How to T.H.R.I.V.E.: A Holistic Approach to Health, Happiness & Fulfillment

Welcome to Savory Luxe Journeys where we inspire you to live healthier, happier, more fulfilling lives through travel, health, and wellness!

I'm Ms. Jade, founder and creator behind Savory Luxe Journeys. I'm a Travel Enthusiast, Holistic Health & Wellness Educator, and Functional Nutrition Expert with over a decade of experience as an educator, counselor, consultant, and strategist. I provide support, inspiration, and guidance to improve your health and wellbeing using my signature T.H.R.I.V.E. Approach which embodies the ethos of my brand and platform.

What does it mean to thrive?

Let's go back to basics about this notion of thriving. What does it mean to thrive? The word "thrive" means to grow, develop, or prosper vigorously, often despite challenges. It reflects a state of flourishing, not just in physical health, but in overall wellbeing and success. Thriving to me signifies living fully, reaching one’s potential, and achieving balance in mind, body, and spirit.

Sounds good, right?

So here's my question for you, and I want you to be honest with yourself as you reflect and think about your answer...

Are you thriving? Or are you merely surviving? Barely getting by each day? Are you someone who is just trying to keep your head above water? Be honest. Because I've certainly been there.

Like many of you, I've had my fair share of challenges in my life. A lot of grief and loss, family and health challenges, and obstacles in my career. I was laid off in November 2024, right before I launched this platform, from an organization I'd dedicated almost a decade of service to. I actually reached a point where I was drowning. I felt like I was hyper-visible and invisible at the same time. It's the tragedy of nobody seeing you, even though everyone is watching.

Most people thought I was okay, but I wasn't. I felt defeated, undervalued, and unappreciated. I faced fear, doubt, and imposter syndrome. Thankfully, I had a support system and was in therapy every week. I was able to come out of the dark place I was in and discovered a better version of myself on the other side.

That moment, though challenging, became the catalyst for my own life and career transformation. I chose to bet on myself, pivot, and build a path aligned with my purpose, passion, values, goals, and wellbeing.

If you've ever experienced anything similar, or felt this way at any point, or you're in that place right now. I want you to stick around. Because what I want for you (and for myself truth be told) is for us to thrive. Not merely "survive" or "get by", but to thrive—in all aspects of our lives—whether it be health, personal growth, wellness, career, business, relationships, you name it!

Now that I've given you some things to reflect on, I want to provide you with some tips for building healthy habits. Things that serve you best and are powerful lifestyle changes that will help you prioritize yourself, manage stress, grow, find peace, and enhance your overall health and wellbeing.

This is why I developed my Signature T.H.R.I.V.E. Approach for Savory Luxe Journeys! Each of our six T.H.R.I.V.E. pillars represent what we all need to be our best selves and live our best lives—cultivating joy, wellness, and wanderlust! Let's dive in!

How to T.H.R.I.V.E. with Savory Luxe Journeys

T – Transformative Travel

Transformative Travel is traveling not just for leisure but with purpose, for personal growth, wellness, and cultural immersion—exploring new destinations to broaden your horizons and gain new perspectives.

As a travel enthusiast, I am always pondering and planning my next adventure, and I encourage you to do the same! I visited Bali, Indonesia for the first time in 2024 and I am forever changed. I feel that way every time I have the privilege of exploring and experiencing a new destination, culture, and people.

From my domestic excursions across the U.S. in places like California and Hawaii to international destinations like Bali. Traveling has always been my North Star. Something I can always look forward to that brings me joy, gives me a global perspective, and opens my mind, heart, and spirit in ways I could have never imagined. The food, the art, the music, the people, the culture, and mother nature in her purest forms. What's not to love?!

And you know the best part? I'm not alone in this. I don't know a single soul that's an avid traveler who doesn't reap some benefit or reward from it. Countless studies have even found that traveling has significant positive effects on our health and wellness.

Some of my favorite Fun Travel Health Facts:

• Did You Know!? Traveling can significantly boost your happiness! Studies show that planning a trip, given the anticipation and excitement, can increase your happiness by up to 50%. Traveling also reduces the risk of depression by 30%. Travel helps to reduce stress, improve mental health, and create memories that foster happiness and offer a fresh perspective on life. Experiencing new cultures and environments has a lasting positive effect on wellbeing.

For my Women Travelers:

• Did You Know!? Traveling can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 30% for women. And that women who travel often report higher levels of confidence and independence. Taking time off to relax, escape your daily routine, and explore new places contributes to better mental health and emotional resilience.

For my Solo Travelers:

• Did You Know!? Solo travel can be transformative! 75% of solo travelers say their trips have led to personal growth. Exploring the world on your own can be a powerful experience for self-discovery. Solo travelers are also 27% more likely to say that travel has improved their problem-solving skills. Navigating new environments alone enhances resourcefulness, adaptability, and confidence. It's also worth noting that 67% of solo travelers are women! So don't let fear or naysayers stop you!

For my Men Travelers:

• Did You Know!? Men who take vacations are 21% less likely to suffer from heart disease. Regular travel helps reduce stress and promotes better overall health. 80% of male travelers also say that exploring new places has made them more open-minded. Travel broadens perspectives and fosters cultural understanding and empathy.

For my Couples Travelers:

• Did You Know!? One study found that couples who travel together report a 74% increase in relationship satisfaction. Another showed that couples traveling together can reduce stress and increase happiness in relationships by up to 50%. Couples who explore new destinations together often feel more connected and in sync. Shared experiences and adventures can strengthen bonds and enhance intimacy.

The proof is in the pudding. It's no wonder that Transformative Travel is a key pillar of my T.H.R.I.V.E. Approach and Savory Luxe Journeys mission. I hope you'll consider making travel a priority in your life as well. I'll be sharing more about my transformative travels on the blog along with a ton of tips, tricks, strategies, and resources to help you along the way—from planning and packing to travel hacking and hidden gems. We're finding a way to get you on that vacation! Period!

H – Holistic Health

Holistic Health is a full-body multidimensional approach to health and wellness that recognizes the importance of balance not only within the body ("homeostasis") but also in our lifestyles. It encompasses mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health including stress management, movement, self-care, self-love, and mindful eating and nutrition that supports optimal health.

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."

- Hippocrates

I advocate for the healing power of nature and the importance of diet, exercise, and lifestyle in maintaining health and preventing disease. This quote aligns perfectly with my holistic health perspective, emphasizing proactive, preventative health practices through conscious dietary choices. This philosophy is foundational in both functional and integrative medicine, focusing on nourishing the body with healthy foods that help maintain balance and promote natural healing.

As a Holistic Health & Wellness Educator + Functional Nutrition Expert, I firmly believe that your health is your true passport to enriching experiences and life journeys. Through the Savory Luxe Journeys platform, I emphasize a well-rounded, functional, and integrative approach to nutrition and lifestyle, focusing on root causes and viewing the body as a whole. Why? Because this approach aims to harness the body’s own healing potential and is grounded in the premise that what we eat plays a major role in addressing disease, illness, and other mind and body imbalances.

Understanding how to support our essential bodily systems—from gut and brain health to heart, thyroid, and hormone health—is crucial. This knowledge has helped me not only with my own health but also in guiding family, friends, students, clients, and organizations on managing chronic stress and illnesses, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation.

Here, I'll share tips for maintaining wellness and supporting immune and gut health—both of which are central to our body’s vital processes. From a diet rich in nutrient-dense whole foods, colorful fruits and vegetables to incorporating juicing and smoothies, or indulging in massage therapy and Pilates—I’ll help you find what fuels your body, mind, and spirit best. For my avid travelers, I know how challenging it is to stay well before, during, and after travel. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!

R – Rest & Rejuvenation

Rest and Rejuvenation are essential pillars of wellbeing, and sleep is at the core of that. Prioritizing quality sleep and downtime, focusing on relaxation and restoration is essential to maintaining balance and renewal. Quality sleep doesn’t just help us feel refreshed, it’s vital for healing and maintaining balance in both the body and mind.

Sleep is one of the most crucial aspects of our wellbeing. When we neglect our sleep, we disrupt our body’s natural processes for renewal, which can impact our overall health in profound ways. The mind and body cannot repair, recover, or function optimally without adequate rest.

During deep sleep, our bodies repair tissues, build muscle, and synthesize essential hormones that regulate mood, appetite, and other critical functions. It’s also when our brain processes memories, emotions, and flushes out toxins. Inadequate sleep doesn’t just leave us feeling groggy; it impacts cognitive function, lowers our immune defenses, increases inflammation, and affects our mood. One of the first things to suffer when we're stressed, for instance, is our sleep. Without proper rest, we risk entering a cycle where stress and poor sleep feed into each other, causing immediate and long-lasting harm.

Stress significantly disrupts our natural sleep cycle by increasing cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels interfere with melatonin production, the hormone that signals it’s time to rest, making it harder to fall or stay asleep. This disruption throws off the circadian rhythm, our body’s internal clock, and impacts the balance of hunger-regulating hormones like ghrelin and leptin, often leading to cravings, overeating, and further stress on the body.

Sleep and gut health are deeply intertwined. The gut produces serotonin, a key regulator of mood and sleep, but stress and poor sleep can disrupt the gut microbiome, impairing serotonin production and leading to restless nights. This creates a vicious cycle, as inadequate sleep weakens the gut lining and increases inflammation, further impacting sleep quality. Prioritizing restorative sleep helps break this cycle, allowing the body to recover, strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and stabilize cortisol levels, ultimately promoting resilience and overall wellbeing.

In short, sleep is not just a time of rest but a time for healing, and investing in our resilience, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Establishing a calming bedtime routine, minimizing screen time, and focusing on foods that promote gut health and relaxation can help us protect this precious time. Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for a balanced, healthy life.

I – Indulge & Invigorate

Indulge and Invigorate centers giving yourself permission to enjoy life's pleasures and savor the moments that nourish the mind, body, and spirit. Indulge in meaningful experiences that bring joy, while invigorating your routine with practices that uplift and inspire to feel both refreshed and fulfilled on your journey to optimal wellbeing.

Life can often feel like an endless cycle of responsibilities and demands, but prioritizing moments of indulgence and practices that invigorate your daily routine is essential for your overall wellbeing. Whether it’s treating yourself to an experience that feels luxurious or revitalizing your body through movement and nourishing foods, these moments are what keep us balanced, energized, and fulfilled.

Indulgence doesn’t have to mean extravagance—it’s about finding what fills your cup. For me, this looks like soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath with soothing aromatherapy, enjoying a solo date at my favorite restaurant, or even occasionally binging a captivating show. It’s about taking time for yourself unapologetically, embracing the things that bring comfort, relaxation, and happiness. These simple yet intentional acts of self-care remind us that we’re worthy of slowing down and enjoying life’s pleasures.

Invigoration, on the other hand, is about energizing both your body and your mind. Whether it’s through fitness practices like Pilates, yoga, or beach walks, or fueling your body with nutritious, vibrant meals, these activities help build strength, resilience, and vitality. I’ve found that planning exciting trips, and even just frolicking spending time in nature can reinvigorate my spirit, sparking creativity and joy.

Together, indulging and invigorating form a powerful combination that allows you to feel both refreshed and fulfilled. Whether you’re embarking on a luxurious getaway or simply savoring a moment of quiet self-care, these practices help you reconnect with yourself and find balance. Life is meant to be enjoyed, so give yourself permission to indulge and invigorate—because you deserve it!

V – Vision & Vitality

Vision represents clarity of purpose, forward-thinking, setting goals, and creating the life you desire. Vitality reflects physical wellbeing, emotional resilience, mental strength, energy, and enthusiasm. Vision and vitality are the driving forces that empower you to live fully, be present, and embrace a vibrant life to thrive on every journey.

Vision is the guiding light that helps us define our purpose, set goals, and create a life we’re excited to live. It’s about imagining the possibilities and then taking intentional steps to make them a reality. For me, this meant envisioning a life where I could combine my passions for travel, health, and wellness into something meaningful. I always knew I wanted to make a difference and help others, but it wasn’t until I faced unexpected career challenges that I realized the importance of reevaluating and forging a new path forward.

Vitality, on the other hand, is the energy and resilience that fuel your journey. It’s the physical, emotional, and mental strength that allows you to embrace each day with enthusiasm and purpose. Starting my own businesses wasn’t always part of my plan, but through perseverance and self-discovery, I created something that aligns with my strengths, experience, and vision for the future. This process has shown me the power of connecting with your passion and nurturing your wellbeing to maintain the vitality needed to thrive.

I hope to inspire others through the Savory Luxe Journeys community to explore their own paths, rediscover their purpose, and cultivate the clarity and energy to live a fulfilling life. Whether your vision involves traveling the world, pursuing a dream career, or simply creating more balance and joy in your day-to-day life, aligning with your purpose and prioritizing your wellbeing can help you achieve it. Let’s take this journey together and make those visions a reality.

E – Education & Empowerment

Empowering you to take control of your life and wellbeing through knowledge, education, and life-long learning, offering resources that inspire a proactive approach to self-growth and fulfillment.

Full transparency, I'm a nerd! Through and through. Always have been. I love learning and I believe education and empowerment are at the heart of transformative growth. By equipping yourself with knowledge and embracing life-long learning, you gain the tools to take control of your health, wellbeing, personal and professional journey. Through Savory Luxe Journeys, I strive to provide the guidance and resources needed to help you live a more fulfilling and intentional life, whether it's tips for healthy travel, strategies for achieving balance, or insights into holistic health practices.

As someone who has always been passionate about learning—and sharing what I’ve learned—I’m here to inspire and empower you to be proactive in shaping your path. From actionable wellness advice to curated travel recommendations, my mission is to offer the encouragement and tools you need to confidently navigate your life, pursue your goals, and cultivate the growth and fulfillment you deserve.

"You are the best project you’ll ever work on."

At Savory Luxe Journeys, thriving—not just surviving—is our ultimate goal. By embracing the pillars of our signature T.H.R.I.V.E. Approach, you’re taking intentional steps toward a life filled with health, happiness, and fulfillment. I hope this introduction resonated with you and provided valuable insights to inspire your journey.

If you enjoyed this content, I’d love for you to subscribe to our email list and join the community! Share your thoughts, suggest topics you’d like to explore, and stay connected.

For more tips on cultivating joy, wellness, and wanderlust, bookmark this site and follow @SavoryLuxeJourneys on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Let’s learn, grow, and T.H.R.I.V.E. together!

Until next time...

Take Care, Be Well & Happy Travels!

💚 Ms. Jade