Isn't it funny how what goes around seems to come back around in a few years? We see it all the time. Walking through Target lately, I'm seeing many of the 90s attire I wore. Baggy jeans are back in style (Hallelujah), and everyone wears the Birkenstocks and Dr. Martens I wore in college. It feels like deja vu, some of it in the right way and others terrifyingly.

Yet, there are so many trends on social media. Reels, stories, posts, TikTok, and then there are the challenges, the in with this and out with that trending sounds. It's a lot to keep up with. The #Momtok got a whole show based on their adventures and viral status, which went insane after the next scandal. (Can you tell I've been watching reality TV craziness). Still, last year, I signed up for a whole social media course for business owners, hoping to launch myself in a better way. Full on thinking, maybe I did something wrong. The business side of Carry On Britt wasn't growing the way I wanted it to because I wasn't doing enough. Honestly, it's the most overwhelming thing, and I live constantly being overwhelmed. Then I started to feel like all the things I was "supposed to be doing" were not aesthetic or "cool" enough, so I didn't post them. I sat there with over 1000 photos and ideas that didn't make the cut. Mentally, in my day-to-day life, I was hanging on by a thread, and online, doing much of the same.

Stepping into 2025, I decided to unsubscribe.

I archived my entire Instagram Account and started writing blogs again. I love this dearly, something that isn't for anyone besides me and you—my friends, audience, and those who read what I have to say. It's freeing to write, feel, and express in this way. Sure, sharing my highlights of where we have gone lately, what's new in the travel sphere, and fun challenges I'm doing—it's all a good time, but trying to curate perfect media for that, no.

Can I be honest with you for a second?

I thought I wanted a ton of likes and followers, which would boost the range of Carry On Britt's business—you know, get more subscribers to my blog and more travel clients—but really, it just adds to my stress. I'm so worried about being perfect, innovative, and liked that I forget to just be. Learning to just be brings so much joy, light, and true unfiltered happiness.

Be, ya know, Brittney. The girl with the Carry On and the whole world in front of her to share with all of you.

Sure, I love a pretty feed and a fun picture, and although I seriously thought about it, I'm not going to leave social media; I'm just thinking through what raises my internal vibrations. The energy of my soul is one of the peaceful solutions and laid-back wanderlust, full of passion and present in this space. In this life, enjoying all it has to offer.

I leave you with this thought: Normalize the release—the deep exhales of life settling down into yourself. Sitting down, not going fast through anything, and just reading what someone else had to write and what was on their mind. Before there was technology, before the hustle, there were books and the written word; let's return to that "retro" space, shall we? Be relaxed, not scrolling, being 100 off the digital rat race, and taking a moment to appreciate a perspective. It's cozy, it's genuine, and it's me.

Settle in; there's so much more to come.

Xoxo,

Brittney