I am incredibly lucky to have a global tribe of people that supports my endeavors and cares for me when I’m in need. You know who you are, and this year wouldn’t have been possible or enjoyable without all of your help. For one of the first times in my life I had to put my fierce independence aside and embrace my need for others, and you all showed up.

Historically speaking, relying on others was not my really my “thing.”  I spent the years just prior to my travel adventure embracing newly-found independence and convincing myself that this need for others wasn’t true for me. I made all my own plans, cooked my own meals, and learned what Diana wanted in life. It was thrilling and empowering, and I still look back on that time as one of my most exciting chapters. I clung pretty defiantly to this independence, but it didn’t take long for my home-free year to turn this idea on its head.

Living without a home, coupled with my several injuries, gave me the unfamiliar opportunity to need help. I didn’t always know how to make decisions, didn’t always have a place to stay, and was often in need of a hand schlepping equipment or simply to see a familiar face. This level of vulnerability was new and uncomfortable, but ultimately became my biggest teacher and greatest gift. I reached out and you answered. In many cases you offered before I could even ask. For someone who believed herself to be fully self-sufficient, my life was forever changed when I discovered the beauty of asking for and accepting help. Traveling makes you feel small, in a good way, and as one little, insignificant human out roaming the vast expanse of our planet, I’ve never been more sure that I don’t want to do it alone, and couldn’t if I wanted to.

This adventure has taught me that this world is a beautiful, strange, unimaginable place, and I can say confidently that there’s just no point in experiencing it without people to share it with; the exact opposite of what I attempted believe a few years ago. We are creatures of connection, and fostering our relationships is one of the most important and enjoyable things we can do in our short time here. To love and be loved. To help and be helped. Connection is the basis of my teaching philosophy, this blog, my music, my art, etc, and until now I’ve never been more sure of its role in my life.

I’m proud to say this year led me out of my comfort zone more times than I can count, and it has now led me to a “home life” that I couldn’t be happier with. I’m writing this post on my new couch (what?!) in our cozy apartment in Nashville, where I now retreat to relax and also be inspired by an amazing community of people. Before this year I couldn’t picture myself ever settling anywhere (much less owning a couch), but experiencing so many beautiful cities, homes, and cultures not only got the “travel bug” out of my system, it also allowed me to discover what I value and deem important in a home life. You’ve all collectively taught me what I love and cherish in a community, what’s important in a living space, and the habits/routines I admire and hope to make a part of my daily life. It was a year of research, in many ways. Our apartment has lots of natural light, minimal “stuff,” multiple recycling bins, a designated creative space, and is in walking distance to great local eats.

So what’s next? Really good question. I love touring with The Moxie Strings and will also continue leading our nonprofit, which will still involve me traveling 1-2 weeks per month.  In my newly-found, ample amount of “off time,” I’ll be letting my creativity flow and waiting to see how my next personal project may unfold. (Though at the suggestion of friends and doctors, I will also be taking some quiet time to rest.)  Pondering and writing is a constant part of my daily life, and I would love to continue to share this exciting life with you all.

Thank you for going on this this life-changing journey with me, drriifters. Your smiling faces in the audience, invitations into your homes, heartfelt messages after shows, sweet comments on posts, and so much more, are my greatest gifts in life, and I’m so happy to whole-heartedly receive them.
Talk to you soon.

With so much love 💙🌏💨
Diana