Miles Apart, Heart Always Home
Navigating the Emotional Tug of Business Travel as a Parent
A Reflection on My First Business Trip Away from Jasper:
This week marked one of the toughest milestones I’ve faced as a parent — my first work trip without Jasper. I was fortunate to be invited by my company to attend our Sales Kickoff in beautiful West Palm Beach, Florida. As someone relatively new to this division, it was a much-needed opportunity to connect with colleagues and build relationships that can be difficult to form over virtual meetings.
Despite the privilege of attending such an event, this trip was unlike any I’ve experienced before. I’ve always loved traveling, even for work. There’s something energizing about a change of scenery and the chance to network with others in the business. But this time, it felt different. Even though I was in a gorgeous location, I never touched the beach or explored the area. Between meetings and work commitments, my schedule was packed, but none of that would typically bother me. What really weighed on me was the ache of not being home — not being there to wake Jasper up each morning or see his little smiles throughout the day.
When I finally made it back home early Friday morning, emotions hit me hard. Jasper was kicking excitedly in his crib when I walked in, and I couldn’t hold back my tears as I scooped him up for a much-needed hug. That simple moment made the exhaustion and late flight completely worth it.
Saturday brought a renewed sense of settling into our home life. We finally upgraded with a new master bedroom set and kitchen table, which now includes an extra bed for visitors. It felt symbolic — like a step forward toward creating an even cozier and more welcoming space for our family and friends.
The travel did, however, throw off my 2025 goals. I’d planned to hit the ground running in January, but this week’s packed schedule, meetings, and sheer exhaustion meant my routine took a backseat. On top of that, my partner’s company party on Friday night meant I couldn’t immediately jump back into my groove. While I stayed active, I couldn’t make it to the gym as planned.
Still, I’m determined not to let this derail my momentum. This weekend is about resetting, recovering, and recharging. I’m looking forward to getting back to my routine next week, fully motivated by the joy of being home with Jasper and the realization that moments of reconnection are often the most rewarding part of any journey.
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