In this episode of This Was Supposed to Be Easy, Cheryl invites Amy to finally share the story behind a “trying something new” moment she’d been dreaming about for years: Amy talks about why the country has felt like a long-time pull, what surprised her most once she arrived, and how traveling so far for the first time challenged (and affirmed) her relationship with newness, discomfort, and letting go of expectations.
Along the way, the two reflect on what it means to stop waiting for something to feel “easy” before you do it—whether that’s planning a trip, pursuing a big goal, or simply giving yourself an unscheduled day to breathe.
Key Topics & Takeaways
Why New Zealand was a “trying something new” moment
Amy shares how New Zealand has called to her since 2018, when she first encountered early childhood research connected to the country, and how that dream never fully went away.
The reality of travel vs. the story we tell ourselves about it
Amy admits she expected entering the country to feel intimidating, but it ended up being far simpler than she imagined, especially with English (and Māori) visible everywhere.
The “getting there” part was easier than expected… the coming home part was not
Amy describes the different emotional/physical experience of the long travel days and how adrenaline, planning tools, and listener tips helped.
Tiny culture surprises that reminded her: you’re not in the U.S.
From walking patterns in stores (left vs. right) to the surprising reality of no iced tea and very little ice, Amy shares the small moments that made the experience feel real.
Expectation shifts: childcare center visits + the train ride that didn’t happen
Amy talks about really wanting to visit early childhood programs, but running into practical barriers (including the inability to call local numbers). She also describes deciding not to take a 10-hour train trip for a one-hour stop and how that became a “next time” plan instead of a disappointment.
Letting go of “I should be doing more”
One of the biggest takeaways: giving herself permission to rest even in another country without guilt.
Strengths in action: learning as a travel compass
Amy notices how her “learning” strength shaped her solo days—libraries, museums, cultural experiences, and conversations with locals.
Don’t wait for it to feel easy — make it possible
Amy shares a practical mindset shift: prioritize what matters by investing money, time, energy, and planning in small ways over time.
Memorable Lines
“New Zealand specifically… kind of calls to me.” — Amy
“Don’t… wait for it to just magically happen, or feel easy.” — Cheryl
“In making it possible, it felt easy on the other side.” — Amy
A Challenge for the Week
Choose one thing you’ve been “waiting to feel easy” before you do it and take one step to make it possible instead.
Here are a few easy-to-try options (pick one):
Cancel one subscription and redirect that money toward your goal.
Spend 20 minutes researching the thing (watch one vlog, read one thread, save one article).
Plan one unscheduled block of time this week,no list, no errands, no productivity pressure. Just be.
Then ask yourself: What changed in my body when I stopped waiting for easy and started choosing possible?
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