the same. 🌍✨

If you’re stuck in that loop, it’s time to think about how you can build something for the future that lets you live your life on your terms.

The real reason I travel? To EAT! 🍽️

Food is medicine. Food is love. Food is life.

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’ll admit it – the #1 reason I travel is to dive into local dishes from different cultures. There’s something magical about tasting the authentic flavors of a place that you just can’t get at home. Each bite is like a first-class ticket to the history, traditions, and stories of that place. If you’re looking for a reason to book that next flight, make it for the food.

India, hands down, takes the crown for the most unforgettable food experience of my life. Not only is it a paradise for vegetarians, but the spices and flavors literally heal your mind, body, and soul.

These banana leaf thalis? Absolute vibes. We couldn’t get enough. If I had to pick one meal to come back for, it would definitely be this! 🌿✨

How I Balance My Nursing Career With My Online Business 🏥💻

When people hear I manage a successful online business alongside my nursing career, they’re often amazed that I can do both. After a long day at work, most people want to just kick back and relax, and that’s totally okay if that’s your choice. But if you’re wondering how I make it happen, let me share a few secrets with you!

1. Find a Job You Can Tolerate
First things first: you need to find a job that’s bearable. The income from your day job is important to support your business in the beginning, but if you’re miserable at work, it’ll be hard to stay motivated and focused on building something else. If your current job drains you, it’s time to find one you can at least tolerate!

2. Create a Routine That Works for You
Running a business is a journey of personal growth, and it takes balance. Establish a daily routine that supports both your career and your well-being. Prioritize your health, mindset, and development—because a strong foundation in all of these areas is the key to success. Create a schedule that works for YOU and stick to it.

3. Establish Non-Negotiables
Life is unpredictable, and obstacles will always come up. But when it comes to your business, there are certain daily tasks that need to be non-negotiable. Whether it’s reaching out to clients, checking in on your goals, or staying on top of your work, consistency is everything. These must-do tasks are what keep your business on track, no matter what life throws at you.

4. Make Time for Fun and Self-Care
Work hard, but play harder! Life can’t be all hustle. While sacrifices are necessary to get ahead, make sure you leave time for relaxation, hobbies, self-care, and outdoor adventures—whatever fuels your passion and gives you that spark. After all, it’s that balance that keeps you going!

If I can do it, so can you. It’s all about balance, persistence, and knowing that the hard work will pay off in the end!

How to overcome self-doubt and take action toward your dreams✨

Vulnerable moment incoming - Self-doubt is something I battle with every single day. Even when I push it aside, it’s still there, quietly whispering in the background—fear of failure, rejection, judgment.

But I’ve learned something important: self-doubt literally isn’t real.

It’s just fear in disguise, and it doesn’t have any evidence to back it up. To overcome it, I lean into positive self-talk, remind myself of my worth, and use affirmations to shift my mindset. Most importantly, I’ve adopted a ‘f**k what everybody thinks’ attitude.
The fear of what others think only holds you back. Shut out the negativity, take action, and trust that you’re capable of way more than your mind is telling you.

It’s time to stop letting self-doubt control your dreams!

My Commitment to Reducing Waste and How You Can Help👇

Reducing plastic waste has become one of my core values. I’ve made a conscious effort to change my habits—and I believe we all have the power to do the same. Here’s how I’ve been working toward reducing my waste footprint and how you can help too:

1. Avoiding Single-Use Plastics: I’ve stopped buying bottled water and foods packaged in plastic as much as possible. Instead, I use reusable containers and bottles!

2.Repurposing Plastic: If I do end up with plastic containers, I make sure to reuse or repurpose them somehow before they are thrown away.

3.Plastic-Free Hygiene Products: I’ve replaced all my hygiene products with plastic-free alternatives. Things like shampoo bars, bamboo toothbrushes, and refillable deodorants have been game changers. They work just as well (if not better!) and leave behind no waste.

But here’s the truth: we can’t rely on recycling to fix the plastic crisis. The sad reality is, a lot of plastic ends up in landfills or, worse, our oceans. Recycling alone isn’t enough—we need to change the way we consume.

The key to reducing plastic waste is changing our spending habits. Where we spend our money is essentially our vote for the future we want. Big companies like Coca-Cola are the #1 plastic polluters in the world, and by supporting industries that profit from plastic pollution, we’re sending the message that we don’t care about the environment.

I encourage you to be mindful about where you shop, what you buy, and how you live your life. The existence of plastic is rooted in convenience, and we’ve been conditioned to accept it without question. But we can question it. Small, conscious changes add up over time. Every plastic-free choice you make helps shift the tide. 🌿

If you’re looking to start, it doesn’t have to be perfect—it’s all about progress. So, whether it’s skipping the plastic bottle or switching to zero-waste alternatives, every little bit counts. We can create a cleaner, greener future, one choice at a time.

Need tips? Shoot me a DM!

Let’s do better for the planet.

🌍