How Traveling Change My Life…

Click the link to listen to podcast episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFbv3F0_WuM

My story….
I remember the first time I began to travel; it all started in 1998 when I joined the military. I was nineteen years old ready to leave Detroit and start a new adventure. I was working at Kids Foot Locker, but I knew it was more to life than what I was experiencing in Detroit’s inner city. I was ready to spread my wings and find new territory to explore.

My first job assignment was in the Nordic island nation of Keflavik, Iceland. A country known for its astonishing landscapes, hot springs, volcanoes and much more. When I was not working I would explore caves, go to the blue lagoon, hang out with my Icelandic friend, Gunna (who became a sister), party and eat the savoring pieces of lamb. Iceland was a place to explore the great outdoors. And when I think about this experience a smile erupts on my face because I had no idea this would be the beginning of more adventures.

Later on, in my military career, I lived in Sicily; it is a Mediterranean island just off the tip of Italy’s boot. I remember wandering around the island to neighboring cities such as Motta Sant’Anastasia, Catania, and Taormina’s charismatic island. Taormina was an island near the infamous Mount Etna on the east coast of Sicily. It was a touristy area filled with beautiful beaches, clean Mediterranean water, various shopping boutiques, and more. Every time I would escape to Taormina, I felt like I was in Venice. I also travel to Spain, Rome and England.

After completing my military career, I knew I fell in love with the wanderlust of traveling worldwide. And fast-forwarding to now, traveling has become a lifestyle for me. In 2014, I decided to travel to Paris, France, to participate in a writing workshop. Paris is not just a city to do touristy things, but it is a state of mind. It changed my life, writing, and how I viewed the world. I can go on and on about Paris, but I plan to visit Paris soon after the pandemic slows down, and international borders open again for Americans.

So, I want to discuss three ways traveling change my mindset and my life. Also, these three ways can help you gain a new perspective about the world around you.

1. I became a storyteller.

2. Learn about the importance of diversity.
Respecting other cultures attitudes, behaviors and way of live help me realize the power of diversity. Diversity is an important part of embracing new ideas, experiences and promotes creativity.

3. Open-minded.
My mind was transformed by my traveling experiences. I was open to understanding other people’s perspective and understand if we disagreed in our ideas it was okay. (I’m still learning this concept everyday).

3 ways To Create A Memorable Summer!

 

With summer coming many people are excited about vacation and spending time with their family. However, I am passionate about creating memorable moments with my daughter. Although I am going to visit my family, I have decided to shorten my trip and plan smaller trips throughout the summer for my daughter and me to enjoy. It is so easy to get caught up in focusing on visiting so many people during your time off, however, what is more, important you planning trips that make you happy this summer even if it means disappointing others. Vacation is about unplugging from your routine and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

My main focus this summer will be unplugging from social media, reading books I love and being present in the moment. We can produce the most fabulous things when we focus on the present moment.

Below are three ways to create a memorable summer:

1. Unplug. The present moment is the most important moment in our lives. This summer take the time to take a break from social media and savor the memories.

2. Do what makes your soul happy. Too often we spend endless summers traveling to see family but have not schedule time to do what we desire. Make sure you schedule a personal trip in for yourself this summer, you deserve it!

3.  Create Memories That Last For A Lifetime. Spend this summer exploring new places and spaces to produce memories that will last forever. The goal is to spend money on experiences not things.

So, I challenge you this summer to do what makes you happy, focus on the present moment and create memories that will last forever!

Life Is An Adventure….

At the end of 2017,  I learned a valuable lesson concerning the complexity of life. The lesson taught me to embrace all the things life has to offer. It is easy for us to celebrate the good things but can we rejoice in tribulation.

Everything we endure in life is meant to help us grow and expand our horizon. True, sometimes the difficult times make it hard to celebrate. But when life brings unexpected moments we have to realize the messy parts make life interesting.

The messy parts challenge us to see our lives as a perfect masterpiece curated by God. As our lives are designed by every path we begin to understand that it is an adventure.

Life’s adventures gives us the passion to experience each moment. Instead of rushing through the moments we start to saunter. Sauntering ignites self-awareness; being present in the moment. When we are totally present our senses become alive.

Whether good or bad life is an adventure worth experiencing. Without the experiences life beomes mundane. So, if your life seems hopeless right now just remember your next adventure is waiting. All you have to do is embrace it and enjoy the ride!