I choose a word for the year instead of a resolution as it gives me a fun way to focus for the year. Last year was FLOURISHING and I certainly did that! ADVENTURE is my word for 2019. I want to do more, see more and live bigger!
Part of my ADVENTURE plan is to travel more. I love it. What I love most is connecting with people from different cultures. It teases your senses and brings your heart and soul to a new level of joy. From India to Brazil, Japan to Jordan, Egypt to Syria, Malawi to Canada and everything in between, I have been privileged to experience amazing cultures on these wonderful journeys.
My first trip was a Contiki tour from New Orleans to LA in the USA. This was 1992 and I was 21. I’d lived out of home for a few years but I was not at all ‘worldly’. This was the time before emails, Facebook and Instagram. All we had was the Lonely Planet Guide and travel agents for advice. I was really nervous and scared at the beginning of the trip but as soon as I got into the groove of travel, I fell deeply and madly in love. I felt such freedom. I found this inner confidence I never knew I had. I loved discovering new cultures. I loved connecting with people from all walks of life and I quickly made new friends. I discovered a deep appreciation for my intuition and I felt empowered.
This first experience changed my life. It planted the seed that I wanted more travel on my terms. It set me on a nomad path where I have visited 23 countries (some many times over) over six continents. I’ve worked in five countries and volunteered in three. I’ve travelled with friends, family, and many times on my own. Travel gives you the opportunity to be courageous. It opens you up in a way that allows you to connect with people on a different level. It changed me and made me who I am today.
I think back on some of the experiences I’ve had and I am very proud of myself. I have been adventurous and courageous in ways that 21 year old would never have dreamed of. Now I’m heading for the big 50, I want to continue my adventures, be even more courageous and discover more wonderful new friends.
As I write this blog I am fantasising about my next trip. It’s time for me to get out there and experience new cultures and make new friends. I feel a sense of excitement about where life will take me and what ADVENTURES will unfold.
Where will I go? Stay tuned…
