In two days I’ll be on a plane to Asia and life will never be the same. I’ve been keeping a secret from you guys that I haven’t been able to share until now.
Brad and I have separated. He’s been living in Florida since June and I bought a one way ticket to Bangkok to leave this life behind and start over. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make—one I’ve struggled with for years. But all you saw on this blog was a facade of a seemingly happy, perfect life. And it was, on paper—I had almost everything I’d ever wanted and dreamed about. So why couldn’t I be happy?
I’ve debated how much to open up and share with the world. This is just a DIY blog, everyone only wants to see pretty pictures and tutorials, right? For those of you in that camp, I apologize for the sudden turn of events, and no hard feelings if you want to move on. I have no idea what will become of this blog, because my entire life is up in the air right now. For the very first time I have no plans for the future. I’ll be landing in Bangkok with nothing but a backpack and my camera, no itinerary or familiar faces. Hoping a solo trek across Southeast Asia will allow me to find clarity and discover myself, on my own, without any crutches to fall back on.
A year ago I would have been terrified of the idea. But I’ve been going through a profound metamorphosis for months. The layers of my cocoon have been peeling away and Thailand is the last phase where I can finally break free and spread my wings, seeing the world through completely different eyes. Every fiber of my being is pulling in this direction. I’m not scared at all. This is the new Jenna Sue.
I’ve been journaling and documenting this entire process, feeling compelled to record every thought and emotion. It’s the most defining era in my life and I don’t want to forget a single moment. My goal is to be as raw and honest as possible throughout my backpacking journey while working through this personal transformation and finding real meaning in life. I know there are so many others out there with similar feelings but they’re too afraid/unsure/unaware to voice them… and I truly hope you continue to read this blog as I share more of my story, and find value and inspiration in the path I chose.
You are the designer of your destiny. You are the author. You write the story. The pen is in your hand, and the outcome is whatever you choose.
My next post will be live from Thailand. I hope to have you on board with me and sincerely appreciate every uplifting word and thought sent my way. Here’s to a brave new life…
Kelly says
Thanks for the honest post Jenna Sue, I know it must have been hard to project the facade of “perfect” when things were falling apart. Thankfully, new things are falling together for you and as you embark on that long flight to Bangkok know that you’ll still have readers and supporters here.
p.s. I’ve wanted to ask since you moved back to CA (but didn’t want to sound stalker-y) what your favorite flea markets are here in NorCal? I make the trip to Denios in Roseville sometimes but it’s mostly mass produced crap these days. Love your style and the finds you’ve shared over the last year.
Raanan Guiliani says
Jenna,
It is true that when one door closess, another opens. Please continue to be the smart, wise, and beautiful woman that you are. Do not be pulled down to lower levels but always onward and upward! I send you positive thoughts and an amicable and pleasant close of this chapter. Life is so full of challenges and many people create anchors so they cannot move on. You have chosen success and life!
Many blessings and growth will follow!
Lil says
As someone who has struggled with similar decisions, I would love to read whatever you’re comfortable sharing. Best wishes for your future. I hope Thailand is wonderful.
Christine says
Jenna,
I’ve been reading since you were featured on Etsy for “Quit Your Day Job.” You have been an inspiration to me for quite some time now. It’s your realness and rawness that attracted me to your blog/story. I hope one day to follow in your footsteps of courage, creativity, and fearlessness. Thank you
for trusting us enough with something so personal. We’re all here for you and wish you so much peace during this introspective time! *hugs*
deb says
Hardest thing I ever did 20 years ago. My “new” husband and I are celebrating our 18 year anniversary today, so I’m definitely that I got out 20 yrs ago!
deb says
Meant “glad” after definitely…sorry
Shae says
You go girl! Firstly so brave of you to share. I wish you all that your are looking for and more. Good luck. We here in blog-land look forward to your safe travels Xx
Michele says
I am a new follower of your blog so I didn’t know the old Jenna Sue so I’m looking forward to getting to know the new Jenna Sue! Make the most of your life!
Heidi says
Good luck to you Jenna! You really are brave to start your life over. I’ve truly enjoyed following your blog for the last 3-4 years and I look forward to seeing what this new adventure holds for you. By following your heart, I am confident that you will find the true happiness you are looking for.
Amanda B says
Sorry to hear that you are going through hard times, but from hard times, comes change and loads of it. A soul searching mission is just what the doctor ordered. You will discover new things about yourself and places you visit and opportunities to meet new people that you wouldn’t normally will open up. I say keep the blog change part of the direction of it to suit, we all love seeing design but we also love real life stories and you no doubt will find amazing designs etc that we can drool over. Stay true to yourself and follow your heart. Oh and if you want to stop by Australia, we’d love to have you! I live in the tropics in Cairns and its an amazing place to live and meet people. In fact we have a french guy arriving on our door today who we have never met but he wants to experience family life in australia so we’ll give him a taste! Have loads of fun and keep us all up to date! Amanda xx
Pam says
I’ve been enjoying your blog for a long time. First of all, thank you – thank you for sharing your journey and for inspiring me. I wish you courage and luck as you navigate through this difficult time and begin a new chapter in your life. Be safe. *Hugs*
– Pam
Chrissy @ Adventures in DIY says
I’ve never commented before, but wish I had sooner because I have been admiring your wonderful house from afar – love everything about it!
So sorry to hear, but very in awe of your bravery! I’ve been to Thailand a few times (I have LOTS of family there) and it’s amazing. You will be shocked at how different things are there, but also amazed. If you can make it out to Phuket (pronounced “poo-ket”), I highly recommend that you go – LOVED it there! I think Thailand will be a wonderful place to explore – not only explore a new place, but yourself as well. Good luck to you and I’ll be looking forward to future posts.
Jill says
I knew this would be the announcement. Sorry to hear it- I’m sure you’re hurting right now. Maybe one day you can share more about your story in order to inspire and help others.
What do you think will become of the new interior design venture?
Vanessa says
Oh, Jenna Sue! The endings are sad, but there was goodness too in your marriage and hopefully you both will be able to see the good stuff one day. Our expectations of marriage are so high, that the relationships can hardly live up to it. Don’t think that it failed, just think that it ended, like so many other types of relationships end. We may miss them but they are over. Take the time to mourn your old expectations. I wish you peace.
Karen says
We change and we grow and life is all about the ebb and the flow. It is too bad that y’all grew apart but you never know what the future holds. I admire your courage in doing something to break outside of your comfort zone and really explore what life has to offer! I also greatly respect that you didn’t throw ugly all over him. I don’t know him but you clearly loved him once and I appreciate that you respect that enough not to throw him under the bus. I sincerely hope he is being as gracious. Breakups are hard but they are harder if one of you (or both of you) gets mean. I hope you are blessed in your travels!
Lisa Rowe says
Hi Jenna, I am friends with your mom and dad. Sorry we haven’t met yet. I truly wish you all good things that life has to offer. If life is pointing you in such a direction you owe it to yourself to find out why. Just like your doing. What an amazing opportunity. Enjoy every minute of everyday. Thought I would pass along something I recently came across…
https://thewanderlustkitchen.com/39-things-need-know-traveling-thailand/
You are going to find out a lot about yourself in the course of your travels. May you find what you are longing for and may you be truly happy when get there. Please don’t hold anything back in your posts.. would love to know what your thoughts and feelings are as you travel down life’s journey for you. Be safe and Happy! Much Love..Lisa