I was going through the site and found this post I wrote on February 13, 2014. I liked the idea then and I still like it now. In fact, I would say that now more than ever we need to take the time to stop and understand others around us. Doesn’t matter if they are next door or a thousand miles away. 

I’d still offer the same advice as I did years ago. Go out and meet someone new, experience a new culture, understand your differences, listen to their stories. Get involved, read and learn about everything you’re concerned about. Make a call, show up at a meeting, run for office!  Have your own opinions based on facts you’ve learned and researched or experienced. It might be scary, but I guarantee you that you will grow and make a new friend or two along the way. Here’s wishing you all the love in the world. 

Most of this advice still holds true even if we can’t always meet in person. Finding ways to stay connected and informed hasn’t gone away it’s just changed. Reach out and connect with someone today.

Happy Valentines Day to the World! People typically take time on Valentine’s Day to wish their loved ones a happy day and celebrate the love they share with each other. This usually takes many forms that include buying gifts like candy, jewelry, lingerie, and many other romantic goodies. But I want to take this time on Valentine’s Day to say “I love you” to the world.

If I hadn’t had the opportunity to travel to so many countries I wouldn’t have the appreciation that I have for my friends and family all over the world.

Travel is a Luxury

I also wouldn’t have an appreciation of the diverse cultures and people from around the world. I grew up in the United States, which is a melting pot of so many wonderful different people yet we so rarely take the time to learn about these differences. So often, we tend to gravitate to people like ourselves. Let’s face it, it’s easy, a whole lot easier. Taking the time to meet someone new especially someone who lives outside of your neighborhood, or looks different can be challenging for some people. For most people.

The most important thing I’ve learned from all my travels is that every time I take the stop and open my mind and heart to others it’s always a wonderful surprise. Even someone who has a grumpy look may just need a “good morning” or a “how are you today?” to make them look at you just a little different and change that frown into a big old smile.

I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to meet many amazing people. People in places like Johannesburg, Dubai, Vienna, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Munich, Sao Paulo, Brussels, Istanbul, Jordan, Beijing, London, Taipei, Paris, Kuala Lumpur, Madrid, Delhi, and many more, have changed my world forever. Some I still talk to and see on social media regularly. Some I may never see again. Either way, they have all helped to open my mind and make me see not only our differences but our commonalities as well.

Without these experiences, I would not know how lucky I am to be a woman able to start my own business, love whomever I choose, have a safe home, eat when I’m hungry, and drink fresh clean water when I’m thirsty. I am thankful every day for these luxuries that we sometimes take for granted.

I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many fellow travelers along the way and many of them I now call friends. I hope we all can keep sharing our passion for travel and the joy of learning about others. Happy Valentine’s Day my friends!

Just One More Thing

My suggestion is on Valentine’s Day, why not get to know one new person? Maybe a co-worker, fellow student, shopkeeper, anyone who is different than you in any way, and share a meal or cup of coffee or tea together either in person or virtually. I love getting together with friends for virtual tea parties. We have a chance to catch up, relax and spend some time together.

Many of us get tired of the divisiveness and anger on our social media pages. Why not share something that is filled with love or gratitude? Why not brighten someone’s day?

We just don’t know what is going on in someone’s life. Just the act of one person smiling at you or saying hello can completely change someone’s day, their week, and maybe even their life. Isn’t it worth the risk?

Have a real conversation and listen. Listen to their joys and concerns. Listen to how many of those things are the same as yours. Then share that story with a family member or friend or share it on social media where you can brighten even more people’s lives.

Happy Valentine’s Day To the World

I believe that this type of positive micro-interactions is exactly what can make the world smaller and bring it closer together. It seems like the world needs more love and more positivity than ever before.

Happy Valentines Day to the world, and to you and yours. I hope you make the most of it. Share at least some of these ideas with a new friend or friends. 

Updated February 2023

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