From Wanderlust to Healing: : How My Blog Evolved Beyond Travel

November 16, 2024

When I first started this blog, my vision was simple: to write about travel, share tips on exploring Vancouver Island, and capture the beauty of life’s little adventures. I wanted to keep things light and inspiring—a place for people to escape, plan their next journey, or find a slice of joy.

But life has a way of steering you in directions you never planned for.

The Journey I Didn’t Expect

A year ago, I could never have imagined writing this post. Back then, I thought travel and home design would be my focus—a space to share sunsets over the island’s rugged coastline, cozy Airbnb decor tips, and the best local coffee shops. It was a way to celebrate the beauty of life while keeping things upbeat.

Yet, while I was writing about island trails and serene beaches, something deeper was stirring inside me. Behind the lighthearted posts was a grief I hadn’t fully addressed: the loss of my brother, Oliver, to schizophrenia and suicide.

For years, I couldn’t bring myself to talk about it. The pain was raw, the questions endless, and the stigma surrounding mental illness made it feel even harder to open up. So I poured my energy into my work as a social worker, hoping to help others while looking for answers.

The Healing Power of Work

Social work has always been a calling for me, I studied Social Sciences and Languages at University. I was always curious about cultures, human diversity and human potential, I have always pondered the deep philosophical questions.

Sitting in meetings with psychiatrists, community support workers, and families navigating the challenges of mental illness, I’ve learned so much—not just about the people I help but about myself.

The more I immersed myself in this work, the more I realized how deeply my brother’s experience shaped my understanding of mental health. I began to see him in the clients I worked with—their struggles, their hopes, and their humanity. It was painful but also healing.

I came to new conclusions about his diagnosis, did he also have undiagnosed Aspergers, he certainly had many of the same traits.

Slowly, I started to let the grief in. Instead of pushing it away, I began to acknowledge it, reflect on it, and, eventually, talk about it. I felt empowered with tangible and practical tips to help others as I started to share my story.

From Pain to Purpose

What surprised me most was how transformative talking about my brother has been. At first, it felt impossible to say the words out loud—to name his illness, his struggles, and the way we lost him. But the more I shared, the more I realized that his story could help others.

Through my work and my own healing, I’ve begun to understand that mental illness and suicide are not things we should whisper about. They are hard, yes, but they are also human, and we need to bring them into the light.

This blog, which started as a way to share tips on where to hike or how to decorate a cozy space, is evolving into something more. I still want to write about the beauty of Vancouver Island and the joy of travel, but I also want to share stories that matter—stories about mental health, resilience, and the importance of community.

Why I’m Writing About Mental Health

Grief is a strange thing. It doesn’t follow a timeline or a rulebook. For me, it has been a winding road, full of unexpected detours. But along the way, I’ve learned that healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means finding a way to honor what you’ve lost.

By writing about my brother and sharing what I’ve learned as a social worker, I hope to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. I want others to know they’re not alone—whether they’re struggling with their own mental health, supporting someone who is, or grieving a loss like mine.

Finding Balance

This isn’t an easy shift for me. I still love the lightness of travel posts and the creativity of sharing home tips. But I’ve learned that life is a balance of joy and sorrow, adventure and reflection. Just as Vancouver Island has its stormy days and sunny afternoons, my life is a mix of both.

By embracing all sides of my story, I hope to create a space that’s not just about escapism but also about connection and understanding.

What’s Next

Moving forward, this blog will still feature the things that bring me joy—like discovering a hidden waterfall or setting up the perfect cozy nook. But it will also include stories about mental health, grief, and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.

If you’ve been reading along on my journey, thank you. Your presence here means more to me than you know. And if you’re navigating your own grief or mental health challenges, know that you’re not alone. There’s a community here, and together, we can find healing and hope.

This blog may have started as a travel journal, but it’s becoming something more—a space for both adventure and meaning. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

Melissa