05/06/2025
Have you ever returned to a place you barely knew…
but somehow, it always felt like home?
Seven years ago, I passed briefly through Ubud.
And somehow, it never left me.
So when life cracked open —
when everything fell apart so better things could fall in —
I knew it was time.
I booked a one-way ticket back to Bali.
Alone, spontaneous… and a little nervous.
I landed late.
My driver was waiting at the airport with a sign and a smile.
We sang Bruno Mars under the stars on the winding ride to Ubud.
It already felt like magic.
I arrived at my accommodation around midnight —
a little unsure about showing up so late…
but to my surprise, a lovely man was waiting there,
offering a fresh coconut and the kindest welcome.
The next morning, I woke to soft green views and birdsong.
And something in me finally exhaled.
That first day, I gave myself everything I needed:
A slow vegan breakfast,
gentle wandering,
a yoga class,
warm conversations with locals,
and full permission to just be.
No schedule.
No shoulds.
Just a soul remembering how to breathe.
My first day in Ubud wasn’t loud.
But it was everything.
It was peace.
It was presence.
It was perfect. 🌿
