Dreams of a young woman before “life” gets in the way.
Is it possible to revisit those dreams and make them happen?

Who are the “they” that determine we should live in a particular way?
Do we have choices or are we controlled by society’s dictates?

For many, my way of life is exciting, but one line that keeps appearing in my e-mails is:
“But I could never do it.” Fear is the reason cited….even more often than finances. At that point I look out my window and see the lake and the mountains (here in Patzcuaro, Mexico) or the gorgeous terraced rice fields in Bali or the beach in Thailand or the stately Maasai warriors herding cattle in their striking red wraps in Tanzania. I think how lucky I am and wonder what it is that makes people fear the unknown. Stepping outside the known brings joy and discovery and extraordinary interactions into my life. What keeps people from exploring and experiencing new things? Can the fear be overcome so that life can be enriched?

I have a quote on Starbucks Cup #31:  Risk taking, trust, and serendipity are key ingredients of joy. Without risk, nothing new ever happens; without trust, fear creeps in; without serendipity, there are no surprises.   Not everyone agrees. What do you think?

Taking off as I did to do my own thing has troubled many people who feel the job of a mother is to be available….forever. My kids were 22 and 23 and out of the house when I left. Should I have stayed around for their crises and remained for the grandchildren? Is it true that women’s family obligations prevent them from exploring their own dreams? Do most women live through their children? Is there another way?

When people ask me for travel advice, I sometimes say, “Smile a lot and talk to strangers.” Any comments?

I talk in the book about learning how to receive. Most of us are taught to be generous and helpful, to give to the needy, and to reach out when we see a need. It feels good to give. But we are not taught how to receive. Unless we are willing to say yes and accept favors, we are not giving others the chance to feel the pride and warmth and sense of self that comes with giving. There is a Favor Bank. We make deposits every time we do a favor….but unless we accept favors as well, we are preventing others from making their deposits. What do you think?

Many people think they have to wait until the kids are grown before they can travel. I did. But travel is one of the best gifts you can give your kids. Knowing there are other ways of life, interacting with other cultures is the best education for life. I meet many families who have settled into other countries with their kids. I think it’s a wonderful present.

If I were king, I would decree a fifth year in high school in which every kid is dropped into a developing country for a year. No assignments. Just live. I think it would change the world. The slogan would be, Drop kids, not bombs. (That’s not in the book!)

I talk in the book about SERVAS, an organization throughout the world of hosts who want international travelers as guests in their homes and travelers who want to be those guests. No money is exchanged and everyone is screened. It’s a fabulous way to travel. It’s like having friends all over the world. Check it out.  www.usservas.org

Have a good meeting and eat a brownie for me.