Breakdowns or Bumps? The Difference Is Who You Travel With

Tracy Astle
Sep 16
3 min read

On a recent cross-country RV trip, we were cruising along smoothly when we heard a steady beep. At first, it was just a nuisance—until we realized it was the refrigerator’s charging system. Something was glitching.

We figured we could handle it when we reached our next stop. But as my husband started troubleshooting, another issue popped up. We smelled propane. A fitting had failed.

Now, either of these problems could have turned into something serious. A broken refrigerator means spoiled food, frustration, and wasted money. A propane leak? That can be dangerous in a hurry.

But here’s the thing: because of my husband’s knowledge and skill, both issues became nothing more than a minor inconvenience. He knew what to check, how to fix it, and what to do to keep us safe.

That experience reminded me of something powerful:

👉 Who you travel with makes all the difference.

We All Need Traveling Companions

Life is like one long road trip. Sometimes the skies are clear, the road is open, and the scenery is beautiful. Other times, you hit bumps, detours, and breakdowns you never saw coming.

And just like our RV adventure, those moments can either derail you—or simply slow you down—depending on who’s riding with you.

We all need people who:

Have skills we don’t
See blind spots we miss
Remind us to pull over and rest
Encourage us when the road feels long

It’s humbling (and freeing) to realize we don’t have to know everything or do everything ourselves.

What Happens Without the Right People

Imagine if my husband hadn’t been with me on that trip. I wouldn’t have known what the beeping meant. I certainly wouldn’t have been able to fix a propane fitting on my own. At best, I’d have been stuck waiting for roadside assistance. At worst, things could have gotten dangerous.

That’s the risk of trying to travel solo—or surrounding ourselves with the wrong people.

Without wise companions, small glitches can escalate into crises. A slow leak in your mindset can turn into burnout. A nagging problem with food, health, or body image can grow into shame or obsession. A lonely season can deepen into disconnection.

The Gift of Community and Coaching

The good news? You don’t have to travel alone.

God designed us for community—for companionship, encouragement, accountability, and shared wisdom. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 puts it beautifully:

“Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

In my work with women, I’ve seen again and again how traveling with the right people changes the journey. Coaching and community provide:

Knowledge – new tools and insights you might never find on your own
Encouragement – a reminder that you’re not alone in your struggles
Perspective – someone to help you see the road ahead more clearly
Practical help – step-by-step guidance when you hit a roadblock

That’s why I love what I do. I get to come alongside women who are tired of traveling the road of dieting, shame, and striving—and help them find a new way forward: one marked by peace, joy, and freedom.

A Question for You

So let me ask:

Who’s riding with you on your life’s road trip?
Do you have people in your corner who know what to do when things beep or leak?
Are you traveling with companions who make the road lighter, safer, and more joyful?

If your answer feels a little uncertain, maybe it’s time to invite some new traveling partners into your journey.

Your Worth Isn’t Up for Debate

Here’s the encouragement I want to leave you with today: you don’t have to go it alone, and you don’t have to know everything yourself.

Life is not a test of how self-sufficient you can be. It’s an invitation to walk together, to share wisdom, and to rely on one another’s strengths.

On the road of food, body, faith, and freedom—you are already worthy, already loved, already enough. The right companions will remind you of that every step of the way.

So the next time you hear a metaphorical beep or smell a whiff of propane, don’t panic. Look around at who’s with you, and remember: the journey is lighter when we travel together.

✅ I’d love to travel with you. One simple way to do that is to check out my Nourishing Body & Soul podcast HERE.