Episode 72

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Published on:

18th Mar 2025

072: Intentional Sabbaticals and the Power of Japanese Psychology with Monika Lewicka

Have you ever felt the urge to step away from the daily grind to rediscover your purpose? Perhaps a major life transition has left you questioning your path.

In today's fast-paced world, the concept of taking time off, or taking a sabbatical, can seem daunting and even impossible. Yet, many find that a deliberate and guided sabbatical can serve as a transformative experience, leading to personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose. 

Meet Monika Lewicka, an adventurer and transformational tourism leader who is passionate about empowering women to navigate significant life changes through travel.

Monika's philosophy is rooted in the belief that travel is more than an escape; it’s a tool for transformation. In this episode, Monika shares her journey of self-discovery achieved through visits to over 70 countries. Her immersive travels have been a catalyst for her own empowerment and now serve as the foundation of her work in guided sabbatical programs for women.

Whether you’re facing a life transition, seeking to overcome burnout, or simply looking to rediscover your purpose, a guided sabbatical could be the key to transformation. Monika’s journey is proof that embracing travel with intentionality, respect, and an open heart can lead to profound personal growth and fulfill the deepest human desire to connect and be of service to others.

We talk about:

  • 00:00 Rediscovering Your Purpose Through Sabbaticals
  • 02:44 Two Truths and a Lie: Travel Edition
  • 06:19 Monika’s Transformational Travel Journey
  • 10:05 Empowering Women Through Intentional Travel
  • 15:02 The Role of Japanese Psychology in Personal Growth
  • 27:23 Common Life Transitions and the Need for Sabbaticals
  • 31:09 Reflecting on Personal Relationships
  • 32:28 The Power of Sabbaticals
  • 36:25 Choosing the Right Destination
  • 39:54 Stages of the Sabbatical Journey
  • 48:21 Embracing Discomfort and Transformation
  • 56:01 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

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About the Podcast

Transform With Travel
Go On An Adventure
Welcome to the Transform with Travel Podcast, where we share stories of personal transformation and life lessons through our experiences of traveling and exploring the world. We believe travel has the power to transform your life, one trip at a time. So we bring on every day adventurers to tell their stories of inspiration, as well as Industry Experts to enhance and optimize your travels. I’m your host - Kelly Tolliday, Founder of Transform With Travel - and it’s my mission to inspire you to live life to its fullest, travel with an open-mind & Heart, and let the world show you a new perspective.

About your host

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Kelly Tolliday

Kelly is the Founder of Transform With Travel, with over 11 years in the travel industry. She's a Wellness Travel Expert, Retreat Facilitator, Travel Advisor & Podcast Host.

She's also a 500-Hr Registered Yoga Teacher & an Accredited Continued Education Provider for the Yoga Industry.

She's traveled to over 45 countries and lived across 4 continents. Now, it's her mission to inspire and support you in stepping outside of your comfort zone and into the life of your dreams.

She's passionate about immersive and transformational travel. She believe when you travel with intention, by combining wellness, adventure & cultural enrichment, you can truly transform your life, one trip at a time.

She's now based in South Florida, and she's married to her husband Sam with 2 beautiful daughters & 2 crazy dogs.