June Reader Spotlight

This June, I’m honored to introduce you to someone who has not only inspired my journey but walked alongside me during one of the most transformative seasons of my life. Meet Alyssa Derrick, a full-time traveler creator, vlogger, and the vibrant voice behind Global Gyal.

Our paths first crossed while we were both digital nomading in Medellín, Colombia, a city that was supposed to be a one-month stop for me but turned into nine unforgettable months. Why? Because of the beautiful connections I made with people like Alyssa. What began as a casual friendship soon blossomed into a sisterhood, one rooted in shared values of freedom, courage, and living life on our own terms.

In this month’s Reader Spotlight, we’re stepping into Alyssa’s world — a world that’s been in motion for seven years since she first left the Caribbean to travel full time. While many dream of packing up and seeing the world, Alyssa actually did it. And not because everything was perfectly lined up, but because she didn’t want to wait. Not for the right moment, more money, or retirement. She wanted joy now. Freedom now. The chance to experience nature, new cultures, and herself, now.

In this interview, Alyssa shares how travel has shaped her worldview, the wellness lessons she's gathered from different cultures, and what she's learned about connection, humanity, and kindness. Her words are grounding, thoughtful, and full of grace, just like her journey.

1. What first sparked your decision to live a life of full-time travel?

This year marks seven years since I moved from the Caribbean to start traveling the world (I honestly can't believe it!). The shorter answer to that question is, I didn't want to wait. I didn't want to wait until the right opportunity, or until I was granted only two weeks a year of vacation. I didn't want to wait until I had what I (and a lot of the world) thought to be "enough money to travel." I didn't want to wait to be retired. I wanted to do it now. While I was still young, while I was still able to, and while I had the 'time.' Before I got caught up in what we call "life" and responsibilities. I just didn't want to wait until it was too late.

2. What’s a travel experience that changed your perspective in a lasting way?

It’s something simple, but it happened during a trip to Taiwan when I went for breakfast at the hotel I was staying in. The spread was wide and varied — fried rice, rice porridge, sushi, eggs, waffles — foods I considered "lunch" were being served at 7 a.m., right alongside foods I considered "breakfast."

I had noticed things like this before, but I never gave much thought to it. In my head, I was convinced barely anyone was eating what I considered “non-breakfast” food. But something about that morning hit me differently. I realized, Alyssa, this is a direct display of what people from all over the world — especially Asia — eat for breakfast. Eating rice and soup in the morning is just as normal to some as bacon and eggs are to you. And that really blew my mind.

It made me realize that what’s normal for me can be completely abnormal for someone else — and that’s okay. No one is right or wrong. We just do things differently.

That experience changed the way I approach travel and culture. Instead of imprinting my own norms onto others, I try to take a step back, learn, and appreciate what their norms look like. It helps me connect more deeply with people and absorb all that the world has to offer.

3. Are there any wellness rituals or grounding practices you’ve picked up from different cultures?

I wouldn't say I picked up new ones, but I’ve definitely had some things reinforced. The first thing that comes to mind is from Bali. Their New Year, Nyepi, is a day of complete silence and reflection. No electricity, no phones, no leaving your house — and community police ensure the streets are clear. It's a time to just be.

Being there for Nyepi reminded me how powerful stillness can be, especially when it’s embraced by an entire community. It inspired me to create my own moments of stillness throughout the year without feeling guilty about it.

Another thing I’ve learned is the deep value placed on family in many cultures. In Colombia, for example, New Year’s Eve is spent with immediate and extended family. Then, after midnight, people go visit their neighbors and friends. It reminded me to keep family and community at the center of my life. That grounding has stayed with me.

4. You’ve connected with people from all walks of life. What have you learned about human connection through travel?

That, at the end of the day, we’re all human. We all seek joy in real connections. We all want to be seen, heard, and understood.

I’ve learned that taking time to understand someone’s culture — even in small ways — helps build that bridge. It shows that you care, that you see them. And that’s what we’re meant to do: connect, deeply and authentically.

5. What stories do you feel most called to share from your journey?

The ones that show human kindness.

Like when two complete strangers in Bali gave my friend and me scooter rides to get closer to home during one of the busiest holidays on the island. Roads were closed, traffic was insane, and their village parade was about to start — but they still stopped to help us. Without their help, we would’ve been walking for over two and a half hours!

Or when I randomly introduced myself to a group of strangers on a tour in St. Kitts back in 2016. I ended up meeting a woman (shoutout to Mo!) who, a year and a half later, took me under her wing in New Zealand. She gave me a safe place to stay, introduced me to friends, and supported me during the entire year I lived there.

Stories like these remind me, and I hope remind others, that good energy always circles back. You just have to be brave enough to put yourself out there and open your heart to receive it.

6. If you could go back and tell your past self one thing before starting this journey, what would it be?

YOU’RE MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION, SIS!

Alyssa’s story is a beautiful reminder that choosing a life outside of the conventional path — one rooted in joy, curiosity, connection, and culture — is not only possible but deeply rewarding. It may not always be easy, but it’s always worth it.

To follow Alyssa’s journey and her reflections on life, travel, and identity, check out her platform:
🌐 Global Gyal
📸 @global_gyal

And to Alyssa — thank you for sharing your light with us. I’m so grateful to have you in the WokenHeart community.