Name: Tatyanna Wilkinson

Social Media Handle/Username: Instagram: ihearttraveltoo Twitter: @blueeyedmonkey

Introduce Yourself/Tell About Yourself: I am a mixed-ethnicity(half Black) mother, grandmother and digital nomad. I spent the first half of my career working in non-profits doing youth development and pregnancy prevention work. I currently build websites and teach interpersonal communications to teenagers in an online academy for advanced English language students.

I was born in Massachusetts, lived in Los Angeles for 20 years and have been traveling Internationally for 3 years, mostly doing work exchange travel. I even wrote an e-book about it. I currently live in Zagreb, Croatia.

What Inspires You Every day? : I am inspired daily by

…the people I meet while traveling. Learning about their lives, cultures and sharing ideas with each other has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my 52 years of life.

…the ability of a ‘chosen family’ of friends to provide a high level of support and encouragement.

…the power and magic of gratitude.

What is some words of wisdom you live by?: “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.”
― Anaïs Nin

What is your ultimate goal in life? : My sole purpose and goal in this lifetime is to be of service through my work, community and every other way I touch the world.

How have you been during the pandemic, and how has it affected you? : I have been healthy throughout the pandemic, but have watched family members and friends suffer during this pandemic, in various ways. I have dealt with ‘pandemic stress’. I have been challenged to create innovative ways to work with my clients, some of whom have been greatly affected financially during this difficult time. On the flip side, I have watched folks utilize this time of isolation and introspection to create new opportunities. Personally, I have been able to make it through with a deep sense of global connection to my fellow human.

What is a message you would like to give others? : That’s easy…another quote:

“Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.”
― Anais Nin

Find your community of cheerleaders. Take a risk. Make a different choice. Inspire someone. Live loud!

What else would you like to tell others about you or your life?: I have been blessed to have had one of the best mothers who ever walked the face of this planet. I am who I am only because of Eileen Marie Wilkinson, born Jan 14, 1945. My mother and best friend, passed away in June 2017 and there is not a day that goes by that I do not miss her presence. There is also not a day that goes by where her influences and love is not every present in my life. I <3 you mom.