What a day! Day two was an absolute triumph of sightseeing, though our feet and thighs definitely know it—we were happily exhausted and home by 7:30 PM.

We started the morning by securing our 7-day transportation pass, which is already proving to be the best investment. It lets us hop between buses, trams, and the metro to reach every spot on our Parisian bucket list!

First up: the iconic Eiffel Tower. We had another phenomenal tour guide who shared all the fascinating history and secrets of the Iron Lady. While we skipped the very top, the views from the middle level were still absolutely amazing—a truly spectacular panorama of the City of Light. A highlight for me was descending! I had the chance to take on the Eiffel Tower stairs with seasoned traveler number two. By the time we reached the bottom, our legs were definitely letting us know exactly how many steps we’d conquered—a true Parisian workout!

After soaking up those breathtaking views and steps, we were ready for lunch. And what a treat that was! Our seasoned world traveler led us to a favorite haunt: Le Basilic Restaurant. It’s the kind of place with incredible food and a classic Parisian ambiance, and we can now officially add it to our list of must-revisit spots.

Refueled, we made our way to the charming hills of Montmartre. The view from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica was simply beautiful—the city spread out below us like a postcard. To reach the top, we used the winding streets instead of the famous steps, and for our descent, we rode the funicular down, which conveniently dropped us off near the stunning Abbesses Station. Montmartre also provided the perfect setting for some much-needed souvenir shopping! We found wonderful gifts for friends and family, ticking that mission off our list.

Two full days down, and Paris is still dazzling us at every turn.

Stay tuned for where The Ladies Who Voyage head next!

Bonjour again, from The Ladies Who Voyage! Day one of official sightseeing is in the books, and what a whirlwind it was.

First things first: can I just say that the French transportation system is absolutely amazing? Seriously! We navigated the city like pros, starting with a smooth bus ride to the rail station, and then connecting seamlessly to the metro (subway) system. It’s so efficient and clean – it made getting around a breeze but we had the seasoned traveler that mapped out our entire day. She is amazing.

Our day kicked off with a brilliant Latin Quarter Walking Tour. Our guide was wonderful – a true local who had been educated right there in the historical schools of the area. Talk about getting the insider’s perspective!

Before meeting him, we got a glimpse of authentic Parisian life when we stumbled upon a bustling Paris Flea Market. The sights, the sounds, the treasures – it was a fantastic, unexpected way to start the morning. The Latin Quarter itself is simply fascinating; it’s the educational heart of Paris, home to the iconic Sorbonne and the prestigious Universities of Paris. The history just oozes from every cobbled street. We ended the tour in the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens. It is a beautiful oasis in the city. There were toy sailboats, beautiful statues and the Medicis Fountain. Hard to believe it is a free public park and it was brimming with families enjoying a Sunday afternoon.

We broke for a truly perfect Parisian treat: coffee and macaroons! That sweet, colorful indulgence was the little boost we needed before tackling the next major stop: the magnificent Louvre Museum.

Making our way inside, we were on a mission. Naturally, our first stop was the iconic smile of the Mona Lisa. From there, we soaked up the classical beauty of the Venus de Milo, and then stood in awe beneath the powerful Winged Victory of Samothrace. We managed to spot many of the famed Greek Gods and goddesses, too!

I have to be honest, the Louvre was packed. It was so crowded that, after hitting the major highlights, we decided to make a tactical retreat. We made our way back to the efficient subway system, connected with the bus, and were home in time to relax our tired feet.

And how did we end this epic first day? With the best food ever at a little gem called Daol Bailey! Surprisingly, it wasn’t traditional French – we decided on incredible Korean food. What a perfect, satisfying cap to a truly unforgettable day.

Stay tuned for Day 2 adventures! We have a feeling Paris is just getting started with us

Oh My God, Paris! “The Ladies Who Voyage” Have Arrived!

Hello, everyone! It’s me, the non-retiree of the bunch, writing to you from the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen. “The Ladies Who Voyage” have officially landed, and seriously, my eyes are amazed at the beauty here.

Let me set the scene: there are four of us. Three are living the retired dream, and then there’s me, still clocking in—but definitely clocking out for this trip! We’re a mixed bag: two of our ladies are these seasoned, fabulous world travelers who could navigate an airport blindfolded. The other two of us? We’re in Paris for the first time though we are seasoned business travelers. For our first time we are absorbing everything.

My first impression? I started with the light. I don’t know if it’s the quality or just the feeling of being here, but it just hits differently.

The travel day was a breeze, thank goodness. Less than six hours in the air, no drama, no events—it was blissfully uneventful. Even the trip from the airport to our resort was smooth. And the resort? Beautiful. We’re already obsessed.

The very start of our Parisian adventure involved waiting for our world travelers. They were coming in hot from Italy, and the rest of us were just chilling, ready to kick things off. How did this novice (me!) begin her first trip to Paris? With a stunning glass of rosé, of course! It was the most perfect welcome drink

We made it. We traveled together, and now we’re here. Get ready, because “The Ladies Who Voyage” are about to explore Paris, and I can’t wait to share every amazing moment with you!

More soon!

Last week, I began the 21-Day Meditation Experience: Hope in Uncertain Times with Deepak Chopra and Oprah. I had already read Deepak’s “Digital Dharma.” My goal was to find the scriptural reflections of these universal truths, so I used Google Gemini to locate Bible verses that matched the teachings from my meditations. Although this is a 21-day meditation program, the insights from Week 1 were so powerful that I felt called to share my reflections.

I realized that life is a continuous process of growth and self-discovery, often referred to as personal evolution. It’s a journey from one state of being to another, marked by increased self-awareness, purpose, and fulfillment. At the core of this evolution is the need for individuals to commit to understanding and living from their true selves.

I read Deepak Chopra’s Digital Dharma earlier this year. ‘Dharma’ means purpose or universal law, relevant in the digital age. It guides a living mindfully and meaningfully, using technology for personal growth rather than distraction. The same principles of self-awareness, compassion, and purpose apply in our digital world.

Hope is My Rock: The Unshakeable Power of an Awakened Spirit

We often talk about hope as a fragile thing, a whispered wish, or a faint light at the end of a very long tunnel. Hope is not just a feeling. It is a power source—real, tangible, and available to us every single day?

My hope isn’t passive; it’s a force, my rock, the foundation of my strength and security. In a world of shifting sands, this inner fortress helps me stand firm. It’s about engaging with life, not wishing for a miracle. As Psalm 62:6 says, “Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” Another verse affirms this: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2 NIV).

The Power of Awakened Hope

Passive hope waits, saying, “I hope things get better.” True hope—making you strong and secure—is proactive. It comes from self-awareness, knowing your strengths, values, and connection to something greater. Understanding yourself reveals your capacity to act, influence, and create. This scripture beautifully reminds us that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV), encouraging us to trust even when we can’t see the full picture.

This active hope helps us face each day with a fresh outlook. As the sun rises, we get a new chance to start again. Hope renews life daily, helping us leave yesterday’s burdens and embrace today’s opportunities. “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV)

This hope inspires our actions, as Paul reminds us: “…your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV). It’s a hope that renews us: “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV).

Gratitude: The Fuel for Hope

There is a link between gratitude and hope: the more grateful you are, the more hopeful you become. Gratitude involves appreciating what you have, building trust in a benevolent universe and shifting focus from lack to abundance. This mental shift fosters hope, as giving thanks trains your spirit to see the good already present and believe in future goodness. As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Finding a Reason to Hope in Every Situation

The ultimate expression of awakened hope is finding a reason to hope in every situation. It’s a courageous choice to see opportunity and purpose amid challenge. Hope doesn’t depend on perfection but on lessons, growth, and endurance in the moment. It isn’t conditional on circumstances; it’s a fundamental, always-available part of you. For “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV). This view sees suffering as character-building: “we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4 NIV).

Fear: The Illusion, Awareness: The Reality

On our journey to hope, fear tries to hold us back by whispering doubts and painting worst-case scenarios, trying to make us believe we’re powerless. But here’s a truth: Fear isn’t real. My awareness is.

Fear is a mental construct, a reaction to perceived threats and an illusion. Our awareness is the essence of our being—constant and observant. Tapping into it reveals that fear is a fleeting emotion, not a fundamental truth.

Uncertainty is neutral, simply the unknown where anything is possible. Our life depends on how we react. Without hope, uncertainty paralyzes us, making us weak and afraid. With hope, it becomes a canvas for courage and a crucible where our best selves are forged.

In hope, I am fearless. As declared in Psalms 27:1 (NIV) “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” This hope is a call to action: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV). This hope serves as “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19 NIV).

You Are the Wholeness of Existence

This profound hope stems from a deeper truth: I am the wholeness of a universal existence. We are not isolated fragments, but integral, interconnected parts of a vast, intelligent universe. When we truly grasp this, we realize that we are never alone, never truly separated.

And when you are real—authentic, present, and connected to this universal truth—you unlock infinite hope. Where there are infinite possibilities, there is infinite hope. Hope isn’t just a feeling; it’s a fundamental part of consciousness itself—a conscious choice to see potential in every moment. The universe provides us what we need, not always what we want, but exactly what serves our highest growth. As the Scripture promises: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NIV). He has “plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

This realization gives me every hope imaginable. It’s an unshakeable confidence that comes from knowing my place in the cosmic tapestry and trusting in the unfolding journey. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV).

References

• Chopra, D. (2013). Digital Dharma: Living a Spiritual Life in a Material World. Harmony.
• Chopra, D. (n.d.). 21-Day Meditation Experience: Hope in Uncertain Times. Retrieved from https://www.deepakchopra.com
• Google. (2025). Gemini [Large language model]. Retrieved September 7, 2025, from https://gemini.google.com
• Psalm 62:6
• Psalm 18:2
• Hebrews 11:1
• Lamentations 3:22-23
• 1 Thessalonians 1:3
• Isaiah 40:31
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18
• Romans 8:28
• Romans 5:3-4
• Psalm 27:1
• Joshua 1:9
• Hebrews 6:19
• Philippians 4:19
• Jeremiah 29:11
• Romans 15:13

I really missed sharing my reflections this past year. My posts were inconsistent. I felt like the past two years had sapped my creativity, I had my performance review and finally had to look over some accomplishments. I want to thank all of my colleagues who shared in my success. We were able to accomplish this together over the past two years:

1. Rodríguez JE, Wusu MH, Anim T, Allen KC, Washington JC. Abolish the Minority Woman Tax! J Women’s Health (Larchmt). 2020 November 20. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2020.8884. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33216695.
2. Foster KE, Johnson CN, Carvajal DN, Piggott C, Reavis K, Edgoose JYC, Elliott TC, Gold M, Rodríguez JE, Washington JC. Dear White People. Ann Fam Med. 2021 Jan-Feb;19(1):66-69. doi: 10.1370/afm.2634. PMID: 33431395.
3. J, Anim T, Wusu MH, Foster KE, Parra Y, Amaechi O, Allen KC, Rodríguez JE, Campbell KM, Tumin D, Washington J. An Approach to Faculty Development for Underrepresented Minorities in Medicine. South Med J. 2021 Sep;114(9):579-582. doi: 10.14423/SMJ.0000000000001290. PMID: 34480190; PMCID: PMC8389351.
4. Rodríguez, José E., Kendall M. Campbell, and Judy C. Washington. “Dismantling Anti-Black Racism in Medicine.” American Family Physician 104.6 (2021): 555-556.
5. Azza Eissa, Robyn Rowe, Andrew Pinto, George N. Okoli, Kendall M. Campbell, Judy C. Washington, José E. Rodríguez.  Implementing High-Quality Primary Care Through a Health Equity Lens The Annals of Family Medicine Feb 2022, 2785; DOI: 10.1370/afm.2785
6. Oni K, Allen K, Washington J. Prioritize Comprehensive Women’s Health Training, Protect Our Communities. Fam Med. 2022;54(8):658-659. https://doi.org/10.22454/FamMed.2022.203722.
7. Rodriguez, Jose E., Kendall M. Campbell, and Judy C. Washington. “Remove Race as an Initial Identifier From Clinical Presentations Reply.” AMERICAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN 106.2 (2022): 120-121.
8. Rodríguez, J.E., Figueroa, E., Campbell, K.M. et al. Towards a common lexicon for equity, diversity, and inclusion work in academic medicine. BMC Med Educ 22, 703 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-022-03736-6
9. Foster KE, Robles J, Anim T, et al. What Do Underrepresented in Medicine Junior Family Medicine Faculty Value From a Faculty Development Experience? Fam Med. 2022;54(9):729-733. https://doi.org/10.22454/FamMed.2022.895447.
10. Campbell, K. M., Washington, J. C., Baluchi, D., & Rodríguez, J. E. Submit It Again! Learning From Rejected Manuscripts. PRiMER, 6.
11. Black Women & Public Health: Strategies To Name, Locate, And Change Systems Of Power SUNY PRESS, Black Women’s Wellness Book Series (2022) FROM THE INTRODUCTION: Black Women and Public Health: Strategies to Name, Locate, and Change Systems of Power seeks to create an interdisciplinary dialogue that bridges gaps between researchers, practitioners, educators, and advocates. Black women’s work in public health is a regenerative practice. Just as Dr. Anna Julia Cooper wrote in her 1892 essay, “Womanhood: A Vital Element in the Regeneration and Progress of a Race” we look backward, inward, and forward to renew and refresh as we work to improve the quality of life for ourselves and others.     CHAPTER 11 Am I My Sister’s Mentor?: Why Mentoring Underrepresented Minority Medical and Public Health Faculty Can Improve the Health of Black Women. Andrea Anderson, Judy Washington, and Joedrecka S. Brown Speights

Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to collaborate and create.