Heal Deeply & Love Yourself Fully Through Travel: A Self-Care Journey for Women with Michelle Eyrich

Rita Mercer Author

Rediscover your identity and embrace self-care with Michelle Eyrich’s inspiring journey from mom guilt to healing through solo travel.

What happens when a passionate traveler becomes a mother and suddenly realizes she’s forgotten how to answer the question, “Who am I?” In this heartfelt episode of The Daring Well Podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Michelle Eyrich—freelance travel writer, speaker, wife, and mother—about how she rediscovered her identity and reignited self-love through travel.

Having visited over 80 countries (including all 7 continents!), Michelle’s perspective on motherhood, solo travel, and emotional restoration is both deeply relatable and powerfully inspiring. Her story is an invitation to women everywhere to heal deeply, love themselves fully, and give themselves permission to matter.

From Overwhelmed to Empowered

Michelle wears many hats: full-time corporate employee, mother, wife, blogger, and speaker. Like many women, she found herself caught in the cycle of caregiving and multitasking—so much so that she completely lost sight of her own identity.

“I was filling everyone else's cup—my husband’s, my child’s, my parents’—and I forgot to fill my own.”

After returning to work shortly after childbirth without the support of nearby family, Michelle began experiencing postpartum depression. The constant balancing act left her drained, emotionally distant, and disconnected from herself.

Everything shifted when she said yes to a solo trip to the Arctic—her first significant time away from motherhood, work, and the noise of everyday life.

The Arctic Awakening: Travel as Healing

On a two-week expedition ship with no email, no Wi-Fi, and no distractions, Michelle was alone with her thoughts, surrounded by raw, untouched nature—and something clicked.

“Suddenly, I was reconnecting with me. The girl who loved photography, adventure, and scuba diving.”

That silence and distance from the noise of life helped Michelle remember the passions that once defined her. She wasn’t “just a mom.” She was a woman with desires, dreams, and a love for life beyond the roles she played.

Lessons from the Arctic:

• Solitude is powerful. Time away allowed Michelle to reflect and remember who she really is.
• Travel isn’t a luxury—it’s self-care. It’s a way to return home to yourself.
• Intentional planning creates freedom. She prepared meals, schedules, and backups so she could leave with peace of mind.

Redefining Self-Care & Self-Love

Michelle believes deeply that self-care is not about indulgence—it’s about survival. And it doesn’t have to start with an exotic trip.

“You don’t need to be ready for the Arctic. Start with an hour at a coffee shop. That’s self-care too.”

She urges women to stop minimizing their needs. Whether it’s painting, reading, or walking through a museum alone, the key is to engage in something that restores you.

Simple Self-Care That Makes a Big Impact:

• Visit a local café—by yourself.
• Take a solo walk in nature or around your neighborhood.
• Sign up for a class in painting, pottery, or yoga.
• Book a local staycation and do nothing but rest.
• Say yes to the experience you’ve been putting off.

The Identity Question: “Who Am I?”

One of the most powerful questions that emerged from Michelle’s journey was:

Who am I, apart from the roles I serve?

On her Arctic journey, she was forced to introduce herself—not as a mom, not as an employee—but as Michelle. It awakened her awareness that she had let go of so many things she loved.

“I had to give myself permission to matter again.”

It wasn’t easy. It took time, therapy, journaling, and baby steps. But Michelle slowly rebuilt a version of herself that included motherhood and her passions.

Giving Yourself Permission

The theme of permission came up over and over again in our conversation. Permission to rest. Permission to travel. Permission to matter.

“Mom guilt is real. But by showing up as a full person, you’re doing your family a favor—not a disservice.”

Michelle encourages women to reframe the narrative that prioritizing yourself is selfish. It’s essential.

What Giving Yourself Permission Looks Like:

• Letting go of guilt for taking time for yourself.
• Prioritizing your passions without apology.
• Acknowledging that your needs matter just as much as anyone else’s.
• Advocating for your own joy.

A Village for Your Vision

Self-care isn’t meant to be done in isolation. Michelle emphasized the importance of building a support network—a village—that allows you to pursue joy.

Whether it’s a spouse, friend, fellow mom, or neighbor, your village is the key to consistency in your self-care practice.

Ways to Build Your Village:

• Partner with another mom and trade off weekly “me-time” hours.
• Ask your partner or spouse for a regular time-out block.
• Talk openly with your support system about your needs—and honor theirs too.

“You have to be your own advocate. And that starts with believing you matter.”

Practical Tools to Start Your Journey

Michelle’s blog, No Place Like Roam, is a beautiful resource filled with practical travel inspiration and emotional encouragement for moms and women looking to reconnect with themselves.

She also created a free 5-part email series called the Solo Mom Travel Starter Kit, which offers step-by-step guidance on beginning your travel and self-care journey.

What’s Inside the Starter Kit:

• Mindset shifts to overcome guilt and fear
• Budget-friendly and beginner travel ideas
• Staycation and local experience suggestions
• Scripts and strategies to respond to naysayers
• A confidence boost to start your personal adventure

This resource meets you exactly where you are—whether you’ve never eaten alone or you’re ready to book a flight.

Adventure Doesn’t Need a Passport

Michelle reminds us that healing and self-love don’t require a plane ticket.

“Adventure can be going to a museum alone or finally finishing that novel. Your experience is your own. Meet yourself where you are.”

For some, it’s a solo trip across the world. For others, it’s carving out an hour at a café. Wherever you are, your next step is valid and valuable.

Final Reflections: Love Yourself Fully

As we closed out our conversation, Michelle left us with a deeply resonant message:

“We work so hard to take care of everyone else. And we forget to take care of ourselves. I want more women to know: You are not lost.”

This journey isn’t about abandoning your family—it’s about becoming whole again so you can love and lead more powerfully.

Whether your healing starts with a weekend away or a walk around the block, your self-love journey is waiting for you to say yes.

Connect with Michelle Eyrich

Website & Blog: www.noplacelikeroam.com

Instagram & Facebook: @nplroam

Solo Mom Travel Starter Kit to help women begin their own journey—whether it’s a museum visit, a solo meal, or a global adventure.

👉 Download it for free at: welcome.noplacelikeroam.com/solo-mom-travel-starter-kit

If you’re a mom, a woman, or anyone feeling stuck and forgotten in your own life, Michelle sees you. And she’s here to help you find your way back to joy, freedom, and self-love.

Dare to Heal. Dare to Love. Dare to Be Well.

Let Michelle’s story be your inspiration to begin again—not just as a mom, wife, or professional—but as you.

Because healing is possible.
Because travel is transformative.
Because you are worth every step of the journey.

Lean into coping skills with this

Self-Care Journal

Are you looking for more inspiration for wellness tips & coping skills?

Check out The Daring Well Podcast:

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Categories: : Healing, Motherhood, Self-Care & Wellness, Travel