As We Head Into 2021...
Heart Reef | Australia
The end of 2020 is here and, like you, I am ready to put this year behind me and look to new beginnings and adventures in 2021. This year has been filled with confusion, pain, and loss and I can't wait to turn the calendar to January. In any trying situation, I try to think of the positive aspects and, although difficult, do feel like this year has changed us in some meaningful ways. We have reconnected with people through new platforms and more consistently - spending online time with people we may not usually talk to as often. We have also been forced to reset and spend time with ourselves which hopefully led to some self-realization and growth. And, we have spent time thinking about travel in years past and dreaming of future adventures. I have already helped many of you plan journeys next year and into 2022 and am always here to guide you as you look to get back on the road in the new year.
As we look to 2021, I wanted to reshare my Love Letter to Travel I wrote earlier this year as many of the sentiments remain true. I wish you all a safe and happy new year filled with adventures and I hope I see you in some part of the world in 2021!
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Dear Travel,
Wow! It is hard to believe how long we have been together! I remember one of our first trips to Europe when I got lost in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. And that time in New Zealand that I learned how to shear a sheep. And of course floating in the Dead Sea and exploring the streets of Jerusalem. Oh, the memories!
I know that things are a bit rocky for us right now with the coronavirus and we haven’t been able to connect as we once were able. There are some days when I question if we will ever really see and understand each other again. But, we have a solid history filled with wonderful memories and adventures and these negative thoughts soon go away.
You have been there when I have met many of my strongest friends along the way. You helped broaden my mind with new sites, cultures, customs, foods, and experiences. You helped give me confidence in the world around me and encouraged me to bring this feeling back home with me in my daily life. I don’t know that there is anything else that has impacted me so much.
I realize now that sometimes I took you for granted. Sometimes I did not appreciate all you have done for me and the many gifts you were giving me. I promise that will change when I see you again. I know now that many of the beautiful things you have instilled in me occurred without my even realizing it. When we reunite, I will be sure to pause and reflect more and use these gifts to share love with others.
When I see you again, things will be different. Attitudes and behaviors of the world around us will have changed and we will need to adapt to them. But, I know we can and, in some ways, think some aspects will be even better. We will learn how to navigate this new environment and find our own way to thrive in it, together.
I can’t wait for our next adventure together. I don’t know if it will be on a cruise ship or in a foreign country or what it will entail but I know it will be special. I know we'll be together forever - through the many ups and downs all relationships go through. I also know I will appreciate our moments together even more and that I will approach them with a different mindset after this time. Until then, I will smile at the many wonderful memories in which you have been a part and think of the time I see you again.
Love,
Greg