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As avid travelers, one thing we have in common, is our love in learning about different cultures. We may not understand the language, but we do communicate through our gestures, eye contact and body language.
Allow me to confirm what is unique to us all as baby boomers, from the African coast to the magical shores of Dubai , all families share the same goals – to live an honorable life and to instill in their children respect for all people, a good education and the hope that they will grow up and continue their legacy.
We all have hope and dreams for our children and family. Yes, we all face daily challenges and struggles that set us back, but in the end, when the goal is reached we look back and realize it is the process of the reach rather than attaining the goal itself which gives us joy!
During this Christmas and holiday season, as baby boomers we get more in giving than in receiving. I would like to take this one step further, in practicing the art of giving anonymously; not just in sending funds to your favorite charity, and of course please continue to do this – but to give “little things” directly to the person you realize may be in need.
As avid travelers some things to be considered:
Give a a greater tip to your taxi cab driver
Place a tip on the card that in most hotel rooms, the name of the maid that cleaned your room
The concierge, waiter and any other service personnel that assisted you in your travels
The Salvation Army bell ringer – usually outside the grocery store entrance
Many of us will be home for the holidays, and this season what endeared me most was a young couple whose credit card did not work at the grocery store – right before Thanksgiving Day. They asked the cashier to hold their things in the cart, as they would have to return home to retrieve another card. I was right behind them, and as they left I quietly told the cashier I would pay – and not to say anything. I do not know if they returned or not – and that does not really matter. What matters is the immense joy I felt that giving from the heart to someone I thought was in need.
All such “little” acts of giving and kindness will be emulated and duplicated, bringing sunshine to many lives in need.
Have a Blessed Christmas and Holiday Season! Wishing you an exciting 2015 as you plan your next travel adventures!
Happy Travels!
December 21, 2022
