REFLECTION ON DREAMS & TRAVEL When I was a child, it was my dream to travel. I imagined all the places of the word with equal wonder – what was Wyoming like? Paris? China? But the idea of traveling to any of these places was so much more a dream than something I ever thought I would experience. I couldn’t imagine having enough money to afford a plane ticket; nevermind a plane ticket abroad! I was 18 when I first flew. I went to San Diego. I had managed to get a scholarship that included my plane fare through Operation Enterprise, a management training program for students. I remember being nervous but trying to act as cool as all the people around me for whom flying was like commuting. I’ll never forget the first time I saw the clouds from above. It was exhilarating. I thought it would be the first and last time I’d ever have that opportunity. I’ve now travelled to most states and my passport is full of stamps. But there was always one place I dreamed of visiting but which seemed so far off… Africa! That’s where I am writing from today. Sitting in my room in Tamale, Ghana, where the State Department has brought me to speak to young entrepreneurs and aspiring leaders, I am overwhelmed with how blessed I have been in my life to have had so many opportunities – to travel and otherwise (and most especially that I have such an amazing family that so much of my time traveling is spent thinking about and missing them!). I am deeply thankful to all of the people who have supported me, loved me, and opened doors for me – most especially Peggy Lindahl and Michael Simmons. And I am thankful to the universe for keeping me safe & healthy, and giving me courage, insight and compassion. As I’ve traveled, I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that it is not where you go that makes the difference. Home is as magical as any place you might dream of. Rather, it is your presence to your experience that makes all the difference. The world is a beautiful place. So are its people. No matter where you are.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 20:44:57 +0000
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