Trip to Georgia: Returning Home, Investing in Myself

I took a two-week trip to Georgia, my birth home. For a week and a half, I spent cherished time with my mom. It felt deeply comforting, even amid life’s complexities, my father being in the hospital and the responsibilities of prepping for an event at work. Being with her was grounding, like stepping away from the noise of the world and into a quiet sanctuary.

My mom is my home. She made me feel at peace. We laughed until our sides ached, danced to music that carried us back in time, shared stories, and curled up together watching movies. Even now, as I write, I feel the pull of homesickness rising. There’s nothing like the softness of being seen and held by someone who has loved you from the very beginning.

But this trip wasn’t only about rest, it was also about courage. During my stay, I attended Marketing and Mimosas, an event hosted by Jaylin Bolden. For me, it was more than a networking opportunity. It was a step into discomfort, a gentle challenge against the weight of imposter syndrome and the quiet voice that tells me I’m too introverted to belong in such spaces.

With my mom by my side, staying with me at the Kimpton Shane Hotel for the weekend, I felt grounded enough to walk through that fear. Surrounded by inspiring voices and creative minds, I met incredible people doing meaningful work in marketing. It reminded me that investing in myself is just as important as investing in my dreams.

This trip to Georgia was a bridge between two worlds: soft, healing moments with my mom, and bold, stretching moments for Presently You. Both were necessary. Both were beautiful. And both reminded me of this truth: coming home is not only about where you were born, but also about returning to the spaces that help you grow.

Always Dreaming,

Deja 🤍