Aviophobia no more and ready to explore!
Welcome to Next of Cin…
Hello Friend!
I’m Cindy, a Florida native and 50-year-old mother of three grown kids. I’m a remote recruiter by day, blogger by night and a newly awakened travel addict in training.
For the past 20 years, I suffered from a debilitating fear of flying (Aviophobia). Since 2001, there were only two occasions I flew, but the months of anxiety leading up to those flights caused me to stop flying completely.
Surprisingly, on a random day in 2020, I woke up and realized my Aviophobia was completely gone. Not just a little gone…it was TOTALLY gone. Herein lies the origin story of Next Of Cin 
Getting through the pandemic and becoming aware that my fear of flying was slipping away, I began to deeply yearn to see the world and developed a serious case of wanderlust. This was a turning point, I was ready to embark on the next chapter or the next book in the series of my life.
Like the great George R.R. Martin, I may have taken too long between books but I’m hitting my stride!
This is Next Of Cin…
As a “middle-aged” gal (did I just write that?!)…working remote for 7 years prior to Covid19, I lived in yoga pants and t-shirts daily. When planning for our first Italy trip, I had lots of shopping to do. Yoga pants were not crossing the pond with me!
As I searched for fashion ideas, it was challenging to find real real women influencers who represented the 40+ age group, my body type, style, climate considerations, sore feet, etc. (To all the fashion influencers who walk the Paris streets in 4-inch stilettos, it looks great in your 9 second video but not practical for travel).
I found the best fashion and travel ideas on blogs and Facebook travel groups. At last, the clothes were bought, destinations mapped, and I was ready to fly! But Covid19 had other plans in mind…our trip was rescheduled 3 times over 18 months.
Then, gloriously on May 9, 2022, I did something I never thought I’d do...took my first flight to Europe! The travel bug has got me ever since.
ABOUT…
FASHION CHALLENGES
Mentally, I still feel like I’m 25 inside. I also know my limitations and can’t dress like I’m 25 anymore. Crop Top = No No. Nevertheless, I don’t need to dress like a “middle-aged” woman either. There are ways to dress how I feel (25) but still be age appropriate?
It is a fine line. I don’t always get it right, but I am trying.
There should be lots of youthful, flattering, on-trend fashion options for the average person. Why was I having trouble finding visual examples on regular people? Tops that look great on one body type often looks boxy and unflattering on me. I LOVE the plunging neckline trend on the A cup gals, but that is a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen for my body type. Hourglass Ladies, are you with me on this or am I off base?
BLOG’S PURPPOSE
Travel reality check:
As I enthusiastically began to research online for my first trip in 20 years, I had an awakening. It felt like my eyes had been closed for so long and suddenly now opened. I was consciously aware of how much I was missing.
How were people barely old enough to rent a car able to travel the world? And why am I am watching them from my couch? What was I doing wrong?
I was doing nothing wrong. Let me rephrase that…I was just “doing NOTHING”. If you’re not careful, your wanderlust can produce envy, versus inspiration. I stopped feeling sorry for myself. This was all on me. I just needed to get out there and LIVE.
I won’t present the typical social media façade of unlimited income, perfect family, home and body. I’m just a regular person who loves sharing interesting tips, photos, recommendations, and inspirations. To motivate just ONE person to overcome Aviophobia or any insecurities would mean so much!
My goals for this blog are:
- Motivate people to travel more and explore!
- Share travel stories, ideas and packing tips
- Post product reviews (I’m an OCD researcher)
- Share my Amazon Essentials
- Discuss skincare and beauty topics
- Help others embrace Living Agelessly
As a career recruiter, I’ve developed the ability to relate to people across all ages and genders and have a natural desire to help others. One of my favorite values we have is “Strive for excellence through serving others”. I try to follow this at work, in life, and now in this blog.
TRAVEL INSPO
I still have a day job but instead of living to work, I’m working to live. Consequently, my next chapter is less focused on acquiring “things” and more about acquiring experiences.
Thanks you Facebook Group “View from my window”. I joined the group in the early days of Covid19 when 90% of the world was stuck at home or in lockdown. People from everywhere were encouraged to post views from their window. Seeing personal photos from across the globe inspired me greatly. It was the final push that sent me on this journey quest.
In 2022 I’m grateful to have visited Italy (Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Positano), Paris, London, Tennessee and North Carolina. Looking forward to new adventures in 2023 and beyond!
SO…welcome to my views. I have 20 years of missed windows to see, clothes to wear and photos to take. I hope my story inspires others to stop fearing what they can’t control, take a few risks and enjoy life. It’s the only one we get!
Stay tuned, share, comment and follow the ride if you like!
Peace, love, happiness, health, travel!
Cindy
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