There were a lot of things I didn't know when the world plunged into chaos. I didn't know how long this pandemic would last. I didn't know when I'd get to travel. I didn't know when I'd get to experience the world's beautiful cultures. I didn't know when I'd get to reconnect with people again.

In the fall of 2022, I went on my first world tour in what feels like forever. I zigzagged through Central America — Costa Rica, Panama, and Mexico — and Asia — Tokyo and Singapore.

I delivered more than 5 presentations for audiences in the hundreds, spent hours with more than 30 customers, and had strategic conversations with our biggest partners. The trip by all quantifiable metrics was a resounding success. Deals closed. Opportunities created. Partnerships fortified.

My brain is still processing the memories. Some still a bit blurry.

There are the sweaty ones from a Roppongi night club. There are the ones of watching in awe as my sisters and brothers sing their hearts out in karaoke bars. The messy ones. The gyoza ones. The drunken ones. The ones where we laughed. The ones where we cried. The ones where we hugged.

So much life in just a few weeks. I'm excited come back next year.

The adrenaline is still pulsating as I write these feelings down at the airport lounge, about to board my flight back to Los Angeles. My throat hurts from talking too much and my back hurts from exhaustion. I feel wise.

It's almost time to go home and I can't wait to give my family a hug.