Hey Reader!

It’s been one hell of a hot minute since we’ve connected! When I decided to stop writing the Indie Travel Dispatch, I truly didn’t imagine that it would be nearly a year before I’d be back. 🤯

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I have no desire to rehash the chaos of 2023, so let’s just say it was a wild ride -- some of the hardest moments of my life mixed with some of the most incredible ones too.

Now that the dust has (mostly) settled, I finally have space to think about what comes next.

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While travel will always be part of my life, it’s not the action of moving about the globe that I love -- it’s the exploration and opportunity to indulge my curiosity that really lights me up!

Since I last wrote to you, I’ve been pondering what it would look like to expand my business and creative projects into these underlying themes of curiosity and exploration.

You see, exploration isn’t really about the places we go or the adventures we have. Exploration is a mindset and a lifestyle. It’s a way of engaging ourselves, the world around us, and the human experience with curiosity as our guide.

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Over the years, I’ve discovered that when I allow curiosity, creativity, and courage to lead the way, everything feels lighter -- I laugh more, find delight in the smallest things, and feel like the best version of myself.

I want more of that! You too? Cool. Let’s do this. 🙌

Let’s explore together…

Next week, I’m launching a new publication -- The Explorer’s Log. It’s the place where I will finally share the observations, stories, and lessons learned over the last 15+ years of doing life this way.

Here’s what to know about The Explorer’s Log:

• It’s going to be reader-driven. We explore together. In every issue, you’ll get to have a say in future stories, topics, and conversations.
• It will be published on Substack, so the format will look slightly different. I’m hopeful that it will be cleaner and easier to engage with!
• I’m using the pen name Annie Slade because most people can't remember, spell, or pronounce Sisson. 🤷‍♀️ Slade is a nod to my Scottish ancestry, and I love the play on words!
• Check your spam or 'Promotions' folder if you don't see it on Thursday or Friday (the life of an explorer requires flexibility!).

That’s all for now! See you soon.

Cheers,

Annie

P.S. It feels SO good to be back! Hit reply and tell me what you’ve been exploring lately!