I was addicted to work. Call it a workaholic or whatever. I worked in the global pharmaceutical industry for a decade and more where I traveled extensively throughout the world including Latin America and the Caribbean. Those areas that I did not travel, I organized and sent teams to sales conventions. When I traveled I would go in on the first flight for a meeting, stay few days to a week then left on the last or first flight out to be back in the office the next day. Whew!
The Travel Bug
There’s now the tug at the heart that says hey…. it’s time to go! As Michael Palin said
Once the travel bug bites, there’s no known antidote
So yes… now I have decided to step out, travel to all these countries again … but this time for pleasure
Benefits Of Travel
So what can traveling do for you? Are there benefits? Here I share 5 reasons:
Traveling helps us learn and experience different cultures.
It helps to expand our view of how other people live.
It opens our minds to different food.
It allows us to expand our horizon.
It’s uncomfortable. I’m talking delayed flights, lost luggage and more… all of which means discomfort. But that come with traveling. Then after, you gain the exhilarating discoveries, joys and comfort!
Today I urge you to make the decision. Follow your dreams. Travel….and while you’re at it, Plan other goals. Its totally exciting!
Write. Rewrite. When not writing or rewriting, read. I know of no shortcuts.
~ Larry L. King
Where do I write? In a quiet place. A place where I can hear my thoughts, the stirrings of my heart, my soul. I write whenever it hits. I must stop, record, write. If I do not do so immediately…in a flash, it’s gone. So I have learnt to capture the words as they come. Anywhere, anytime, any how.
Writing Tools
The equipment I use for writing is anything (smile). When those inspiring writing moments come, I may grab my cellphone and write in notes. Sometimes, I write on paper if I can grab one quickly. So I keep notepads and notebooks all over. In my car, on my nightstand, the traditional desk, dining table, anywhere. I must capture those inspiring writing moments. Then when I am ready to publish my posts, I use my laptop. Sometimes I start in drafts in the App. But I usually prefer to post on my laptop since it offers the opportunity to edit, tag etc., which I find much easier. Yes, I know this can be done directly in the App but going the laptop route is my preference before publishing.
The Peace, Quiet, Serenity To Write
To write, all I need in a physical space is simply peace, quiet, and absolute serenity. That’s all. It could be in an airplane way up above the clouds, but for some reason it works. I sleep. I awake my mind is fresh, anew, and I write. I Know that serenity can even be found in a crowded space. A train, a plane, a park, an event that I’m allowed to people watch. To see and experience nature amidst the hustle and bustle of people everywhere. The only commonality is that no one can be speaking to me directly (or I won’t hear them or my thoughts (smile). Sounds poetic? Maybe it is. Writing is music to me.
At times we need community since we cannot exist alone. In other cases we simply cannot get the space to write in our own space and must getaway. If you feel that need, then join us in a weekend Getaway for 2 Days To Write Retreat with new and experienced authors. For sure you will find the space to write.
The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life. ~Steve Jobs
Success is a joy. It brings satisfaction beyond measure. But as we progress we find it can become burdensome as in the case of celebrities, burnt-out executives missing family time, entrepreneurs, career enthusiasts, and myriads more. Sometimes success carries weight.
Reflect On Your Why
Today, reflect on your why. Why you want to go where you want to go. Reflect on why you want to do what you want to do. Then go… find that Success. But as Steve Jobs learnt, create that balance. Only then you will find that lasting peace. That solace that’s sure to bring you joy.
I like the peace and quiet of being at sea. It’s different. ~Rafael Nadal
Waves splash in seemless style. Scattered folks chat gleefully in the distance. The boat’s engine beckons its revolving sound. The weekend rides on with high traffic of boats afloat on the water. Totally relaxed. The sun steams above. People clothed in hats, T’s, shorts, and more, welcoming the light breeze. Sounds get louder…yet not disturbing.
Fish, seawater creatures missing…nowhere in sight. Mountainous hills of water sprout like surfers beneath waves. Ship’s captain steers tourist-filled-boats pass beautiful houses planted on the sea’s edge. Just imagine the visitor’s delight to rent for a few. Pretty penny, but so worth it. Lovers steal selfies, kisses, and quiet love.
I quietly doze off. Calm, cool, relaxed.
Nice way to spend a quick getaway doing something different…fishing.
Edgewater, Water Taxi, Sovereign, Imagine, Gallant Lady, Waku, Days-Like-This…all boat names… but couldn’t agree more.
Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white. ~Mark Jenkins
Only it seems to me that once in your life before you die you ought to see a country where they don’t talk in English and don’t even want to. ~Thornton Wilder
I ordered a coffee and a little something to eat and savored the warmth and dryness. Somewhere in the background Nat King Cole sang a perky tune. I watched the rain beat down on the road outside and told myself that one day this would be twenty years ago. ~Bill Bryson
The daily grind. Don’t you just hate it? Day after day you get up, do the same thing over and over, and over again. Alive but never really living. You dream of lazy days; or those days when you’ll be able to do just what you want to do. Be careful what you wish for though, because that too can become….. exciting? a thrill? mundane?
But if your dreams, hopes and aspirations is to break the montony… then Go for it!! Here are 9 Things to do:
Inspired To Change
1. Learn a new language.
2. Learn to play a musical instrument.
3. Travel for fun (not business).
4. Write a book.
5. Reflect on your spirituality.
6. Mentor youths (helps you stay young).
7. Become a trader (for fun). Helps keep your eye on your financial viability.
8. Get involved in your community.
9. Expand your mind, earn a PhD
Did any of these spark your interest? Can you add any? Do share. We would love to hear!
Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
When you decide to live your dream things will happen! You will start seeing the things everywhere! Notice when you decide to lose weight, you start seeing gyms, healthy food, people jogging etc., etc.? If you have decided to extend your family and become pregnant you start seeing a mother or a father holding a child? It just happens! Benjamin Hardy shared the 31 things that happen when you decide to live your dreams . Of the 31, I liked 13. Here I share:
You will see it everywhere
You will have boundless energy fueled by purpose
You will realize all your previous fears were unfounded allowing you to embrace future fears
You will stop worrying about and anticipate the future
You will progress quickly at anything you undertake
People will enter your life to help you
You will be inclined to do things you never considered before
Nothing will seem impossible to you
You will be questioned and criticized for what you’re doing
You will be misunderstood
You will put yourself out there more
You will be genuinely happy for others
You will need more alone time for the deep work
Did any of the above resonate with you? Do share! We would love to hear!
Whew, another year! It’s like it flew by in a flash! I’m a firm believer in looking back to get ahead. In business we look back to assess our performance for the year. Often it’s even mandated. I have always maintained that we apply the same principles to our own personal life. Some don’t like to look back because they believe, they must focus on the future. If you’re driving and need to change lanes it’s important to look back then make the change. Only then will we able to know when it’s safe to do so…. or face the consequences.
For me I believe it’s important to look back to give thanks. To look back to see what worked and what didn’t. If we don’t look back we won’t know where we excelled or where we need to improve. So, here I share a few of my major points in 2018.
South Florida Writers Of Color Recognition
I love to write and was thrilled to be recognized by the South Florida Writers of Color for my writings. If I can help someone through my writings, then my purpose is served.
Two New Books Released
101+ Empowering Quotes For New Entrepreneurs
Do you know why some people succeed while others don’t? It’s simple. They never give up. Successful people press on when the going gets tough and they become discouraged. Why Motivational Quotes for New Entrepreneurs? Because Motivation is the key to Success. With over 25 Million Americans starting or running new businesses, entrepreneurship has become incredibly attractive, yet extremely difficult to sustain. Even with the traits of fearlessness, risk-taking, passion, resilience, and creativity, difficulties arise, and Entrepreneurs need to keep going. That’s where a boost of inspiration comes in. So, get this little book of Motivation. Offer it as a Corporate or personal Gift and sow seeds of encouragement today.
GreenLight
GreenLight is a book of inspiration which we get step by step as we walk along the way. We cannot get green lights before we are on the road. At the lights, we are told what to do. When we get to life’s intersections whether it’s decision-making, career, business, or relationships, we find out what to do. In this book of Prayers, you will find: •Inspirational Short Stories and Exhortations to Uplift You •Prayers for Difficult Journeys •Devotions to Boost Your Prayer Life. So get your copy today
Pride in Other’s Publishing Achievement
I am pleased to have collaborated with others on their own publishing journey. Be intentional and Get a copy of these books for your own personal needs on Amazon.
Coming Soon
The Reggae Music Journey
The Reggae Music Journey which tells of the Iconic Patricia Chin’s contribution to the Globalization of Reggae Music.
I Speak. You Read.
Poetic words by Charmaine Allwood-Hanson
Community And Industry Work
Serving in Industry and the community is always a pleasure. Tons of hard work, but the results are satisfying.
Hospitality and Human Resource Association of Broward County, Florida (HHRABC)
30 Under 30 Millennials, Washington DC
It’s always a pleasure to serve as chief judge for the annual Ignite Caribbean’s 30 Under 30 Millenials making waves globally.
Book Signings and Interviews
Book signings and interviews remained a big part of my theme in 2018. Giving thanks for partnerships throughout South Florida’s libraries, Museums, and events. Deeper exploration continues in the New Year.
Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Senator the Hon Ruel ReidThe Iconic & Hilarious Oliver SamuelsThe Best of the Best! Artist, Singer and Song-Writer Beres Hammond
Interviews
Helping others develop and achieve their best potential through career and new entrepreneurship is a passion. Listen to this interview on How To Evaluate Your Career… done with Kerry-Ann of Carryon Friends.
Dreams Come Through
Trip To Paris
As always the year was filled with travels but my greatest personal memory was the surprise trip from my oldest of a Weekend in Paris. All the way to Paris for a weekend? I questioned. But it sure was a memorable event that has left me with the notion that our dreams can come sometimes in ways we think not.
The Journey Begins
The greatest joy a parent can have is seeing their child accomplish their own dreams. Congrats to my youngest on achieving her BSc Forensic Studies and Criminal Justice. Mom’s real proud.
Cheers to you!
Finally, looking back on the past 12 months, the memories made and the goals tackled, I am truly thankful. I now look forward to the future and the expectations ahead. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Here’s to you and your family as we wish you health, peace, and hope that all will be well in 2019, and beyond!
How about you? What was your favorite experience in 2018? Do share. We would love to hear!
