When Wanderlust Becomes a Calling: The Season You Choose Yourself

Watch & Subscribe on YouTube @marladiann 

What if the very thing you've been taught defines success… is the reason you burned out?

In this inspiring episode of Follow Your Joy, we explore the powerful intersection of travel, intuition, and redefining success for women who have achieved — yet know there's much more.

My guest's story is a prime example of how a NEW CHAPTER begins with discontent, uncertainty, a defining moment, and then burnout.

If her journey of being pulled toward something different… more freedom, more adventure, more aliveness… then this conversation will surely resonate deeply.

I'm joined by global travel journalist, author, and entrepreneur Jen Ruiz, whose story is a brilliant example of what happens when you stop following the expected path — and start following your joy.

Jen went from practicing law to taking a bold leap: 12 trips in 12 months before her 30th birthday — a decision that completely transformed her life and career.

Sometimes… the most powerful next step isn't more strategy — it's a plane ticket, a yes to yourself, and the courage to follow what feels true.

Inside this episode, we talk about:

•        Why traditional "success metrics" rooted in hustle and logic often lead to burnout

•        Jen's personal story of heartbreak, solo travel, and unexpected magic that led to her newest memoir

•        How travel becomes a catalyst for clarity, healing, and reinvention

•        The importance of blending feminine intuition with masculine structure for true alignment

•        The role intuition plays in making bold life and business decisions

•        Why women don't need to wait for the "perfect time" to start living fully

Jen shares how she now uses her platform to amplify local and women-owned businesses around the world — combining her background in law with storytelling, advocacy, and global impact.

This conversation is a reminder that:

Success isn't just what you build.
It's how you feel while living your life.

Jen is offering a free 5-Day Travel Writing Challenge to help you craft compelling pitches and land your first paid travel assignment. You can access it inside the Portal of Joy. www.marladiann.com/podcast/portal

If you're in a season of transition, craving more freedom, or ready to redefine what success looks like for you — this episode will open something within you.

Resources + Links:

@jenonajetplane across all socials, jenonajetplane.com, https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jen-Ruiz/author/B07B7GSVSL

-Marla's Amazon Lifestyle Influencer Store – shop for favorites! Jen's book is inside my store in the travel section https://www.amazon.com/shop/marla_diann

-If your own midlife (40+) reinvention is knocking, let's explore it. What does freedom look and feel like for you? More travel? More creative expression? We begin our connection with a Freedom Chat. Use my Calendly link to get on the calendar. https://calendly.com/successcoach-marladiann/connection

Loved this episode? Don't stop here, unlock the tools, resources, and free downloads mentioned during the episode. Click here to access the portal of joy. https://marladiann.com/podcast/portal/