Not long after I got divorced at age 46, I planned a solo trip to Europe.

Just before leaving, I had a conversation with my therapist, who reminded me that I now had a blank canvas on which to create a beautiful, new life.

But rather than inspire me, the idea of that blank canvas terrified me.

It was white. Blank. And I not only had no idea what to do with it, I was afraid to even begin picturing what life should look like now.

Like many women who travel after a profound loss like divorce, I hoped my time away would bring healing as well as clarity around what my new canvas—my life—might look like. As my trip unfolded, travel became a beautiful healer and a catalyst for opening my mind to new possibilities. Slowly, I began to catch glimpses of this new canvas and what it held. As I look back today, I can see several steps that helped me along the way. They might help you, too.