Hearing stories of her past travels and going on trips with my grandmother taught me how to enjoy life by appreciating the smaller moments

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
On the left: Varisha Tariq's grandmother and mother at the beach. On the right: the author with her grandmother and mother.
The author's grandmother, shown with the author's mother (left image) on the beach in Goa, India, and with the author and her mother (right image) in Dubai.

Courtesy of Varisha Tariq

I'm a mom of 3 and was overwhelmed with how much stuff we have. I started getting rid of 1 thing a day.

Tech Insider : Business
Kids toys in boxes.

Thai Liang Lim/Getty Images

I was scammed out of $6,000 a year ago — even though I knew better. It's not the financial loss that continues to haunt me.

Tech Insider : Business
a woman looking at her phone while resting credit card on her head
The author was scammed out of thousands.

fizkes/Getty Images

When I let ChatGPT manage my social life for a week, AI texted my friends and picked my outfits. It was strange but helpful.

Tech Insider : Business
Santiago Barraza Lopez and his friend at dinner next to his chatgpt conversation
The author had ChatGPT manage his social life.

Courtesy of Santiago Barraza Lopez

I moved to Spain by myself with 2 kids while my husband was deployed overseas. It helped me rediscover who I am.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Style
woman with two young kids in Spain
Gina Benavidez and her children on top of Monte Igueldo in San Sebastián, Spain.

Courtesy of Gina Benavidez

My husband and I spent all the money we were given at our wedding on our dream honeymoon. We have no regrets.

Tech Insider : Business
The author and her husband in front of a boat on a sunny day.
The author and her husband spent the money they were given at their wedding on their honeymoon.

Courtesy of Melissa Noble

I ask strangers for parenting advice when I'm traveling. It's made me a better mom.

Tech Insider : Business, Style, Travel
Judy Koutsky with son taking a selfie while traveling in Europe
Judy Koutsky traveling with her son in Europe.

Courtesy of Judy Koutsky

I moved to Madrid to be with my husband. After some convincing, he agreed to relocate to my dream city instead.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author looking up and smiling. She's wearing a green V-neck top.
I moved to Madrid to be with my husband, but the city didn't feel like home.

Moriah Costa

I almost got swept up in the excitement of throwing a birthday party for my 2-year-old. I'm so glad we skipped it.

Tech Insider : Business
The author with her husband and son, in front of a lunch spread at a dining table.
The author decided not to have a large birthday party for her son and had family over for lunch instead.

Courtesy of Autumn Gavora

I skipped college to travel and live abroad. My decision helped me land my dream job.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
woman in jean skirt and black tank standing in front of naples, italy
Zanny Merullo Steffgen in Naples, Italy during her gap year.

Courtesy of Zanny Merullo Steffgen

Subscribe to Essay