Social Media • The Dishstance · TRVLR. Designs

The Dishstance · TRVLR. Designs

thedishstance

I don't know about you, but going through a pandem

I don't know about you, but going through a pandemic and being stuck in an apartment for a few months really made me think a lot about the things I'd like to be doing. So I wanted to share with you a method that has been helpful for me in turning my thoughts/goals things into reality. I challenge you to pick up a pen and write this down .

🧿 First, figure out one (or two) thing(s) that you want to be doing more of.

🧿 If we make things easy for ourselves, we are a lot more likely to do them. Jot down a few methods that would make it easier for you to do the thing you want to be doing. Give yourself something that reminds you visually every day - like post-it notes. For example if I want to take more photos, I can leave my camera packed in my backpack by the door so that it's so easy to just take it with me on the way out.

🧿 You know you best! Ask yourself what your pitfalls are. These are things like retreating to comfort zones, being overwhelmed by large amounts of data/projects all at once, fear of failure, etc. Make a note of a few of them.

🧿 What is your natural reaction to your pitfalls? What do you do when you feel those things? For example, procrastination is one that often happens for me when I'm overwhelmed.

🧿 Next, write down how you can overcome the pitfalls and change your natural reaction? Some things that work for me are breaking large things down into smaller pieces, or attempting to make the new activity part of my daily routine by tying it into other things I already do. I love my morning coffee and rarely skip it so I can write or edit photos while I'm sitting with my cup.

🧿 How can you establish consistency? They say it takes 21 days to form a habit, so with a few days off in between, if you can practice these key items for a whole month, you should be on the right track for making them part of your regular daily routine. Refer back to your notebook or journal if you feel yourself slipping too far away from the goal.

What's one thing you'd like to be doing more of??

📷 @thenotecoffee, Hanoi, Vietnam 2019
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#fradonoinvietnam #thenotecoffee

Trusting Your Path - Part 2 of 2 It's so importan

Trusting Your Path - Part 2 of 2

It's so important when you're trusting the decision to walk your path that you recognize the ominous things looming around you; lurking in the shadows and just waiting to rear their ugly heads from time to time. All the negativity, showing up like potholes or rocks on our journey, represent our past and current fears, self-doubt, and self-sabotage. The darkness in front of us gives them plenty of opportunities to keep popping back in, but we have to get rid of the energy-draining fears and guilt. Don't let them in! When we are afraid to trip and fall, we hesitate on moving forward. It's ok to take your steps slowly if your intuition tells you something is coming, but don't let it hold you back too long because most of these "rocks" are only imagined. Trust your path, trust yourself, and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Before you know it, you will have reached your destination!

At the moment, I have chosen the path of staying here in Turkey until I am able to take my next big step. I had been in Istanbul for over four months, and although I love it, it is a proper city. In the midst of a pandemic, I suddenly became more aware of how crowded it was. I was craving wide-open spaces and salty ocean air, so I decided to get away from the crowds and travel down to the Mediterranean to catch the end of the summer season.

My goal was to look for a place to spend the fall and winter. So far, I have been to Fethiye, Ölüdeniz and Kalkan; and Kaş is next. I really enjoyed the energy of the town and the people in Fethiye, so I decided on the step of staying there for the next few months while I wait to learn about approval of my Turkish temporary residency application. Meanwhile, I'm just here, keeping a close eye on my path, taking deep breaths and slow steps - waiting for things that are out of my control to happen, and truly trusting the process. 🙏💙🧿

How have you had to trust the process lately? And how have you been able to get around the "rocks" along your path?

Trust in Your Path - Part 1 of 2... When I look o

Trust in Your Path - Part 1 of 2...

When I look out onto my current horizon, I see something a bit different. It is a world where I have had to relinquish my usual level of control because there are so many things that are out of my hands. I am in a world where I must rely on others instead of my usual method of getting it done myself. This world is uncomfortable for me; I have never liked to ask for favors. In this new world of discomfort I am also finding wonderful things like incredible levels of human kindness.

I often think that maybe this situation was given to us by the universe to teach us some valuable lessons? That I will never know for sure, but what I DO know is that now is a time for trust and for learning to just put one foot in front of the other. To look only at the next step and wait for the right time to take the step after, and then start the process all over again.

It reminds me of walking through a dark forest, you can’t see the road in front of you but if you look down, you can still see that you are on the path. Trust. Trust in yourself and trust in the universe. You are doing your best.

🎥 at @oludenizloft
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#fradonointurkey #ölüdeniz #fethiye #travelvideo #trusttheprocess #turkishmediterranean #mediterraneanlife #visitturkey #turkey_home #turkeytourism #trvlrdesigns #trvlr #jessicafradonophoto #slowtravel #travelphotographer #travelstyle #traveldeeper #globaltravelgram #iamatraveler #travelinspired #lifeofexploring #travelgo #travelstories #travelpassport #wewilltravelagain #femmetravel #womenwhotravel #womenwhoexplore #infinitypool #infinitypoolview

Let's talk about Materialism and Manifestation - P

Let's talk about Materialism and Manifestation - Part 3 of 3.

When I left the US in May 2017, I had made a plan to go for 13 months - the itinerary was a different country every month. I was so excited, but also really nervous. As was resigning from my 20 year career, and started to tell people what I was doing, much to my surprise, many of them seemed supportive, and I often got a vibe that it was something they would like to do too, but just never had the opportunity or the courage to do so. It was an exhilarating feeling to be met with support and encouragement when I was prepared for the opposite.

So often in life, things don't turn out the way we planned, but 39 months later, here I am, still "on the road". And I look back at my decision, which was one of the scariest I'd ever made by far, and I'm thankful that I manifested this for myself. I made a choice and put my energy into creating this life. I am tempted to say that it looks nothing like what I thought it would, but in hindsight, I'm not sure I ever knew what it would look like in the first place. One thing I do know for sure is that my little voice was right, I don't need those material things to be happy. As a matter of fact, the lighter I am, the happier I find myself to be. And still at this moment in time, even with all the ups and downs I've experienced, I am glad I chose to channel my energy this way.

📷: @simplysujin at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, Korea, 2017 (a very important and pivotal time in my journey).
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#materialism #manifestation #seoul
#seoulkorea#wewilltravelagain #trvlr #fradonoinkorea#slowtravel #travelphotographer #travelstyle #traveldeeper #globaltravelgram #iamatraveler #travelinspired #lifeofexploring #travelgo #travelstories #travelpassport #responsibletourism #femmetravel #travelgirlshub #traveltheworldwithme#traveltherenext #speechlessplaces #trvlrdesigns #thetraveltag #seetheworldwithme #dametravel

Materialism and Manifestation - Part 2 of 3 In 20

Materialism and Manifestation - Part 2 of 3

In 2015, I took my first trip to Europe and it made me wonder so hard why I had waited 40 years to do so. My first real journey outside of the US had been in 2001 as part of my Masters degree program - to China. I knew I loved travel, but I never "had the time" to really pursue it to the level that I wanted to. I was always working.

I remember my mother saying to me several years ago - in regards to the fact that I had never married or had children - that I chose what to put my energy into. And she was right. I chose to pour myself into my work and education, waiting for the moment that better things or times would come along and just scoop me up.

But the reality is that almost everything in life is a conscious choice - when you decide what you want, you channel your energy into it, and only then it happens. I think the problem is that many of us are just all over the board and we never pick a direction. Sometimes it's better to just pick a direction when we are confused, go there and see if it's right? We can always redirect later, but too often we waste time looking at too many options and end up never directing our energy at all. In the world of information that we live in today, I believe it's even more difficult. How many times have you gone down the Google rabbit hole for days, weeks, even months before just giving up due to information overload?

We have to pick and choose where to send our energy, it's that simple. Only then will the manifestation happen.

📷 Kaputaş Plajı, my favorite beach in the world. Did I manifest this? You betcha! 🧿
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#fradonointurkey #kaputaşplajı #kalkan #turkishmediterranean #mediterraneanlife #visitturkey #turkey_home #turkeytourism #trvlrdesigns #trvlr #jessicafradonophoto #slowtravel #travelphotographer #travelstyle #traveldeeper #globaltravelgram #iamatraveler #travelinspired #lifeofexploring #travelgo #travelstories #travelpassport #responsibletourism #wewilltravelagain #femmetravel #womenwhotravel #womenwhoexplore #mediterraneansea

Let's talk about materialism and manifestation, Pa

Let's talk about materialism and manifestation, Part 1 of 3.

In 2017, I decided to leave behind my favorite job I'd ever had, in my favorite city I'd ever lived, surrounded by some of my favorite people I'd ever known, in my favorite house I'd ever owned.

Why? Because my mindset was changing. I was feeling resentment at all of the stuff I owned. I started to realize that it was holding me back from the things I really wanted to do in life. Someone sold me long ago on the idea of the typical American dream - that loads of material items would bring me worth and happiness, but what they really brought me was imprisonment.

You see, the more I had, the more I wanted; the more I had to work to maintain the things I already owned. I was sick of waking up feeling guilty about all the money I spent the day before and wondering if I really needed the things I purchased. So I decided to stop. I decided to try something new. I listened to that inner voice that was telling me that my curiosity about the world was more important than any material wealth.

📷 'Gates of Heaven' Bali, Indonesia 2018
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#fradonoinbali #baligasm #shareyourparadise #islandfever #lifeofexploring #travelgo #travelstories #travelpassport #responsibletourism#travelwithme#islandlife #womenwhoexplore #trvlrdesigns #trvlr #ilovebali #instabali #exploretheworld #inspiringwanderers#worldnomads#lifewelltravelled #tropicalwayoflife #instabali #lifegoals #inspiringwanderers #authentictravel #slowtravel #gatesofheaven #wewilltravelagain #manifestation

Thank you so much to everyone who reached out to s

Thank you so much to everyone who reached out to send me birthday wishes over the last few days. It's been a weird year, and your connections mean more to me than you can ever imagine!

As I blew out the candles this year, I wished for happiness. And instead of material things, my gift to myself was spending time in the salt water of the Turkish Mediterranean. I always feel that I am in my element when I'm near the water, it's the best gift I could ever ask for.

Wrap both arms around yourself tight and give yourself a big hug from me! Thanks again for all the love.

Şerefe (that's 'cheers' in Turkish), Jessica 🧿💙
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📷 @oludenizloft
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#fradonointurkey #ölüdeniz #fethiye #turkishmediterranean #mediterraneanlife #visitturkey #turkey_home #turkeytourism #trvlrdesigns #trvlr #jessicafradonophoto #slowtravel #travelphotographer #travelstyle #traveldeeper #globaltravelgram #iamatraveler #travelinspired #lifeofexploring #travelgo #travelstories #travelpassport #responsibletourism #wewilltravelagain #femmetravel #womenwhotravel #womenwhoexplore #turkishtea

Yesterday I posted talking about perfection and ho

Yesterday I posted talking about perfection and how it often has me stuck. Tonight I'm starting a 21 day writing journey/class. Why 21 days? They say that's how long it takes to form a habit? I'm pushing perfection out.

Also, I want to tell you about this beautiful place I found on the Turkish Mediterranean. @seamebeach - a super lovely private beach club in Fethiye, in the province of Muğla. Because it's so lovely, it's always full. Make a reservation through WhatsApp at least a week in advance and specify if you'd like the adults only section (100₺ per chair or 300₺ for a 2 person cabana). They are open 10am to 9pm - with Balinese style decor, relaxing music, clean showers + changing rooms, beautiful turquoise water and good food + drinks - you can spend the whole day there! More photos and videos of Sea Me are in my "🇹🇷 Mediterranean" stories. I highly recommend a visit if you're in the area! I've pretty much fallen in love with Fethiye and plan to spend a good part of the winter here 🌞💙🇹🇷
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#fradonointurkey #seamebeach #fethiye #virgoseason #perfectionist #turkishmediterranean #mediterraneanlife #visitturkey #turkey_home #turkeytourism #trvlrdesigns #trvlr #jessicafradonophoto #slowtravel #travelphotographer #travelstyle #traveldeeper #globaltravelgram #iamatraveler #travelinspired #lifeofexploring #travelgo #travelstories #travelpassport #responsibletourism #wewilltravelagain #femmetravel #womenwhotravel #womenwhoexplore

Virgo: An earth sign represented by the goddess of

Virgo: An earth sign represented by the goddess of agriculture and wheat - usually depicted with a piece of wheat in her left hand. This photo wasn't planned but it gives me a great opportunity to talk about one of my biggest obstacles: PERFECTION. They say it's a Virgo trait but many believe that it's just a fancy disguise for fear. Because we are afraid of rejection, or that whatever we produce won't be good enough, we allow ourselves to procrastinate based on the premise of perfection. In some cases, our "perfection" never even allows us to put something out into the world at all.

What do you think about perfection? Is it simply seeking learning/growth or is it fear in fancy clothing? Are you often caught up in perfection? What do you do to overcome it?
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📷: @seamebeach
👗by @saman_butik
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#fradonointurkey #seamebeach #fethiye #virgoseason #perfectionist #turkishmediterranean #mediterraneanlife #visitturkey #turkey_home #turkeytourism #trvlrdesigns #trvlr #jessicafradonophoto #slowtravel #travelphotographer #travelstyle #traveldeeper #globaltravelgram #iamatraveler #travelinspired #lifeofexploring #travelgo #travelstories #travelpassport #responsibletourism #wewilltravelagain #femmetravel #womenwhotravel #womenwhoexplore

I'm so happy to be by the sea again; I feel like I

I'm so happy to be by the sea again; I feel like I'm permanently smiling! There are just some things we are drawn to, that make us feel calibrated and give us a sense of peace. For me, it's ways been the water, especially the beach - I'm sure that's also why my favorite color is blue.🧿

Admittedly, this time during the pandemic has been difficult, and often I felt hopeless, helpless - like I was lacking control over my life and my future plans.

One week by the water, and I'm starting to feel like myself again, ever so slowly. I'm also feeling very much at home in this little seaside town of Fethiye, Turkey and considering spending the winter here.

What's your version of a happy place? Where do you find your Zen, balance, harmony?

📷: @helpbeachandyachtclub Fethiye 🏖️

I have to be honest, traveling is kind of weird ri

I have to be honest, traveling is kind of weird right now. I am definitely enjoying myself but there is still this message of caution playing in my head - wear your mask, socially distance, eat outside, wash your hands, take your temperature, sanitize....so traveling is possible, it's just a little more complicated than before.

Last time I checked, there were 22 countries that are allowing American passport holders to enter for tourism purposes. Although we are not yet welcome into the European Schengen zone (Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain, etc.), we CAN enter Croatia. Several steps would need to be taken, please visit the "Croatian Ministry of Interior" webpage before booking anything.

Although I'm currently living in Turkey (which is also welcoming US passport holders), this photo was taken on my favorite Croatian island, Korčula right outside of the adorable Airbnb accommodation I was lucky to find in the middle of the old town.

Korčula is often called 'Little Dubrovnik' because of its old medieval style square/architecture. It's also known for producing wonderful wines, organic food + honey and it's a perfect home base for exploring the smaller islands of the Adriatic sea. It is just on the opposite side of the Sea from Italy, so if you were craving the Italian coastline, this is a great alternative.

So, what do you think about travel right now? Are you ready or have you already taken a trip somewhere recently? I'd love to hear about your thoughts and adventures in the comments!

Please be safe! 😷😷😷😷

I was walking to dinner last night and I stopped t

I was walking to dinner last night and I stopped to browse some bags in a little shop in the Paspatur - Old Town part of Fethiye. I met the shop owner, Mustafa; he was so friendly and we struck up a short conversation. He asked me what I did and if I wanted to come inside but I told him I was kind of in a hurry to find something to eat.

Today I walked the same path on the way to the market and heard someone yell out to me, "hello photographer!" It was Mustafa who asked me how my dinner had gone, "not so good," I sheepishly admitted. This time he convinced me to stop in for chat and some local recommendations.

Shop owners being overly hospitable is often part of a popular scam in Turkey. They make you feel guilty and pressured to buy something, so of course I was leery. But his shop was really beautiful and I wanted to take some photos, so knowing there was no way I was buying a carpet, I decided to come inside. I snapped some photos, Mustafa and his son gave me some restaurant and beach recommendations, and I promised to email a few photos to him.

Soon after I sat down, a British couple came in and asked about buying a prayer rug as a gift for a friend. Mustafa showed them many pieces while I listened in the background about the meaning of all the different symbols, which was truly fascinating. I did not realize that the markings/motif on the rugs tell stories about the people who made them - usually women -their lives, their culture and their families - rivers, life, fertility, religion, region. All this of course made them even more interesting and I was feeling super happy about my decision.

In the end, the couple purchased one of the most beautiful rugs! I think I may have been just as excited about it as Mustafa was! Soon hunger took over and I was anxious to get to the market so I said goodbye to my new friend. On my way out, he thanked me and said I was a good luck charm for him (so naturally he asked me to stop by again sometime). It's no secret that I love those little moments of human connection which seem to have become extra special in our current climate. I don't know if I actually brought him any luck, but I sure hope I did. 🤷‍♀️🧿

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