* This blog was written on 6 December 2025 on a flight from Fuerteventura to Manchester Airport.*

As I finally boarded the flight back to Manchester, gratitude washed over me. Having the opportunity to enjoy a holiday is a true blessing, and though I was ready to get home, I chose to soak in the moment with appreciation. Ending my trip with a stay at an airport hotel, gave me time to reflect on what this journey meant to me.

Earlier that day, I experienced a moment of clarity about my personal goals. Without getting too personal, I had a moment of clarity about a major skills based goal I have been forming lately. This was an important moment of self-awareness. It reminded me that living authentically means setting boundaries and prioritising what truly matters to me. It’s about living my life by my own standards and desires, rather than conforming to others’ expectations.

Travel anxiety is something many of us face, and I found myself managing it through practical tools and a mindful approach. Knowing my flight’s journey, tracking it with my smartphone, and understanding the slight delays reduced my stress. Being informed and connected gave me a reassuring sense of control. Turning potential anxiety into an opportunity for calm reflection made the whole experience more positive. Which led to this blog entry!

This journey has been about more than just a destination. It’s been a reminder to live with gratitude, to honour my true self, and to face challenges—like travel anxiety—with patience and practical strategies. As I head home, I carry these lessons with me, ready to embrace the next chapter with a heart full of gratitude and a mind grounded in self-awareness.

To quote my final journal entry written by the pool, I go home with gratitude and peace.