I keep seeing this meme floating around in travel groups on Facebook. Well – I saw it twice already, and loads of women chime in “Yes, girl!!! That’s what I’m saying!! I’m heading to Turks and Caicos (or insert wherever) right now!”

That’s great. If you are young (or older, by whatever gauge you use) and you are childless, and that’s a huge benefit to you and your lust for travel, that’s all good and well.

There’s no one way to do life though (and they may not be insinuating there is), and I for one, am happy I had my kids when I was younger (I mean like, by the time I was 25) because I’m still youthful and I now have the means to take lengthier trips here and there. I also have three grown children who let me know often how much they appreciate and adore me. In the full circle moments – and they come swiftly and often anytime I engage with them or look back on my life and think about the sacrifices I’ve made – I realize over and over again that it was all worth it.

I still went away – traveling internationally with my kids and or with friends/ family. Stateside trips, and the like. Other times, I chose not to leave them in other people’s care (not even when I had the opportunity to travel to faraway places like Brazil and Argentina on my employer’s dime) so I stayed home – against the advice of people who told me they’d be just fine, with me being away for weeks. Because I found that balance, we all have a tight bond.

I know having children at an early age (I did at 16, and I don’t encourage that), or at any age, can definitely slow your roll; however, it’s a limited mindset that sees the proposition as an either/or (I can either travel or have children), unless you don’t have the means financially or you just don’t want to be bothered with children at your juncture in life. Cool. Brag on.

There’s no right or wrong way to do it. Have children now, later, or never – and you can still get to do all the things you want to in life. Things will still unfold. Desires can still be met. I am living proof of that. I can and will have it all. It starts in the mind though.

What would I encourage my children to do?

Live all you want to. Enjoy your talents and hobbies and passions and gain your footing. Seize opportunities that make you happy and be responsible. Travel if/ when you’re able to if you desire that.

I’ve been a better example to them than anyone else. No worries.

Categories: Random, Rants, Travel Stories

Tags: black women traveling, Lifestyle, memes, mommies who travel, Parenting, parents traveling, Reflections, single women traveling, Travel, travel groups, wanderlust