We are CELEBRATING today because… this month marks 9 YEARS of chiaragoesglobal. Can you believe I’ve been doing this blogging thing for 9 years?! It’s insane! Plus, this blog post is officially our 200th blog 🎉🎉 celebrations all around!! We’re going to dive in and take a look back at some highlights over the past nine years here at chiaragoesglobal. Get your celebratory vibes ready and read on! ❤

Travel Highlights and The Early Days

In celebration of 9 years, we of course have to start at the beginning. We’re taking it alllll the way back to 2016. The blog chiaragoesglobal was started as a result of my first solo trip backpacking in Europe. After the trip, I wanted a place to share all of my stories, and chiaragoesglobal was born! Take a look at some of these stories from the beginning here: chiaragoesglobal.com/2016/04/

At the time we started, I was still a student completing my undergraduate degree. Much of my content in those early years included many of these experiences, studying and exploring student life. When I graduated, I had to commemorate it on the blog as the conclusion of that part of the journey. Read the story of my graduation here.

After graduation, the blog began to evolve even more. I started writing more about lifestyle and wellbeing, but I did stay true to my travel roots for much of it as well. One of the highlights was my graduation trip to Bali and Australia. It was definitely one of my craziest trips abroad! Read the details about Bali here and Australia here.

Some of the additional travel highlights over these past 9 years include my solo cross-Canada road trip, which took place in 2022. This road trip covered my move from the Okanagan, BC to Toronto, ON. Get all the juicy notes here. Another fun ride was our first family vacation to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico. As I typically travel solo, this was a big change for me to have the entire family in tow! It was also my first time at an all-inclusive, which was so fun. Read all the details here.

Mental Health Journey

Mental health has become a key focus of my life, and of the writing here at chiaragoesglobal over these past few years. 2020 was a big turning point for myself, and for many, due to the impacts of the pandemic. The pandemic for me highlighted my previous mental health concerns even more, and I began to take a deeper dive into my own mental health journey. It eventually resulted in trying medication, which has been a massive help in managing my anxiety and depression. And, of course – I wrote about it. You can read all about my medication journey here.

Having a therapist has been a gamechanger for my mental health as well. I’ve been seeing someone off and on since 2018, and regularly since about 2020. Over these years in therapy, I’ve learned a few things – or at least, I like to think so. I decided to compile a list of some of the big things I’ve taken away from therapy, which you can read here on the blog. I also had a number of folks ask me about finding a therapist, especially one who is a good fit for your own personal circumstances. So, I wrote a blog about that too – you can read all my tips for finding a therapist here.

A big aspect of my mental health journey has also been my grief journey. I lost a loved one of mine to suicide in 2021, and my life truly hasn’t been the same since. I write about it to bring awareness, to reduce stigma, and to help heal – myself and others. Please know that you aren’t alone. You can read my reflections on this grief journey here. I will continue to write about this healing journey for the many years to come. ❤

Poetry Breakout

Last but not least, my journey with chiaragoesglobal has branched out these past couple of years to include my poetry writing. In 2023, I launched my very first book, Blooming. It was a huge milestone that I had been working towards for many years! You can read all about the launch of Blooming here, and get your copy here. Recently, I’ve also launched my second poetry book, No More Second Chances. Released this past February, the book explores the impact of relationships and reclaiming your self-worth. The book launch was a TON of fun, and you can read the full recap here. Order your copy of No More Second Chances here.

And just like that, it has been NINE YEARS. Nine years of adventure, travel, love, loss, and growth. It has been so special for me to share these moments with you in these past 200 blog posts. So much has changed during that time, and I know the ride is only going to get better. Thank you for being here and joining me for the journey of a lifetime. All of my love, always and forever, Chiara. ❤