When the Journey Doesn’t End

By Carmela Ruggiero, Ruggiero Studios

Hello lovely souls,

You may be wondering... Is this a Holiday Blog Part 2? And if you didn’t know, there was a part 1…. Well, surprise! If you missed it, you can catch up here. I shared reflections about embracing summer energy, slowing down, and the importance of creating moments of peace in the chaos of life.

But something about this season still lingered in my heart, and I felt pulled to continue the conversation before I disappear for a much-needed reset. This blog comes to you as I’m away, soaking in the sun (and a bit of salt water!) and yes, it’s all still fresh in my mind.

This is your gentle reminder that the holiday season isn’t just about going away, it's about filling your own cup so you can pour from it later, especially as we prepare for autumn transitions, back-to-school rhythms, and renewed business projects.

August often marks the "end" of holidays for some, but I believe it's the perfect time to reconnect to recharge your spirit before autumn lands with all its to-dos.

Last month, my blog scratched the surface, but my heart had more to say. My lovely newsletter family got deeper insights (if you're not on the list, join here to never miss a vibe shift), and I wanted to expand here, too.

Let’s face it, we’ve all said: “I need another holiday after that holiday!” Right?

Whether you're taking short breaks or had one long escape, getting back into a routine can be overwhelming. That's why this blog exists to remind you that you’re not alone, and yes, you can reclaim joy from the chaos.

This year, I took an early break in June, a spontaneous birthday gift to my daughter after her exams, just before she heads to university. We landed in Sardinia, an Italian island I’d never been to but had always dreamed of visiting.

What pulled me there? Intuition. I was browsing with no set plan, but this gorgeous, rural spot kept popping up. The universe was whispering, “Go!” and I listened. Do you ever get that pull? The one that defies logic and asks you to follow your heart?

I’m a sea lover through and through not necessarily for the swim, but for the salt air, peaceful walks, and soul-stirring scenery. I need that balance between connection and solitude. So, while my teen daughter explored her independence, I created a simple me-time ritual. I even joined 30-minute classes, soft gym, yoga, and aqua fun. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to. Social movement, in beautiful surroundings, with no pressure?

Yes, please.

I enjoyed gentle exercise to start my day.

And what happened was a magical, real human connection. We talked. We laughed. We shared stories. In a time of digital overstimulation, I had no laptop, poor internet, and so much more presence. That felt like the true holiday.

Travel With Intention.

It’s not about the length of the holiday or the destination—it’s about how you experience it. Travel isn’t just escape—it’s a way to reconnect with your essence, your creativity, your joy.

Try this:🌼 Set a simple intention before your next break. Maybe it’s connection, stillness, or fun. Let that be your compass.

✨ If you haven’t already, download my free guide “Overwhelm: How to Refocus When

Everything Feels Too Much”– click here to grab it. It includes practical tools to manage the post-holiday rush and reset your nervous system with grace.

Travelling with intention and exploring the unknown can become a meditative flow!

Build “Tribe Moments”

Whether you're solo, with family, or part of a group, holidays are a chance to build micro-communities, even if just for a few days.

It’s not about becoming best friends. It’s about the magic of shared energy. I had conversations with people who painted, sang, believed in energy healing, or simply shared travel tips. It reminded me: we are not meant to walk alone.

Try this: 💬 Next time you're away (or even at your local café), strike up a 2-minute conversation. Smile. Share a story. Be human.

You never know what kind of connection might form—and that joy stays with you long after the trip ends.

As I wrap up this blog, I’m already thinking about the next break—my upcoming family

holiday, which will surely come with a whole different kind of chaos and joy. But for now, I’ll leave you with this:

✨ Keep the door open to your desires.

✨ Create memories, not just plans.

✨ Let your summer energy carry you gently into autumn.

Let me know in the comments or via message—where did your holiday take you? Did something magical happen?

Until next time, relax, breathe, and take it easy.

With love,

Carmela xxx

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