Stories from Our DLG Girls: Isabella

In this edition of Stories from Our DLG Girls, we’re spotlighting Isabella, who joined us in Morocco while navigating the uncertainty that often follows after graduating and going through a breakup. Her week in Morocco gave her the reset and perspective she needed to move into her next chapter. <3

Can you share a little about yourself and what life looked like for you leading up to the trip?

I’m originally from Sweden, but I spent the past five years living in Amsterdam, where I completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I had just graduated before the trip, so I was in a big transition period, figuring out my next steps, searching for a job, and trying to understand what I wanted in my relationship.

I honestly loved my life in Amsterdam, but something still felt missing. I couldn’t figure out what it was, and booking the trip to Morocco with DLG felt like a first step toward sorting things out.

What made Morocco with DLG feel like the right move at that moment?

I was telling my friends in Amsterdam that I needed a trip, maybe somewhere in Asia or just somewhere abroad. I didn’t really want to go alone, and I needed something shorter and more manageable. One of my best friends had heard of Mascha’s trips and suggested I look into them. Once I did, it felt like the perfect fit.

What were those first 24 hours in Morocco like for you?

To be honest, I arrived feeling doubtful. I didn’t feel like my usual self, wasn't super happy at home and wasn’t sure if this trip was the right decision, especially since I wasn’t in the most social mindset. But after the first day, talking to everyone and joining the first activities, I already felt a lot better. Being around new girls and in a new environment actually helped a lot, I also felt very quickly that I could just be myself and use this week to recharge and get out of my home bubble.

What left the biggest impression on you about Morocco?

The people and the energy. Everyone was so kind and warm, and there was a calmness to life there,  like everything you needed was right in front of you. I loved waking up, drinking coffee while looking at the ocean, and realizing I didn’t need more than that. It was a peaceful rhythm, and the food was amazing too.

Was there a moment that helped you see things differently during the week?

Yes, definitely. During one of the evenings, we used the question cards Mascha brought, and one of the questions was: “How happy are you on a scale of one to ten?”

It made me stop and really think. I had to be honest with myself, and I realized I wasn’t as happy as I wanted or should be. Talking to the women around me made me feel supported, and seeing them pursue the things that fulfilled them reminded me that I deserved that too. It helped me understand that nobody else was responsible for how I felt, I needed to make changes in my own life to get there. That week gave me the clarity and courage to actually do it.

What habits or perspectives from the trip stuck the most?

The biggest thing was how much having the right, like-minded, supportive people around you can change things. It also reminded me of how many people, places, and experiences I still haven’t discovered. I came home with a sense of peace and motivation that has stayed with me,  not just from the memories, but from the connections and inspiration I found.

What’s a moment from the trip that’s stayed with you?

There are many, but a few stand out:

The last surf class, I don’t think I’ve ever laughed as much. Jaimy and I were helping each other catch waves with our surf instructor, who made us sing between every wave. Being in the water, laughing, and trying our best made it such a core memory.

Another moment I'll remember forever was at the Daydream Café,  it was our last full day together and a few of us sat outside journaling. It turned into the biggest pep-talk session which is honestly just what I needed, it felt healing and I felt to much gratitude to be there, in that moment, with those girls.

How have the friendships from the trip shown up in your life since?

We’ve stayed in touch through voice notes and social media. When I first went through my breakup, some of the Dutch DLG girls in Amsterdam supported me, and it meant a lot,  they genuinely understood what I was going through. A big shoutout to Mascha and Jaimy who I met up with a lot on the harder days.

After my breakup I decided to move back to Sweden, however I didn’t really have a community here anymore. Mascha connected me with a girl from a previous DLG trip who lives in Stockholm, saying we were super alike, and she was right. We met a couple of weeks ago and instantly connected. I’d love for us to plan a reunion trip one day and hopefully meet other girls from different DLG trips too.

What would you tell someone who’s hesitating about booking?

Just do it. This is truly one of those “you only regret the chances you didn’t take” moments. You learn so much about yourself, and it gives you a different perspective on things. It also creates so many meaningful memories, even in just one week.

Looking ahead, how do you want to carry what you learned into your next chapter?

This chapter of my life has been one of the most challenging, but whenever I feel lost again, I try to remind myself how simple and beautiful life can be. Focusing on what makes me feel fulfilled, happy, and supported really makes a difference, and it’s okay if it takes time to get there.

If that means changing my environment, making difficult decisions, or surrounding myself with the right people, I know it will be worth it in the end.

Thank you, Bells, for sharing your story with us. We’re beyond grateful to have you in the DLG community, you joined us feeling a whole lot of uncertainty about life and have made so many bold life choices since. You are the coolest, most beautiful, most badass woman out there! We are so so excited to see what the next chapter for you brings. <3