There’s something about watching someone chase a dream that makes you stop and look at your own life differently. Sometimes inspiration shows up quietly. Sometimes it pulls up in a packed car, with cameras rolling, crossing state lines with purpose.
I just finished watching Ryan Trahan and Haley Pham travel across all 50 states in 50 days on YouTube while raising millions for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. By the end of the series, they had helped raise around 10 to 11 million dollars for children and families fighting battles bigger than most of us could imagine. That part stayed with me the most.
I honestly don’t spend a lot of time on YouTube. I’ve always been more of a book reader, blogger, photo-taker, memory-collector type of person. Give me a hidden bookstore, a hidden gem spot, a scenic downtown street, and my phone in my hand — I’m happy. Videos always felt different to me. Bigger somehow. More vulnerable. More work. More pressure.
But watching their journey made me realize something.
There is still so much of this country left to see.
So many stories.
So many people.
So many moments waiting outside of comfort zones.
I’ve also watched some of Matt and Nat and their 50 states journey too, and I loved how fun, genuine, and adventurous it felt. Seeing creators actually get out there and experience places instead of just talking about them lit something in me. Not competition. Inspiration.
And maybe that’s what this season of life is about for me.
Trying new things.
Seeing new places.
Enjoying life while I’m here.
Some people dream of becoming YouTubers for fame or followers. For me, this journey feels deeper than that. I want memories. I want stories. I want to stand in places I’ve only seen in pictures. I want to discover roadside gems, small towns, bookstores, festivals, diners, mountains, beaches, murals, and hidden history across America.
I want to meet people.
I want to document the feeling of freedom.
I want to prove to myself that it’s never too late to start over and chase a dream.
So yes…
I’m doing it.
I’m restarting my journey.
I’m blogging it.
I’m vlogging it.
And I’m officially chasing all 50 states by 50.
The funny thing is, this dream has been sitting in my heart for a while now. Watching Ryan and Haley’s series just gave it a louder voice. It reminded me that purpose can travel. Kindness can travel. Inspiration can travel too.
What they did for St. Jude was beautiful. Using creativity, storytelling, and adventure to help others is something I deeply admire. I also love supporting people and giving back, so during my own journey I want to create fun challenges, spotlight businesses, encourage others, and find meaningful ways to spread positivity along the way.
This won’t be perfect.
Some videos may be awkward.
Some blogs may be emotional.
Some trips may not go as planned.
But that’s part of the story too.
The best journeys usually don’t begin with having everything figured out. They begin with one decision:
Just start.
So here I am.
Starting.
From Atlanta to all 50 states.
One adventure at a time.
One story at a time.
One memory at a time.
50 states.
50 stories.
By 50.
Here I go.
