My Story

My name is Amanda Hart, author and creator of The Upbeat Hart- a blog dedicated to my complicated and, at-times, messy journey through life, travel, and radical self-love. I write about being a humanitarian working and traveling overseas, a plus-size and body-positive fashionista, intersectional feminist, and an all-around upbeat human.

I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri- a place where city life meets small-town charm, with endless smiles and tasty barbecue. I grew up in a lower-income family, craving travel and adventure, spending my childhood hoping to be whisked away to the far corners of the earth. I read travel books, kept dozens of bucket list journals, and studied as much as I could. I always knew that my life would take me outside of my hometown, but I had no idea how or where.

Somewhere along the way into adulthood though, the weight of the real world hit me hard, and I lost sight of so many of my aspirations. After I graduated college in 2012, I surprised everyone by getting married and settling down in the suburbs with the idyllic midwestern life, complete with a work-from-home job and manicured lawn. I volunteered, walked the dog, and spent time with family on the weekends, all to play the role of the perfect wife and homemaker. I told myself that my dreams were nothing more than youthful grandeur, and that I wasn’t destined to do more.

I was wrong.

I knew something was missing, and the more I tried to push it down, the more unhappy I became. I tried to fade from any kind of public life, growing more insular and reclusive. And my mental and physical health suffered as a result.

Suddenly, there was a chance to make a change: In 2016, I was offered a traveling job based in Washington, D.C. to work with refugees overseas. It sounded like a dream come true. The catch? Leave behind my entire life and start over. I told everyone I had to think it over, but in my heart, I knew taking the job was the only choice for me.

Thankfully, my best friend from high school lived in DC and encouraged me to take the job and move in with her. That small piece of home helped me to take the leap. So, I moved from my two thousand square-foot house in suburbia to a tiny bedroom with no closet, no air-conditioning, and a shared bathroom in a city condo. I went from driving everywhere to buses and trains, buying in bulk at big box retailers to buying the groceries I could carry home in my hands. I left behind a marriage, my comfortable job, friends and my family. Those first few months, I was terrified and exhausted. But, I never questioned my choice. I knew, no matter the hardships I faced, I was on the path I was meant to be. And, I certainly endured my fair share of hurdles over the last few years: chronic illnesses, multiple health crises and surgeries, a strenuous schedule that took me all over the world, tumultuous political times, a divorce, and lost friendships. At times I thought I could break from the emotional weight of it all.

But, despite the obstacles, I flourished.

I gained a sense of who I was and who I am meant to be. It wasn’t easy, but I learned that no matter what else I did, I had to learn to love myself- fully and uninhibited. I learned that personal growth is an ongoing journey, not a destination. And, I learned that life is what you make of it- and everyone’s path is different. Now, I am where I want to be- I am who I want to be. I have tried and true friendships with amazing and kind individuals, I am in a loving and healthy relationship that gives me a strong foundation, and I am closer with family than ever before, despite the distance. I have been to 34 countries, including Nepal, Ethiopia, Burundi, Jordan, and Papua New Guinea. I have seen so many wonders this world has to offer. And, I’ve worked with migrants from war-torn societies, and heard their stories. I carry their messages of pain, of hope, and resilience with me everyday.

I no longer strive for the idyllic life. I simply strive to be me. I still know where to find the best ribs, how to get the most out of your window garden or a stain out of lace, but, now, I understand what home means, and most importantly, what it means to be human. I’m still navigating life’s hurdles, but I am trying to make a small difference where I can and live to my own upbeat melody.

This blog is for anyone looking for where they fit in, looking for inspiration to live their own upbeat life- or simply want to follow me on my adventures. Whatever you are here for, I hope you find it.