Two long flights, 11 states, four venues, and more than 1800 miles of foliage, what a wonderful trip! We have been to more specular vistas and experienced more excitement, but this trip was deeper than many other travels we’ve done.
Most of us are a little weird. Well, maybe you’re not, but the rest of us are. Our trip combined visits with some of our dearest relatives and a reunion with some high-achieving friends who are transitioning into new adventures. Almost everyone we spent time with had deep skills and profound knowledge in fields where we are novices.
Connections with Relatives
At each stop, people were transparent enough to admit imperfections. Our bonds grew stronger because of our willingness to share what we had learned the very hard way.
Another good feature of this circuit was that in each venue, people were comfortable enough to share some of what had benefited them. A few of the others will probably follow up and explore a book, movie, or restaurant that was recommended during the conversations.
In too many interactions in the rest of my life, I see either posing – acting as if the idea was outstanding or indifference – as if nothing of value could be offered by “that person.” Instead, I was impressed and blessed by good folks who offered their “pretty good” to the rest of us.
Reunion with Transitioning Friends
At the middle of our trip, we got together with a special group of friends. We are all in the process of moving from success to significance. We were part of a cohort that went through the HalfTime Fellows Program together.
All of us were 20 years older than 20 years ago. Some of us showed our age more than others. Yet because several of us had lost important people since our last meeting, we were more focused on retaining and enhancing our existing relationships. There is no guarantee of mortal life tomorrow.
All of us left enhanced, encouraged, reassured, supported, and wiser.
My bride and I have not developed superhuman communication skills in the last few months. In other words, we are not the cause of respectful candor and genuine courtesy with people and places we enjoyed. More likely the people we shared time with are more mature, not simply older, but closer to content, and comfortable in their own skin.
Maybe most of your relationships are authentic enough that this blog seems dull. Or maybe people around you always answer, “How are you?” with “Fine,” even when you know they are distressed, harassed, or swamped.
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In your last trip or adventure, what did you encounter that is worth imitating?
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Terry Moore, CCIM, is the author of Building Legacy Wealth: How to Build Wealth and Live a Life Worth Imitating. Read his “Welcome to My Blog.”
Thank you for this post, Terry. I, too, just returned from 9 days away. Mine were enjoyed in Michigan where the fall colors were at peak, where the weather was always changing, and where the conversations were as rich as you experienced. It was a sweet time with loved ones.