Ever felt like you fell asleep and woke up 10 years later wondering where your life has gone? Yeah, me too. I decided to write this blog so I know what happened.
No, seriously, I decided to write this blog because I love to travel and explore new places, and I want to inspire more women to do the same. I also love to write and share, so I am starting this blog with three goals in mind.
Blog Goals
- To share travel stories, tips, and insider information to help you explore the world and experience more of what you want from life.
- To share practical inspiration and insight on spirituality, mental health, and total wellness, because no matter where you go, you take who you are there! Therefore the second goal is to contribute real value to the mental health and happiness of my readers.
- To create a forum for women to network, to travel, to meet up, and to rise up together.
When I see women in Africa struggling to make a living or women in America feeling hopeless and depressed, I think of how much better all of our lives could be if we all joined together. With that desire to rise together and connect, I started pannali.org.
What is Pannali?
I chose the name pannali as a combination of two words that are important to me.
Panna is the sanskrit word for emerald. I chose the word panna to depict the dual images of the shining emerald in the heart of each of us, ready to emerge, and the sparkling jewels of destinations and people to be discovered in the world. Panna, for me, symbolizes the incredible potential of life waiting to be lived as we each desire.
I combined panna with the name Ali, the name of a great aunt. I chose the name Ali because it is at once a common western nickname for women of all faiths, as well as a common name for Muslim men, and a last name for Muslim families. Depending on where you go in the world, it describes women, men, or families of distinct faiths.
I remember my aunt describing how when she travelled she was mistaken for a man when they heard her name. She said always appreciated the respect and service that assumption brought. I realized with awe the power of that simple assumption of gender and social status. Thus, Ali symbolizes for me the possibility for each of us to be whatever we want to be, and to reach the world however we desire.
About me
I am in my mid thirties. I consider myself lover of life on most days (and on the hardest days, I have to remind myself how good life can be). I am also a frequent world traveller, and a scholar and devotee of the Divine in all forms. I love watching other grow and succeed, and I love watching my own potential unfold.
I’m a bit of a nomad. Originally from the midwest (USA), I have lived in the Netherlands for 12 years, but have spent many months in India, Nepal, New Zealand, Thailand, and the Caribbean.
I have a PhD in a specific aspect of eastern spiritualism, and will finish an MBA this June. I love ice cream and chocolate, hiking and swimming, dancing and biking.
Professional Experience
My profession is in the non-profit sector, primarily with women in developing countries. I get to create empowerment programs for women and girls all over the world, which is really amazing. I feel I’ve done something fulfilling when I can help as many people as possible to realize and live their full potential.
Vegetarianism, Natural Health and Beauty
I’m a life-long vegetarian, and interested in healthy, natural beauty and home products. I’ll share my best finds, especially related to a travel lifestyle.
Join the Community!
Thank you for stopping by. Let’s connect. Please grab a cup of tea or coffee and stick around for awhile, or drop me an email at kimberly@pannalitravels.com. I’d love to hear from you and how I can help you to travel more, and live the life of your dreams.
Cheers!
Kimberly
