Planning Greece May Be My Favorite Brain Supplement

I’ve spent the last several months thinking about inflammation, supplement stacks, anesthesia protocols, and mitochondrial function.

Yes. Mitochondrial function. (It’s a thing.)

I’m becoming quite the geek — and honestly, I kind of love it.

So naturally… I decided to plan a trip to Greece. 🤪

My newest brain optimization strategy involves optimizing flight miles, ferry schedules, boutique hotel comparisons, and obsessing over whether the balcony has a full sea view or just a “partial glimpse if you lean left.”

And the funny thing is… this isn’t random. Last fall’s trip flexed my brain muscles in the best possible way.

Italy Proved Something

It was everything we’d hoped it would be. Beautiful. Dreamy. Delicious. The kind of trip you replay in your head on gray February mornings when you’re staring at a supplement organizer.

A dream in motion — iconic moments we’d envisioned for years.

The Vespa ride along the Amalfi Coast. A private boat along the coast with those unreal views. Pompeii. Limoncello. And in Sicily: a cooking class in a cliffside villa overlooking the sea, then a long table with new friends, our homemade creations, and plenty of wine.

Chef Massimo. Homemade pasta. Zero regrets.

We checked off so many bucket list must-sees. And I wouldn’t change a thing. (Except for that half-day wait for the Blue Grotto. OY.)

And tucked inside all of that joy was something quieter.

I can climb the stairs — even when there are hundreds of them — stopping just long enough to admire the view (and catch my breath, let’s be honest).

I can navigate a chaotic airport after an overnight flight and still feel excited instead of depleted.

I can confidently say grazie, prego, and andiamo! like I was born there.

I can figure out how to pay for a public restroom in euros without panicking (no attendant in sight).

I can ride on the back of a Vespa along the Amalfi Coast and only mildly question my life choices.

Me...questioning my life choices.

Italy proved I can curate an experience well.

That I’m physically up for the challenge.

That there is real joy in novelty and uncertainty — like our first trip to Europe.

I can stretch a little beyond my comfort zone… and enjoy it.

Confidence, it turns out, grows with every international airport.

That realization followed me home.

This Time, It’s About the Feels

This time I’m thinking more about contrast as I plan — different landscapes, different energy, different rhythms at each stop.

Yes, Greece has its iconic must-sees too — the Acropolis of Athens, Santorini’s volcanic cliffs, the dramatic monasteries of Meteora, and the ancient sanctuary of Delphi (and that’s before we even get to the rest of the islands).

This time, I’m curating by feel.

Ancient city energy in Athens.

Authentic island vibes in Naxos.

Relaxed cliffside views in Santorini.

I’m asking different questions...

Do we want to wander an endearing fishing port — or get wonderfully lost in a maze of ancient streets?

Hear Greek mythology brought to life on a tour of ancient ruins — or discover unmissable dishes on a food tour?

Linger over dinner on a quiet harbor — or grab a highly rated gyro from that place everyone on Instagram swears by?

Rent a car and explore charming mountain villages — or seek out the energy of a chic, trendy town?

Or maybe build in a few more beach days than we allowed ourselves in Italy.

And as it turns out, deciding between Paros and Naxos requires more self-reflection than I expected.

Which is kind of the point.

I’m learning a few Greek words (accuracy optional, confidence required).

I’m making a short list of beaches that are mandatory for doing absolutely nothing.

Doing absolutely nothing.

The Plan Is Part of the Fun

All the detailed, slightly obsessive, critical thinking — turns out my brain loves a good project — the comparisons, the tradeoffs, the deciding, the imagining — comes with a side of joy and anticipation.

It doesn’t feel draining. It feels energizing.

Planning Greece feels like continuing momentum toward the life we said we wanted — passport in hand, bucket list in motion.

Curating our final quarter with intention and purpose.

Travel.

Novelty.

Learning.

Reinvention.

That’s oxygen.

Joy is allowed at 60.

Anticipation is allowed.

Sea views are allowed.

Stay curious, friends.