A few days ago, David and I arrived in Japan to host another series of spiritual events, workshops and private intuitive readings.

As much as I love traveling (especially to Japan), I still struggle a bit with adjusting from one place to another.

And it’s not just the time zone change; it’s the space, the sounds, and the energy of every city we visit.

I’m a Taurus, a six-life path in numerology, and an empath, which basically means my surroundings really matter to me.

I’ve been known to rearrange hotel room furniture, buy fresh flowers to boost the vibe, and even bring a set of string lights from home to create just the right lighting. If the energy isn’t right, you can bet I’m moving chairs around like I’m auditioning for an HGTV show called ‘Extreme Empath: Hotel Edition’.

When in Tokyo, we’ve been staying in a building that’s part hotel, part apartment. This place requires a two-week minimum stay, so most people here are in town for work or extended trips.

We’re never quite sure which apartment we’ll get until we check in, so there’s always a bit of a surprise waiting.

After a 12-hour flight and nearly 24 hours without sleep, we opened the door to our home for the next few weeks, and I immediately felt a wave of grumpiness. I was tired, hungry, and just ready to relax.

The apartment was tiny—reminiscent of our New York City days, and my inner critic went wild:

This is so small. Where are we going to put all of our things? How are we going to manage this?

Through the fog of jet lag, we unpacked and ventured into the nearest grocery store to pick up some things, which is a grounding ritual that I rely on no matter where we visit.

Seeing people buy daily necessities for their home always makes me feel more like I’m at home. After an early dinner, we forced ourselves to stay up until 9:00 p.m. and then collapsed into a deep, healing sleep.

When I woke the next morning, feeling more rested (and after an attitude adjustment from my higher self), I saw the space through new eyes.

Yes, it’s much smaller than our home, but we are in one of the most bustling big cities in the world. Being in a small space also invites mindfulness, as everything has its place. Our keys have one clear spot, instead of getting lost in the treasure chest that is our junk drawer back home.

We have a charming little balcony that lets in beautiful light. Our clothes are neatly organized. David pointed out that if we were on a cruise ship, we would be thrilled with a suite this size, and he’s absolutely right.

Plus, we’re in a fashionable neighborhood, with charming cafes and quirky vintage shops practically begging my introverted self to venture out and explore.

Travel always reminds me that space is sacred. Whether it’s a hotel room, an apartment, or being at home, the way we interact with our surroundings mirrors how we interact with ourselves.

When we take the time to be mindful of our environment—to create a sense of order, beauty, and intention, we send a powerful message to the universe: I deserve to feel at peace.

Today, I invite you to look around your own space.

Is there one small thing you can shift, clear, or organize to create a little more peace for yourself?

It could be as simple as clearing a table, lighting a candle, or putting your favorite book within easy reach.

When we honor that, we create space for more joy, more light, and more of what truly matters.