From a young age, I have been plagued with both explained and completely unexplained health issues. My years have been spent in survival mode, every day trying to control, fix, and figure out what is “wrong” with me. I was, and still am, constantly searching for answers, going from doctor to doctor, and feeling like no one truly sees the whole picture. The deep loneliness, depression, and anxiety that accompany these health stresses only add to my struggle. It’s exhausting, frustrating, and isolating trying to navigate living in a body that seems to constantly be fighting me.

But somewhere along the way, I found hope, and nature has become my refuge and my healer. Hiking, swimming, and exploring the world aren’t just hobbies, they are my vital lifelines. Being in wild, beautiful places allows me to feel alive again. It quiets the noise, reconnects me to my body, and reminds me that I’m not broken…I’m just human. And I have found beauty amidst the pain.

Elissa Explores was born from that space; a space of healing, and the desire to share the parts of the journey I used to hide. I want others who are struggling to know they’re not alone. Whether you're dealing with chronic illness, body image, emotional pain, or just trying to find your way, your story matters.

This is my way of turning pain into purpose. Through photography, travel, and honesty, I hope to inspire others to explore not just the world around them, but the world within. Healing isn’t linear, but there’s so much beauty in the process. And if my story can be a soft place to land for someone else, then this journey is already worth it.