I couldn't help but notice the text in the first image I looked at from this series.
"No Life Duty"
This popped out as the perfect motto for this solo Cali trip. What I take away from that message is, that my life can take on any trajectory I see fit. I am not confined to just one role. While I am driven by own my moral obligation to be kind to others and to do my best to leave this world a better place than I found it - there is not just one way to live that.
For the past five years, I have identified myself as "the owner of Hiptipico" and placed a heavy burden on my shoulders. I based my own personal value on the success of that company. And sacrificed my own well-being for the betterment of others.
While selflessness is a core value I hope to never lose. I also believe in moderation and self-care. It is critical to take care of yourself before you can care for others. I finally understand what that means.
And that is what this trip to Cali is about.
How do I identify myself as I grow and move forward to the next chapter? Who is Alyssa? Outside of Guatemala, outside of the office, outside of the constructs of Hiptipico. What is my life duty?
I am recently embracing this freedom to feel, think and create on my own terms. Using this time to transform into a stronger person while shedding what I no longer need. Always carrying with me the moments that fulfilled me and continuing to chase experiences that fuel my soul.
![Alyssa facing the ocean as she stands on the beach in a palm-tree patterned bikini and a Hiptipico wide brim hat](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1130/0392/files/IMG_0097_1024x1024.jpg?v=1498887102)
![Alyssa facing the ocean as she stands on the beach in a palm-tree patterned bikini and a Hiptipico wide brim hat](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1130/0392/files/IMG_0152_1024x1024.jpg?v=1498888038)
![Alyssa facing the ocean as she stands on the beach in a palm-tree patterned bikini and a Hiptipico wide brim hat](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1130/0392/files/IMG_0170_8e3cc8e6-2b85-4a4f-880e-67369983edec_1024x1024.jpg?v=1498887041)
![Alyssa facing the ocean as she stands on the beach in a palm-tree patterned bikini and a Hiptipico wide brim hat](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1130/0392/files/IMG_0080_1_1024x1024.jpg?v=1498887111)
![Alyssa facing the ocean as she stands on the beach in a palm-tree patterned bikini and a Hiptipico wide brim hat](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1130/0392/files/IMG_0136_1024x1024.jpg?v=1498886948)
![Alyssa heading towards the ocean with a surfboard in hand as she wears a palm-tree patterned bikini and a Hiptipico wide brim hat](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1130/0392/files/IMG_0562_1024x1024.jpg?v=1498886999)
![Alyssa heading towards the ocean with a surfboard in hand as she wears a palm-tree patterned bikini and a Hiptipico wide brim hat](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1130/0392/files/IMG_0587_1024x1024.jpg?v=1498886993)
![Alyssa walking down the beach as she wears a palm-tree patterned bikini and a Hiptipico wide brim hat](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1130/0392/files/IMG_0400_1024x1024.jpg?v=1498886975)
![Alyssa laying down on a beach towel as she wears a palm-tree patterned bikini and a Hiptipico wide brim hat](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1130/0392/files/IMG_0345_1024x1024.jpg?v=1498886970)
![Alyssa laying down on a beach towel as she wears a palm-tree patterned bikini and a Hiptipico wide brim hat](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1130/0392/files/IMG_0309_1024x1024.jpg?v=1498886956)
![](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1130/0392/files/IMG_0356_1024x1024.jpg?v=1498886966)
![Alyssa walking under the boardwalk at the beach as she wears a palm-tree patterned bikini and a Hiptipico wide brim hat](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1130/0392/files/IMG_0474_1024x1024.jpg?v=1498888157)
![Alyssa walking under the boardwalk at the beach as she wears a palm-tree patterned bikini and a Hiptipico wide brim hat](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1130/0392/files/IMG_0689_1024x1024.jpg?v=1498888059)
![Alyssa walking under the boardwalk at the beach as she wears a palm-tree patterned bikini and a Hiptipico wide brim hat](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1130/0392/files/IMG_0681_1024x1024.jpg?v=1498888174)
![Alyssa walking under the boardwalk at the beach as she wears a palm-tree patterned bikini and a Hiptipico wide brim hat, wrapped in the Hiptipico Remolacha Blanket](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1130/0392/files/IMG_0802_1024x1024.jpg?v=1499193315)
Location: Pismo Beach, California
Photographer: Carlee Tatum, Milk & Thistle
Hat: Hiptipico Sun Hat
Bathing Suit: Shop Entourage
Jean Jacket: Kersh
Pink Beach Towel: Dock & Bay
Shoes: Hiptipico Monterrico Flats
Beach Blanket: Hiptipico Remolacha