croatia — When I was younger, one of my most vivid memories was a business trip to Beijing. I found myself at a long dinner table, doing rounds of local alcohol shots with men in suits. The ritual was simple but relentless: each “thank you” meant another glass, and if someone came to thank you personally, you had to drink again.

It might sound fun (and as a memory now, it is), but at that moment maintaining composure — after several rounds of strong, funny-smelling alcohol — was no small task.

I’ve always been grateful for the chance to travel: first as a child, through my father’s work that brought us to remote parts of Indonesia, and later through my own career. There is something humbling about walking through new cities and countries, discovering unfamiliar paysages, and learning cultures — especially when you do it alone.

When motherhood enters the picture…

The difference between then and now is my toddler.

At first, it was a real challenge for our couple. My husband has always been supportive, but after three days alone with a baby, fatigue takes its toll. He expected me to come home with 100% energy, ready to dive back in. Meanwhile, all I wanted was silence — maybe a long bath — before opening my laptop to tackle travel reports and continuing the week as if I hadn’t just spent three days across four cities, with late dinners and probably tough negotiations.

It took time, but I feel we’ve now found our balance. And part of it has come from the rituals I’ve created for myself and for us as a family.

It takes a village to raise a child.

This proverb could not be more true. We need help, and we need to accept it. If I’m gone for more than two nights, I’ll call for support — my mother-in-law or a friend to help my husband with Alma in the mornings and evenings. I also make sure a helper comes before I return, so the bedsheets are fresh, dishes tucked away, and the garbage cleared. Coming home to calm makes re-entry softer.

Private, silent mornings.

No matter how tired I am, I function better when I start the day by filling my own cup first: an early walk, stretching in the hotel gym, coffee alone, reading, or meditating. These quiet moments center my energy before the day takes it awayI bring my daily little joy when i travel.

Bringing small daily joys.

At home in Paris, I have a ritual of grabbing coffee to-go when I need an extra spark. Naturally, I try to localize this habit when I travel — finding a good coffee spot in each city. I also know that yoga and Pilates never fail me. Sometimes I’ll even skip a business dinner to attend a class instead. Those moments are an act of self-care that keep me grounded.