Every month, I will introduce you to someone I’ve met along my spiritual path who has inspired me. Meet Victoria Gregg. Victoria is a writer, poet, nature photographer, dental geek, dog lover, thalassophile, sunset chaser, and mom who has led somewhat of a nomadic life. She writes about the human journey, parenthood, spirituality, and whatever inspires her. She is currently working on writing her first novel and has written two children's books she plans to publish. She is a contributing writer for Medium, The Goodmen Project, Coffee Times as well as various other publications.

Tell us about your life's journey and what brought you to this place?

My life’s journey has been quite nomadic and interesting. I moved around a lot as a child. I somehow carried that into my adult life and continue to move quite often. I have been lucky to have lived in many different states on the East and West coasts. I have experienced such special places and met fascinating people that, if I stayed in one area, I might have never met.

My journey has had a lot of heartaches, ups, downs, and unexpected twists, but I would not change anything because I have had so many incredible blessings and lessons. I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic school, so I have always had a strong faith in God. Currently, I’d have to say I am more spiritual than religious, but my devotion to Spirit has not changed. I am always connected and let myself be guided by a higher power.

What lessons have you learned along the way?

I have learned to trust the Universe because it always guides me in the right direction. We often try and control our situation and the outcome, but we cannot control anything in life. When I put my desires out there and ride the wave, I am sometimes amazed at the gifts that the Universe guides me to. During the turmoil, I wasn't always able to understand that I had to relinquish control until I had no choice but to go with the flow and let the Universe do its thing. There have been times that I look back on my life and know that certain coincidences were synchronicities. I wished I had recognized them more when I was younger and listened to my intuition.

Where does your happiness come from?

My happiness comes from being in nature and also comes from within. Nature gives me perspective on life. When I take a walk in the woods or on the beach, it helps me to become present, go inward and become one with all that is around me. I then notice how cyclical nature is, and it gives me clarity on my own life. I also think that when I am my authentic self and living life the way I want to, I am most happy.

What inspires you?

So many things inspire me. A song that triggers a memory or a feeling. Watching the waves break on the shore or watching a sunset and seeing the sky morph into various colors. Nature, music, literature, life, and past memories inspire me to write and create as an artist.

Who inspires you?

There are many well know artists, authors, poets, religious figures, and philosophers that inspire me, like Rumi, Socrates, Confucius, Buddha, Wayne Dwyer, Brene Brown, Gabby Bernstein, and Don Miguel Ruiz. There are too many to name.

It’s the “ordinary” people that inspire me the most. The people who beat the odds and have overcome adversity. Those who decided to change their lives after they hit rock bottom are the true heroes in my eyes.

What gets you excited about life?

Possibilities and not abandoning my dreams. Many people give up on rediscovering or recreating themselves. They forget about their goals. If people tune into their gifts and what gives them passion, there would be fewer depressed, unhappy people. Langston Hughes said, “Hold fast to your dreams, for without them, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.”

Can you share a breakthrough with us?

I had a breakthrough a few years back when I lived in a suburb of San Francisco in an exclusive gated community. My husband was at the pinnacle of his career. We were dining at Michelin-rated restaurants and going to posh hotels and wineries almost every weekend, but I was not happy.

Outwardly I seeming had everything that one could want in their life, but it was all material items. I was depressed, empty, and felt like I had lost my soul. That is when I started to spend more time in nature. I wanted to find my passion and be connected to the Universe again.

I started my photoblog on Instagram. Spending time at the beach or in the forest helped me see the beauty in the ordinary. There are so many miracles in nature that can remind us that we can also transform our lives. During my time in Northern California, I started jotting down ideas for a novel. I had always wanted to be a writer and found a box with poetry that I wrote as a teenager that inspired me.

Moving rapidly to various states caused a lot of upheavals, and it was difficult for my family. It put a strain on us, and it made me see that what matters most is not money, job titles, and material stuff. It's being true to yourself and who you are, living your dreams. The connections that we have with others are essential. Having peace, health, and happiness is more important than all the money in the world. Peace and joy come from within.

What is your superpower?

My intuition. I’ve always had a strong one, even as a child. It kept me out of harm's way and guided me. When I look back, I realize the times when I made the biggest mistakes were when I didn’t listen to my intuition.

How do you stay connected to your higher self and the universe?

I stay connected to my higher self and the Universe by practicing mindfulness and gratitude. Seeing something as simple as a flower blooming in my garden makes me grateful that I have lived to experience another day. Nature, photography, and writing also keep me connected to who I am at my core. When I am authentically me, a crazy, quirky, loving, creative woman, I feel most connected to Spirit/God.

Is there anything you'd like to share with us?

The following is a link to my work at The Goodmen Project, and I also included three inspirational pieces where you can access my work on Medium. I post my photography with inspirational sayings on Instagram. You can follow me at @victorias_nomadic_life on Instagram, @mycirculatingjourney on Facebook, or the following link at Medium:

https://victoriaagregg.medium.com/

https://goodmenproject.com/author/victoria-a-gregg/

https://medium.com/illumination/always-look-for-the-signs-9a2974e7d6f

https://medium.com/change-becomes-you/the-cracks-are-there-to-let-our-light-out-e5b677a8bca0

https://medium.com/know-thyself-heal-thyself/igniteyour-soul-574634a5e7cd