My Adriatic Adventure: What Three Years of Storytelling Has Taught Me

Just a pretty picture of the Adriatic Sea

Showing Up—One Story at a Time

I recently read a newsletter by Billy Oppenheimer that left a lasting impression.

Billy reflected on the early attitudes of athletes, filmmakers, poets, and Pulitzer Prize winners.

The common thread?

Regardless of their talent or skill level—many started with little of either—they consistently showed up to practice and build their craft. Over time (sometimes decades), they achieved success.

Their secret? Attitude and consistency.

That idea hit home as I thought about my own storytelling journey and the evolution of My Adriatic Adventure.

Three Years of My Adriatic Adventure

For three years, I’ve been writing about My Adriatic Adventure.

When I started, it was a way to document my move to Croatia—a big, beautiful, and messy leap of faith - a big: why not? My first posts were on Medium, where you can still find them.

By mid-2022, I created my website and officially launched My Adriatic Adventure.

From the beginning, my goal was simple: show up and write.

I aim to post at least once a month. Some months, I add an additional post or two. Others, I barely meet the baseline. But I’ve stayed consistent.

Looking back, I’m proud of what I’ve written. These stories are snapshots of my life—moments of bravery, uncertainty, growth, and discovery.

On December 8th, I’ll celebrate three years of living in Croatia and writing about this journey. That milestone feels big. And while I’m proud of what I’ve built, I also know this: to keep growing, my storytelling needs to evolve.

A New Challenge

So here I am, stepping into uncharted territory.

I’m working on something bigger than my usual posts—an exploration of some of the stories I’ve already shared, but with a deeper lens and, hopefully, more courage.

It’s exciting. And terrifying.

This new piece asks for more time, focus, and trust in myself. And that trust? It doesn’t always come easily.

Some days, I feel like I’ve captured something true—like the words finally align with the feelings I want to share. Other days, I delete entire sections, frustrated not just by the words but by how hard it is to lean fully into vulnerability. So hard.

But I’m learning to sit with that discomfort. To trust the process. To keep showing up, even when it feels impossible.

What Success Looks Like

As I approach this three-year milestone, I’ve been reflecting on what My Adriatic Adventure has meant to me—not just the move, but the inner journey it sparked.

This new piece feels like a way to honor that journey. To close a chapter while opening the door to whatever comes next. No, the adventure isn’t ending—but this phase is.

I’m both scared and excited to dig deeper and share with greater vulnerability.

Here’s what I know for sure: showing up matters. These stories matter. And I’m proud of myself—for staying consistent, for daring to create, and for continuing to try, even when it’s hard (re: vulnerability).

So, here’s to what’s next. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

Stay tuned—there’s more to come.