Melissa Ann Maida

By: Melissa Ann Maida April 19, 2019

Zion National Park PART TWO: Getting Deep in The Narrows

Why did 11 years pass before I hiked The Narrows myself? Dressed in the lime green and gray water proof suit and hiking boots I had rented from the Zion outfitters shop, I looked more like I was going to outer space than hiking. The shuttle bus on the way to the trail head was crowded. It was Spring Break after all. I stood in the center aisle clinging to overhead hand grip with one hand and my walking stick with the other. Gazing out the window I pondered my question. The answer came quickly…

By: Melissa Ann Maida April 19, 2019

Zion National Park PART ONE: Angel’s Landing

When the birthday girl read about Angel’s Landing- a 5790 ft peak that can only be reached by hiking a narrow ridge with 1000 feet drop offs on either side, she was committed to doing it, with or with out the rest of us. When I’d heard about this hike in travelers’ tales, it sounded cool. But on the verge of actually hiking it, I was a little nervous.

By: Melissa Ann Maida March 18, 2019

10 Epiphanies from 10 Months of Travel

These epiphanies aren’t a typical list of “lessons learned while traveling.” From acknowledging my privilege, to changing my diet, to letting go of who I thought I was and who I thought I wanted to be, this list digs deeper in the journey I took inward, while traveling through Southeast Asia.

By: Melissa Ann Maida March 12, 2019

When Chicago Calls

I tried to keep the thought to myself, not wanting to jump the gun. But before I knew it, I heard myself asking my mom… “do you think it would be helpful if I came to Chicago and took care of the baby while she wraps up the school year?”

By: Melissa Ann Maida February 26, 2019

7 Things I Missed About America

Before we get into the details of my return- like how long I’ll be here, what I’ll be doing, and where I plan to go next, let me tell you a few of the things I missed about America while I was away!… (Warning: Some items on this list are basic.)

By: Melissa Ann Maida January 17, 2019

From “Hell NO!” to Ha Giang

When I was 25 years old I made a sweeping declaration that I would never ride a motorcycle, dirt bike, quad, ATV, or any other two-wheeled or off road vehicle again. They scared the shit out of me… Well, four and half years later, who whoulda thunk it? I’m not only driving scooters all over Southeast Asia as a means of transportation but I drove a motorbike through the mountainous Ha Giang Loop in northern Vietnam! As cliche as the sang is, “never say never.”

By: Melissa Ann Maida December 27, 2018

2019: Action is Power

When you have knowledge but don’t put it into action, an internal struggle between what you should be doing and what you are doing develops. In 2018 I was reminded over and over again the importance of self-discipline and eating right, yet I chose to remain inactive. Not only inactive, but I often went directly against what I knew was right. It was conflicting and frustrating. In 2019 I am turning this knowledge into action and that action into power!

By: Melissa Ann Maida December 18, 2018

Minimalist Gift Giving

Marketers sell us a belief. They make us believe that if we have a certain car we’ll be successful and if we wear certain clothes we’ll be desirable. The stuff makes us feel good for awhile but because cars don’t actually make one successful and clothes don’t actually make one desirable, the belief is fleeting. It becomes a never ending cycle of wanting, buying and collecting… Here are a few minimalist tips on gift-giving this holiday season!

By: Melissa Ann Maida December 5, 2018

India: Yoga, Meditation & Diwali

People often ask me, of all the places I’ve been, which is my favorite, and I never knew how to answer them… Until now… The answer is INDIA!

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About Me

My name is Melissa. I am a nomad. I prefer the mountains over the beach ... Until I'm back at the beach and am reminded of how glorious sunrise yoga beside the ocean is! My hair is always a different color, I'm usually wearing a bandanna on my head, no make-up, mismatched clothes and a beat up pair of Birks. Everything I own fits in a backpack. But this hasn't always been my life... At the start of 2014, I lived in a nice house in the suburbs, drove a brand new car, and had a successful cosmetology career. Recently engaged, I was in the thick of wedding planning. That spring, everything started to change. My dad passed away, I opened a salon, and my sister got married. The chaos of so many major life events, in such a short time, put pressure on my relationship. That July, I called off my wedding. In the midst of all the chaos, I turned to the internet looking for a blog or a book by someone who'd had a similar experience. I desperately wanted to know there was someone out there who survived what I was going through- and maybe get some tips on how they did it? After incessant searching, I found a few fluff pieces but nothing that was exceptionally raw or honest. In that moment I told myself- "If I ever get to the other side of this, I'm going to write my story down to help the next person who finds herself here"... Well, I'm on the other side and am writing down my story...