What would have happened if I hadn’t reached out? I would have missed out on some great self-reflection, exploration and in many instances, rejuvenation. More importantly, I would have missed out on being there.
Being there is seeing something new and experiencing the feeling of discovery and connection not just to your surroundings but to everyone around you.
Being there is ditching the Gucci heels after brunch in Manhattan Beach and buying flip flops, followed by bikini shopping with your dear, local girlfriends.
Being there is a morning walk without make up to Urth Caffe with a client from the Ritz Carlton, followed by an hour surf on the beaches of Santa Monica before meeting a magazine editor.
Being there is booking a separate leg from Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh in a few months so you can break bread with your former brother-in-law and give his new wife and adorable baby a loving squeeze.
Being there is meeting a dear, retired friend in NYC (who guided me to lead our AIDS foundation years ago) between next week’s work events and meetings.
Being there is introducing myself at a Latin American Hotel Investment Conference networking cocktail reception in Miami and ending up at dinner for four with the Prime Minister of the Bahamas.
These experiences from this year alone just scratch the surface of what is possible when you open yourself up to engage when you travel. Every trip is an opportunity to learn, engage and explore. What will your next trip look like? Are you just going… or will you be there?