Because the greatest part of a road trip isn’t arriving at your destination. It’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way.
Emma Chase
Eric Rosen shared in Travel & Leisure Magazine, an article titled Will we be able to travel this summer? Who in the world can imagine such an atrocity? How can we not travel? What…then… will we do with the kids?!
How Can We Not Travel?
Yes, but quiet down. Lets be reasonable. How can we travel during a worldwide pandemic when we have no clue about a virus that is invisibly floating around like an obtrusive enemy? We never know who may get it next. It’s no respecter of persons from Presidents, Prime Ministers and major leaders within societies worldwide. No one seems to be exempt.
But then… as we approach summer, and the approvals have been given to calculatedly reopen, our eyes aghast as we picture the way to go. As travel expert Samantha Brown promised Travel will come back. Now there is hope as Rosen gives points about travel’s return from the experts.
Wellness and open spaces (i.e. parks, Museums, RVs etc)
Airlines present bargain fares and flexible flight changes in their attempt to boost a comeback to flying
Transformational getaways after all the time we have had to reflect. We want to start the move to get our personal lives back on track. The ultimate goal? To reinvent ourselves. Ascertain our future, and take stock.
Personal travel for family and friends for events such as weddings, grandparents birthdays and more becomes a nostalgic necessity.
The Rise Of The Road Trip
From the list, my personal fav is the traditional Road trip. Predictions are… it will rise this Summer due to cheap gas, lack of money due to the Corona effects, and tour partners customization and tons of collabs to produce the perfect deals.
All in all, here’s hoping this summer will be one of traditional memories for you and yours; or at the very least, provide treasured memories to last a lifetime.
“Any kind of crisis can be good. It wakes you up.” Ryan Reynolds
“When are you available to travel?” I was excited about the business opportunity but was apprehensive about traveling in the midst of the Pandemic. Two weeks later at the first sign of approval to reopen, I agreed to the visit. Questioned by many about my experience being among the first group of persons to travel as things slowly yet cautiously reopened, I decided to share my experience.
Traveling During A Crisis
Ground Travel
Uber anyone? Yep there’s Uber but that too came with it’s fair share of exposure so I got a ride to the airport. Things changed. It was spooky. Being a big international airport, the number of persons traveling was noticeably low. No surprise here.
As I made my way to the departure lounge, most shops were closed. Customarily, I’d saunter to the bookstore to get a book that I’d customarily finish reading during my 3-hour flight. No such luck. The cemetery of closures spooked the air.
Boarding
As I approached the Gate to board, the announcement came in droves. Ladies and gentlemen we have made a few changes.
6 Ft. apart as Social Distancing was required
Passengers were encouraged to get a meal or refreshment before embarking on flight as they have curtailed their in-flight services
Passengers were asked to scan their own boarding pass (self-explanatory indeed)
No choice but to follow the rules laid out. As I looked around, my own mask affixed, there were a few individuals wearing what I’d refer to as spacesuits. Their own way of taking extra precautions. Others were adorned in masks of many colors with many showing their personality. Yet there still remained a few whose faces were bare. The simple and obvious protection was missing.
In-flight
During our walk to board the aircraft we were constantly reminded about safe distancing and on entry were presented with a white-gift-bag, which later I discovered contained a small bottle of water and a tiny pack of cookies / assorted biscuits. A sign that no food would be served as flight attendants also attempted to protect themselves. Later it was pleasing to note that they did collect garbage.
As I sat down, I found two others passengers in the same row as me (a, b, c). I pondered the question… why would there be so many precautions taken as we boarded, yet it was a still a full flight. Luckily the young lady next to me decided to cover her face with her sweat shirt and went to sleep. This gave myself and the other passenger close by a sense of ‘semi-precaution’.
Hours later we landed and I disembarked and ran to my other flight with the same procedures being repeated. This time I was thrilled that I was able to move to another seat because there was room for true safe distancing.
Off-boarding
After yet another 3-hour commute, I disembarked, received temperature check by security and made my way to pick up my car. Apprehensive about driving because I wasn’t sure of the precaution taken by the rental company. Not much to worry about as I was one of only two persons in the entire area. I picked up my car and armed with gloves and cleaning wipes, I wiped down the inside before driving away.
Hotel Stay During Pandemic
As I arrived at the hotel, I was greeted at the front desk with a letter stating services reduced. It read that my room was fully stocked and that I should leave garbage bins by the door to be emptied and returned in the mornings. Cleaning and in-room services were reduced, if any at all. I complied. No problem for me as I resigned myself to taking care of my room as I did at home for the next few days.
Things Are Different
By the time of my return trip, things were different. By then, masks were mandated to be worn throughout the airport and in-flight. Passengers became annoyed if they saw anyone with mask pulled down. Personally, I tried my best to snack and drink while wearing my mask. It became a true work of art (smile).
Looking back my trip was indeed memorable. As I reflect on the changes brought on by the pandemic and how businesses and society dealt with keeping a safe distance, I pray this will pass soon.
For me, my next trip might by a road trip to ensure true safe distancing. But for sure life goes on and we have to do what we can to survive.
With the influx of the pandemic worldwide many regular activities have come to a halt. Kids are home from school. Businesses have closed or implemented work-from-home with only a skeletal staff in office. Things are just basically at a standstill. What can you do when the work stops? When maintaining Social Distance confines you to your home? Beauty Bites and Radical Transformation Projects gave a few tips. Here I share my personal favs of 21 things that you can try:
Sleep. Go ahead. You’ve always wanted to do it. Now you’ve got the time. Do it
Listen to an audio-book
Create a vision board of your dream life and hang it where you can see it
Read a book
Start a blog
Watch motivational speeches online
Make a self-care kit for when you feel down
Write poetry
Plan your week, month, year!
Learn a new recipe
Write a list of things you are thankful for
Dance! Dance in your home
Go for a walk.
Enjoy nature
Make a list of things you’re grateful for
Learn a new language
Make a list of the places you would like to visit
Declutter your phone
Plan to do something different every month for the rest of the year
One mistake cannot justify another. ~Raheel Farooq
It’s better to be slow and careful in the right directionthan to be fast and careless on the wrong path. Be sure that you are on the right path before you begin to take your steps. ~Israelmore Ayivor
Don’t ever rule out the option of U-turn in your life, because one day you will need it. ~Mehmet Murat Ildan
Great quotes for reflection when we get off track.
Wow what a decade! Amazing Achievements! Births, marriages, deaths, regrets. But that’s called life…right?
I’m a firm believer in looking back to forge ahead. In business we look back to assess our performance. Often it’s even mandated. Eons ago, I adopted the custom to apply the same principles to my own personal life. For that reason, as we approach the end of 2019, here are a few of my major points gleaned from the past decade.
Writings. Publishings.
Beyond beating the books I experienced a new phenomenon. A dream I never knew I had, but a dream that poof! became real! I published six books including an article in the JAABC Business Journal. My research on leadership and success paved the way to my journey. Success is a Phenomenon that has defied many. As I delved into the opportunity I had to explore a topic for my dissertation, I reflected on what I could research that would satisfy my desire to help others. And oops there it was!
I decided on leadership and success. Whether we like it or not, we all lead…if not others, we lead ourselves. I thought it fitting to use my research to publish books on Personal Development including Motivational Quotes for New Entrepreneurs; Success Strategies which tell how to gain success in your Career, from preparing your own public profiles through acing those nerve-racking interviews, as well as what to do when you land that new job. All are points of focus.
Suffice it to say, it’s not enough to focus only on the tangibles. Our inner prowess is essential to our spiritual well-being. I concretized my thoughts in book GreenLight comprised of inspirational short stories and exhortations to drive your inner self-talk.
Over the years, I also chose to satisfy followers’ passion and post daily motivational Quotes on Instagram. Documentary video created on the campus of Nova Southeastern University is available on Facebook for engagement. It depicts the discussion on immigrant leaders sharing their views on Success and how they achieved it.
Accomplishments
I was almost floored when I learnt from an alumni (who I had never met), about the recognition I had received on Nova Southeastern’s website. The journey became real. A selfless person as I have been told, imagine my surprise when I clicked the link and saw my face. Wow! Satisfaction indeed.
Since then, I have coached many and helped doctoral candidates on their journey. Sharing how to publish their own research has been my joy. It’s also been a delight to have contributed to other authors realizing their own writing dream. Among them two famed figures including Reggae Music’s iconic founder, Pat Chin. Her book The Reggae Music Journey is set to be launched in 2020 memorializing her 40-year sojourn to the industry. Among labels she built are famed artists the likes of Sean Paul, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, and many others.
Recognition was also received from the South Florida Writers of Color for contribution to the community and organization.
Community Service
It’s always a pleasure to lead the panel of judges at the annual 30 Under 30 Millennial leaders who are making distinct impact on leadership ventures across the United States and the Caribbean. Millennials are engaged in initiatives in film, engineering, educational development, farming, and more. The event is held annually by the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington DC. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Washington DC, hosts the event.
Serving on the board of the Hospitality and Human Resource Association of Broward County, over the past few years has been meaningful. As I sought to identify talented keynote speakers for developmental offerings to HR industry leaders, it has fostered my own 20+ year growth in the profession.
Giving thanks for partnership with Writers of Color, that paved the way to various community centers and library presentations throughout South Florida. Stay tuned for continued signings and community presentations in 2020, especially through new book “Ditch it. Switch it“, to be launched early 2020. Other signings were held in New York and Washington DC. Listen out for book tour in the coming year.
On A Personal Note
As we all know, life happens. I lost my mom (one of society’s first female automobile mechanics) and my brother, a-day-apart. Then later I lost my sister due to the ravages of cancer. Nonetheless, I use their life’s journey as my motivation to climb to higher heights.
On a brighter note, I’ve experienced the delights of my daughter’s two lil ones during this decade. They’re now pushing me beyond my comfort zone with their quest for me to drive my YouTube presence (eyes rolled). One to never back down, I have accepted the challenge (though not for the reasons they assume ha ha).
As always the decade was filled with travels. My greatest personal memory was that shared with my girls when we visited New Orleans. Just leave it to my oldest who is a travel enthusiast with a thirst for new experiences. Tons of smiles as we went live at Essencefest with Queen Latifah and the cast of ‘Girl’s Trip‘, which made the visit all the more fun. Oh and let me not forget my quick getaway weekend in Paris! Short but amazing time. Thanks girls!
Paris
This proud mom also watched her younger daughter accept double degrees in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice, while the older one continues to climb the corporate ladder. Yes my girls are growing …though I wish they’d stay my lil girls forever (smile).
Finally, looking back on the past decade, the memories made, the difficulties and the goals tackled, I am truly thankful. I now look forward to the future and the Great expectations ahead. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Here’s to you and your family as we wish you health, peace, and the hope that all will be well in 2020, and beyond.
The hustle and bustle of the season. Families come together. The air is different. Nature speaks. Music and lights sounds in sweet accord. Travel soars. Food Galore. Delightful Gifts drolls stress for those in retail yet brings smiles as currencies are exchanged for sales. The beauty of the season can be seen through eyes of purpose.
The Only Limit To Our Realization Of Tomorrow Will Be Our Doubts Of Today. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt
Music, passion, travel, the rain some shared. Once a staff member fell seriously ill. Apparently she hid it from most but as it progressed, it became more evident. Word finally reached me in my role as HR. That was when I called to tell her of the concerns raised by her co-workers. It was then that she shared her situation. It was grave… with a crescendo of physical issues, she wouldn’t survive. I immediately jumped into action-mode to assist in the best way that I could.
In reflecting on the question “What Inspires you?” I realized that what inspires me is the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. Helping others inspires gratification. Here I share a brief synopsis from the perspective response of what inspires others.
The random people I meet and the random conversations that take place. It’s incredible what inspiration you can find from genuinely listening to people’s stories.
Lemon drops or just candy in general. Also pieces of jewelry but mostly necklaces. I have this sea glass necklace that’s inspired 2 stories already. If anyone needs inspiration I would suggest going downtown and just walk around and look at stuff.
Music lyrics inspire me. Sometimes a certain sentence just sticks. Travel and nature and of course experiences .
Daily things around me.
Life
Mythical creatures, music, horror stories/movies, different people I meet and talk with.
Sparking a love of reading in kids and young adults.
Lines of Shakespeare and Emerson. Walking in nature. Autumn and Winter inspire with the scenery and feelings they give me…old things, antique shops, bookstores, leather-bound journals, maps, Fall evenings.
My friends, music, books, scented candles, and history
The inner and outer universe.
I find what if questions to be really useful.
Love and how it compels people like Rose looking for Jack at the bottom of the ship while its sinking. That’s love.
My weird perceptions of human nature and civilization
Pictures, people, and most of all moments in time.
Rain, grey skies, other art and gardens. Sometimes cats, animations or music
Everything. There is beauty and inspiration in all different things in life
Sound. the way you pour water into a glass, sons, the sound of the wind, the rain
Music, love, sadness
Struggle. Finding light in darkness
Stephen King
Current events
Humans and their flaws
Reading. Going to the bookstore.
Button poetry
Audience
Sweet misery
Ice cream and rainy days
I think nature. Happiness inspire me and says do something different for others.
Philosophy and knowledge
Fear of failure
Drawings
Dreams
Logic
Passion
Travelling
Anything creative
Strange occurrences
Challenge
What about you? What inspires you? Do share…we would love to hear!
If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. ~Steve Jobs
Thought provoking Motivational Quote shared on a Social media platform. A curious patron followed up with the Question:
But isn’t it true that you should know when to go with the wave and when to let it go?
While responding briefly, I decided to reply in more depth here.
It’s True
Yep it’s true. In short, if it’s a goal that you really want, there are many avenues to get there. Sometimes a u-turn is necessary. Sometimes it’s a detour. Other times it’s a revamp. Same goal but different route. Get my drift?
But delving a bit deeper, let’s examine each point.
Sometimes it’s a U-turn
Let’s face it, things happen. I remember when I was writing what was supposed to be my first book which coincidentally turned out to be my fifth. My usual adage is to write about leadership, success, career and personal development. However, this one was different. For the life of me I couldn’t figure out the type of book it was supposed to be. Then one day I decided to make a U-turn. To go back to the beginning. I printed the manuscript, scattered it on the floor, then sat and examined what it was all about. That’s when it became clear that it was simply a book of inspirational short stories, exhortations, and encouraging prayers for difficult journeys. Today, the book GreenLight sits on the shelves of Barnes and Noble, Amazon and elsewhere with reviews of encouragement and blessings gleaned.
Sometimes A Detour
In pursuit of our goals, we encounter obstacles that forces us off course. We are forced into a detour. Most often we get angry, sad or depressed. This happens most often when we’re traveling.
For me it was my career. I started working in the financial industry. After 6 years I lost my grandmother… the bedrock of my family. It took me on a world wind spin. I traveled to numb the pain. After a year, I decided to head back to banking. At the time it was seen as a ‘prestigious job’ and the only thing I knew. Suffice it to say I was steered to what I considered a small organization which I thought was quite a bore. With no challenge evident, an opportunity arose within less than a week and I went back to work in the bank. Days later, I was approached about an opportunity that existed. Turned out to be the same job. I rolled my eyes…not interested. A few weeks later one of my close friends shared with me about an opportunity outside of banking. I wasn’t interested but decided to humor her and go. Guess what? It was the same job! Detour after detour routed me back to what I now know was the ideal job I was looking for… but because it was sealed in a different package, I resisted. Also, what I perceived as a small organization was a subsidiary of the #2 International Pharmaceutical company worldwide. I led their human resource division in that region for over 14 years. Oh what a detour!
Sometimes A Revamp
I love the movie “Under The Tuscan Sun”. In it the main character lost her life of success as she knew it. Her friend gave her a ticket to getaway for a while. She eventually accepted… and on a whim, bought a house in Italy, which a year later, turned out to be a life change…a total revamp from what she was accustomed to. She became an entrepreneur stepping out into the unknown and it worked out for her. Same goal but different space.
So yes, sometimes we have the same goal, but when things happen we may be forced to make a U-turn, detour, or a total revamp. Same goal but a different route. If it hasn’t happened for you yet…keep looking, or if needed let’s connect.
What about you? In pursuit of your goals have you ever had to make a change that took you on a different path? Do share, we would love to hear.
Mid-life she decided to move to Paris. A dream she always had. With kids grown and little or no responsibilities she decided to take the plunge! She bought a house exclaiming “it’s my first time”.
Adventure
I thought about that. I have had many first times. An explorer and lover of adventure, I have sky-dived for the first time. I have moved to different states and countries for the first time. Not to mention my first time at writing and publishing my research on Success Strategies. A book that has helped many others for their first time.
I remember the first time I experienced childbirth…exhilarating yet humbling experience. 14 years later I did it again for the first time and the experience was no different. Wonders of the world! A little me was born again for the first time.
The simple things can be really powerful. ~John Taffer
Deprived. Deprived of sleep. Deprived of food, love, or the ability to satisfy life’s basic needs of shelter and more can create longings so deep, words can hardly describe. Suffering a lack of benefit that is considered important… that’s the meaning of deprived. I spent a week traveling by plane, train, bus, taxicabs, and on foot across our nation’s capital – Washington DC. Severe weather conditions created havoc causing flight cancellations, delays, hunger, and deprivation of simple necessities.
Positive Mental Attitude
Enter positive mental attitude. Delays provided the opportunity to read, people watch, and smile at life’s little things. Things that commonly get lost when things are going right.
I walked away being thankful for life’s setbacks…for though I don’t like it and at times get quite annoyed, deprivation can provide opportunities for resilience, creativity, and much more. Oh to bask in life’s simple things.
Feeling drained? Time for a Vacay? Getaway? Sounds good! It’s about time to step back, relax, reboot. Writers, Goal-seekers, new entrepreneurs, career upward mobilizers find it a drag to to take the time to Stop. But it’s in stopping that we are able to generate new ideas, boost our creativity to forge ahead on the horizon with boosted speed after.
Imagine taking a long road trip. It’s imperative to stop. I’m guilty as charged. Enter the plethora of Rest Stops for food, breaks, vehicle refuel, and rest. Laws propel this through enforcement of Drowsy Driving which refers to driving while ability impaired by fatigue. Want proof? Just ask truck drivers or someone who has suffered the severe consequences of accidents from tiredness. To keep going is a sure recipe for disaster.
Self-Care: 21 Ways to Recharge
Here are a 21 ideas shared by entrepreneurs on ways they recharge when feeling drained.
Meditate
Beach Day
Sleep
1-2 hour workout
Listen to Christian Music
Disconnect and go to a happy place
Go to the gym
Go for a long walk
Sleep
Enjoy Nature
Church & family
Guilty pleasure – TV watching
Find pictures that motivate to keep going
Think about positive things in life
Get a Massage
Watch good interviews
Worship and inspire
Go to the park with kids and tell them how important they are
Read motivating Book
Cook
Go shopping & Watch Movies that inspire
These comments came from survey of individuals on what they do to recharge. Do any of them resonate? Can you add any that’s missing?
Adopt the attitude to Stop. Reflect. Share. Then progress.
Jamaica. Lazy Beaches. No Problem 
Florida. The Sunshine State 
