Seven things so far - KK

Here are some things I knew, forgot and rediscovered, or discovered for the first time or let go of:

1. Where’s the fire? Really. In general, is there anything so urgent that can’t be dealt with after a good night’s sleep or a walk?
2. One should take a walk every day without fail, outside if possible, and without a cell phone to distract.
3. Each country obviously has their culture and expectations about tipping service staff. Do your homework so you know what is the norm. BUT always err on the side of caution for good service. I was in the restaurant industry and did many functions. It’s HARD work. When her friend asked her how much tip they should leave, I overheard a woman at a table next to us quip, “we won’t ever be here again. So what does it matter?” I’ll tell you why it matters. That wait staff has a family to support even if that family is one person. Integrity is what you do when no one is looking and I was both incensed and saddened by her thinking. I’m guessing she never waitressed. But I’m on this trip to chill out so that brings me to #4.
4. Make time for a hot tea and at least a half hour of pleasure reading every day. When did I forget this? I’ve always loved reading and just stopped doing it for fun at some point. Thanks to some good friend recommendations I’m reading both a silly book (Bridget Jones’ Diary—I’ve never seen the movie nor read the book until now) and from From Sand and Ash, a novel set during WWII.
5. A hand-written note is a gift to the recipient and the author. I’ve sent cards to my family and friends from every location and it’s nice to collect my thoughts, touch base and let them know they are with me in my heart and on my mind.
6. Always try the restaurant the locals take their families to even if off the beaten path and order what they recommend. We’ve had some incredible meals and our tips came from grocery store owners, taxi drivers, post office workers and of course other travelers. Oh and hunches too! Intuition should not be discounted.
7. Worry doesn’t change anything for the better. Positivity does though. It’s amazing to observe the difference in cultures as we’ve traveled. In some countries people drink coffee from a thimble (rough size estimate). In some countries they eat bologna (essentially) for breakfast. Hmmmm? But something I have noticed everywhere is that there are happy people and those who seem not to be. Watch their general response to almost any situation and you will have a good idea of where their head and heart are—glass half full, glass half empty.  My whole life I have been blessed to have wonderful friends who focus on the positive—in nearly all situations—and it is a reflection of their innermost hearts and mindsets. And It’s a joy to be around them. While this concept transcends nationality, I’m happy to report that I’ve seen a LOT of the half full mindsets out here in the world and it restores my optimism about mankind in general.

We’re about to put a twist in our travels. So I cannot wait to seek more truths, be reminded of what matters and to continue observing how others are traveling around the sun. So far I’ve seen a lot of light.