Packing Softness and Self-Trust: What Work Trips Have Taught Me
A reflective look at how work trips taught me to balance comfort, confidence, and growth.
Hey y’all Hey,
I’m back from my March work trip. And honestly? I’m exhausted.
Last week, I traded my cozy home setup for team dinners, professional development seminars, and hours of small talk. My social battery is officially on 1%.
But here’s the thing… it was worth it.
This Time Felt Different
I’ve been with my company for almost three years now—long enough to know my role, understand the culture, and (finally) feel comfortable in my own skin.
But that doesn’t mean the old thoughts didn’t sneak in:
Am I talking too much? Or not enough?
How do others view me?
Am I adding value—or just filling space?
Those questions used to spiral me. But this time? I was prepared for…everything! for anything!
Softness in My Suitcase
I’ve mentioned before that when I first started traveling for work, I was a mess.
I cried the night before my first trip. I begged my husband not to make me go. I considered faking an emergency. But since then, I’ve done the shadow work to ease the anxiety around these trips.
Now? I pack more than outfits and Zofran. I pack small comforts. I pack softness.
Meghan Sussex was not waiting for me at my hotel, so I had to bring the hospitality with me. No worries, I took all the notes and made sure I had:
🛁 French Vanilla Shower Steamer – A treat for unwinding after a long day.
🌸 Soothing Face Mask – To bring me back to myself (and to hide exhaustion)
🔥 Heating Pad – Because comfort should always travel with me.
These little rituals may seem high maintenance or excessive, but to me, they are a lifeline. They give me something to look forward to when I’m missing home—and remind me I’m taking care of myself even when I’m away. They help me maintain routine and self-care. Perhaps most importantly, ground me.
Traveling Alone Hits Different
Here’s the thing—I love traveling. Traveling with other people, more specifically, my husband is one of my absolute favorite things. And I am not embarrassed to admit that I am THE travel princess.
I like ease. I like comfort. I like not having to be on guard all the time. My ideal airport scenario is one in which I use all my brain cells on lay over snacks and which episode of Business Wars we’re listening to on the plane.
But when I’m traveling alone? Whew.
Navigating the airport.
Being hyper-aware in the Uber.
Watching my surroundings, always on high alert.
By the time I make it to the hotel, I’m already overstimulated and ready for a 10-hour nap.
The preparation I put in before the trip helps balance that. It affords me the ability rest how I need to, even when the world is moving fast.
The Emotional Intelligence Moment I Didn’t Expect
So, this was a typical conference filled with keynote speakers, small team meetings, and break out session. My favorite breakout session was on emotional intelligence. Specifically, because of the aforementioned shadow work, I felt seen, I felt heard.
The speaker was energetic and spoke about emotional intelligence in a way that I hadn’t heard before. She spoke not only of managing emotions but also of recognizing how emotions shape the spaces we move through
Her session felt deeply personal to me.
All this preparation I’ve been doing. It’s not just about avoiding anxiety or being comfortable. It’s emotional intelligence in practice.
Knowing what I need before I need it.
Creating space to rest and reset.
Giving myself permission to be soft and strong.
What I Brought Back with Me
Now that I’m back home, I’ve had time to reflect—and I’m carrying these truths with me:
✅ Pushing myself doesn’t have to feel violent. Growth can be gentle.
✅ Preparation is an act of self-love. Knowing what I need is powerful.
✅ Rest after the stretch is non-negotiable. I’m giving myself grace to not have it all figured out this week.
Final Thoughts
This trip reminded me how far I’ve come.
From crying before my first solo work trip…
To packing softness alongside confidence.
How do you prepare for big moments when life moves faster than you’re used to?
I’d love to hear from you.
With rest, reflection, and a little softness,
Ty 💻🖤
Well written, Ty. Giving yourself time and space to grow into new adventures really is important. I still remember the first time I made cold calls back in the mid-80s, traveling an assigned route as a tool salesman. I’d walk in, hand the store manager our monthly sales flyer and my business card, and nervously ask, “You don’t need anything, do you?” I was so anxious to get out of there! But after a few calls, I started getting more comfortable with the process—and eventually, I became one of the top salesmen in the company.
Loved this soft read.