Today’s episode is a breathtaking story of courage, healing, and the radical choice to seek joy after unimaginable loss.

I’m so honored to share the journey of Abigail Carter, a writer, artist, and one of the most soulfully brave humans I’ve ever met. After losing her husband in the 9/11 attacks, Abby spent years learning how to live with grief. But when the buzz and blur of life became too much, a quiet whisper inside nudged her toward something new.

So she listened. Fast forward...

She packed up her life and moved to a charming little château in the sun-drenched countryside of southwest France. Yes, France! Picture golden fields of sunflowers, deep breaths, and slow mornings with coffee and birdsong. It’s here that Abby began again.

But this is not just a story about moving to France. It’s about moving forward. About what happens when we follow the gentle pull toward something more, like more peace, more purpose, more joy.

Now Abby has turned her home into a retreat space for women over 50, creating a haven where others can come to rediscover their creativity, reconnect with themselves, and begin their own next chapters.

This conversation is full of heart and wonder. We talk about slowing down, building meaningful community, and what it really means to start over on your own terms. If you’ve ever felt the urge to change your life, to seek beauty after heartbreak, or to step into something wildly new, Abby’s story will light a spark in you.

Come listen. It’s a reminder that no matter where you are, it’s never too late to begin again.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.