We’ve all heard the saying, “life is short.” It’s something people say all the time, often without much thought behind it. How often do we pause to consider what those words really mean?

If you know me at all, you know that Walt Disney World holds a special place in my heart. I am proud to be what is referred to as a Disney Adult. Disney is my happy place, a magical escape where I can leave adult responsibilities behind and feel completely carefree, if only for a few days. People often wonder why I would spend so much time and money on a place that is “just for kids.” The answer is that I don’t want to regret not taking the trip or making the memories.

I’ve always had a passion for travel. It’s something that’s been part of me since my teenage years. I’m endlessly fascinated by exploring new places, learning about different cultures, and seeing how the locals live. I’m especially drawn to the rich histories of ancient lands, their architecture, traditions, and discovering the unique beauty each corner of the world has to offer. Every detail tells a story, and I love soaking it all in. I have been blessed to visit some amazing places in the world (Rome, Turks and Caicos, Mexico, Alaska, Florence, Paris, Barcelona, Ghana, Jamaica…..), but I still have so many other places on my Bucket List!

Some of my most vivid and fondest memories from my childhood are from our family vacations: the trip to Disney World when my little brother and I were eleven and five years old, long road trips to Texas to visit extended family, summers with our grandma going to her neighborhood pool and the children’s museum. I can’t imagine my childhood without these experiences.

When my brother, David, passed away in 2018, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Since then, the phrase “life is short” has taken on a whole new meaning. It’s something I carry with me every single day. It became more real to me than ever that not a single one of us is promised another moment. That truth has reshaped how I approach travel. Money returns, but time doesn’t wait.

Memories Over Stuff
One thing I’ve never regretted is choosing to take a trip. Saying yes to new experiences, to exploring unfamiliar places, and to moments that offer real growth and perspective is a priority for me. As I’ve grown, I’ve decided that the memory of a sunrise from a mountaintop, the taste of a dish I’ve never tried before, or the smiles of people I’ve met along the way far outweigh any material possession I could ask for.

Real Connection—To the World and Yourself
Some of the most memorable moments in my life have happened far from home, standing in places rich with history, or being humbled and in awe of the earth’s natural beauty. Travel offers a unique perspective. It deepens our understanding of other cultures and ways of life, but it also reveals a lot about ourselves; our limits, our strengths, and our capacity to adapt to things outside of our comfort zones. It builds confidence and a sense of independence and adventure.

Growth You Can’t Buy
I’ve discovered that travel has a unique way of challenging you. It encourages us to step outside our routine, whether that means navigating a menu in another language or finding our way through an unfamiliar city. These moments build resilience and adaptability, and foster patience, curiosity, and a broader perspective. We return not just with memories, but with a deeper understanding of the world outside ourselves.

My Personal Plea to You

I write this not as a travel brochure, but as a heartfelt reminder: don’t wait. Book that ticket. Say “yes” to the adventure. Don’t let dreaming and planning endlessly postpone the living.

Life is short. It can be heart-achingly fragile. But every sunrise you watch in a new place, every stranger who becomes a friend, every dish you taste for the first time…that’s how you live!

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How to Start (Even If You Think You Can’t)

• Set a Little Goal: Choose one place you’ve always dreamed of and give yourself a timeline: six months, a year, etc.
• Start Saving in Small Chunks: Skip one coffee run a week. Funnel that into a “trip fund.” It adds up faster than you think.
• Research Local Gems: You don’t have to go halfway around the world to feel transformed. Sometimes the most magical escapes are just a short drive away.
• Invite a Friend or Go Solo: Both have their own magic. Traveling with loved ones creates shared stories. while traveling alone invites self-discovery.

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In Memory—and In Celebration

I carry my brother in my heart every day of my life and on every journey. When I feel his absence, I honor him by living big, by exploring new horizons, by saying “yes,” and by reminding everyone I love that time is a precious gift.

Don’t let “one day” become “never.” Take the trip. Create the memory. Live the story you’ll be proud to tell.

You’ll never regret the adventures you take—but you will regret the ones you let slip away.

In Loving Memory of

David Charles Hinds

September 7, 1987 – May 12, 2018