“A ship in harbor is safe but that is not what ships are built for.” - John A. Shedd
There was a moment during this time off from traveling and writing when I thought about closing up shop and doing something different. I’ve been consistently traveling for about three years now and working at this blogging endeavor for a little over a year. I’ve spent a lot of my savings without much return on investment at this point.
While I was back in the U.S. for the holidays and to do my taxes (thank you to my accountant, Chris) two teams contacted me about jobs in my former profession of professional sports. I started to get confused about my path and direction. I’m not going to lie, the opportunities were tempting. It would be so easy to give up what I’m doing and go back to my comfort zone and a job that provides the safety and security of a steady paycheck, health insurance, and working on some amazing events. Not to mention working around professional athletes who are the best of the best - which is inspirational in its own right.
The presentation of these two opportunities took me on a trip down memory lane. I got nostalgic and started looking at some old photos of my more “youthful” years. I reflected on how fortunate I am to have been able to work behind the scenes on some amazing events with some of the most talented people in the industry, and to have such an enjoyable career.
In an effort to make a solid decision that is best for me, I wrote out the pros and cons, and spoke with a couple of people in my “Cabinet” to bounce my thoughts off of and get some feedback. The person who provided me with the most honest guidance was my dad, Bob.
He asked me, “Do you believe in yourself and what you are trying to accomplish?” I said, “I do.” And while most parents, usually operating out of their own fears, would advise their kid to play it safe, take the job, and reestablish stability, his response was, “Well then, go for broke. Give it all you’ve got and don’t give up until you can’t take one more step. I’ll be here if it doesn’t work out.” At that moment I felt his love and his belief in me and my abilities. I also felt empowered.
Everyone needs a Bob in their life.
Many of my days were filled with catching up over lunches and dinners with friends and family whom I hadn’t seen for about a year. Most mornings I spent at one of my favorite places in Kansas City, The Jewish Community Center, working out and hearing the latest KC news with some of my biggest supporters - the ladies in Water Aerobics and yoga, the folks I volunteered with in Rocky Steady Boxing, and the guys at the coffee nook. They all welcomed me back with big hugs, high-fives, smiles, and “We are happy to see you” comments. I felt the love. It also reminded me that I need to start giving myself more of that unconditional love. The J is such a great community and I'm lucky to have found these guys - I’ve written about them in a previous post.
I took a great deal of time thinking about why I started this blog and company in the first place. It wasn’t to share the Top 10 things to do in whichever city or country I visited. I don’t need or want to reinvent the wheel - you can Google that information for yourself. Nor was it to influence all of you to hit the road and follow my footsteps around the world and repeat my journey - you have your own journey to discover and follow. My goal was and still is to share stories about the people I meet, the history I learn, and the experiences I have along my travels. My hope is that when you read each post, it touches your heart, creates awareness, makes you laugh from time to time, and uplifts you to want to be a better person, friend, parent, partner, co-worker, neighbor, and/or citizen in your own community, etc. I want to showcase the beauty in the world and hopefully reduce some of the fears, prejudices, and stereotypes that we have about the people and places that are different from our own. This still is my goal.
This is a long-winded post, so here’s a little something for your time. Since I consider these blog posts, digit postcards, how about receiving a real postcard? Become a paid subscriber, gift a subscription, or like and share this post, and one lucky winner will receive a postcard from my next destination. Details: Kari my helper will pick the winner (to keep it fair) on March 6th, 5 p.m. ET and we will contact the winner via email for a mailing address.
During this downtime I spent a ton of time reflecting on myself and where I need and want to grow. I'm very focused and driven to move my life forward and close the doors to things that are no longer meant for me so I can walk through the doors that lead me further down my path. I spent many hours (and a ton of cash - the most important investment we can make is in ourselves) with my therapist facing my fears and healing old wounds and my inner child so I can embody all of the characteristics I described above and continue taking steps in the direction I want to go.
Every day I want to be a better friend, partner, and human to myself and everyone I encounter so I can do a better job of connecting and communicating, not only through my writing but in my daily interactions.
As JFK said, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” I want to be the rising tide.
I've heard that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results. I can see where I've been looping in many areas of my life. I know I need to make some changes if I’m going to live the life of my dreams. Because, if you do what you always did, you’re going to get what you always got.
So while I’ll still be traveling and writing, I'm going to be doing things a little differently - even if it pushes me outside my comfort zone. I'm still figuring out exactly what that will look like but a few things have started to develop - like a new business plan, custom-made logo and a website that is being built as I type. Life is about baby steps.
As Reese Witherspoon said, “I kept showing up and betting on myself, because I am my own best lottery ticket.”
So I’m writing this update to let you know, I’m going for it. I’m betting on myself. I'm committed to my writing and making my business successful. I'm passionate. I'm excited. Or as we would say in Brooklyn, “I’m all in.”
Since deciding to fully commit to my company and its growth, the Universe has opened its arms to me and shared with me mentors and opportunities to figure out the next steps.
My friend Adam, author of Wander the Road, builder of my new website, guru of all things tech, and creator of cool stickers for outdoorsy people, connected me to two authors who have published books as well as provided amazing technical support for my new endeavors.
First, I spoke with Kim Dinan who wrote a wonderful book, The Yellow Envelope, about leaving her 9 to 5 job to travel the world. Kim gave me great insight as to the ins and outs of working with a publisher. She shared what worked and what she would have done differently. This is information that you can only gain by doing and I’m so thankful she shared it with me. Plus, her book is well-written and an enjoyable read, check it out - the link is above.
Next, I spoke with Monica Ortega who self-published The Power of Pivoting, a book about embracing change to create the life you love. She provided profound insight into the world of self-publishing as well as shared her own story of pivoting from hosting a travel show to keynote speaker and mother of a cute little boy. I’m definitely at a pivot point in my own life and she couldn’t have been more encouraging. You can follow her journey on Instagram or hire her to speak at your next event.
Finally, the Universe opened my eyes to someone I already knew but did not know what they did for a living. Fran, a woman from my morning swim class at The J. One day after class we were talking about life and details about my next trip when I said I was trying to figure out the next steps for my business. She said, “That’s what I do. I help women develop their businesses.” I had no idea she did this but I was thrilled she shared this info. I had heard she had a law degree (which she does) and assumed she was a lawyer (which she was). Currently, she owns her own business Angels with Fran, and has a popular YouTube channel. She is a “Spiritual Transformation Coach and Mentor, specializing in helping women design and live their first-class life.” Well, sign me up! I want to live my first-class life. Fran has given me invaluable advice and encouragement on how to grow my business to the next level. I’m listening closely to her guidance.
Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely road but Adam and these wonderful, encouraging women have made me feel connected again to something bigger than myself. I cannot thank them enough for sharing their knowledge, guidance, encouragement, and personal stories with me. They have opened my eyes to what is possible and inspired me to get focused and creative.
I’m excited about the new projects (to be shared later) and I have a newfound enthusiasm about what I can bring to the table. And even if I fail financially and publicly, it will have been worth it to connect with each of you and share my worldly experiences and zest for life…even if only for a brief moment in time.
Do I envision myself writing a blog for the rest of my life? No. But I do hope this is the first step of many on this journey into the unknown of a new career, life, relationships, and an improved Emily. I’ve already seen and learned so much about myself, life, and the world we live in and I want to keep going. I wouldn't trade this time or experience for anything - even the security of a steady paycheck and good health insurance. I loved my career in sports and entertainment but I know that for now, I need to see what I’m capable of and push myself out of the safe harbor. I’ve had the time of my life and I hope with each passing year it (and I) gets better and better.
So if I have any advice to share from what I’ve learned over the last two months, it’s to believe in yourself, your path, and to get yourself a Bob. Someone who reflects back to you all the goodness you have to offer this crazy world and who will be there to pick you up if you fall flat on your face.
I’m about to board a flight to a new destination so stay tuned for the next adventure…and I’ll send one (maybe two) of you a postcard!
Much love & gratitude from the Kansas City airport (it’s new and beautiful and if you can visit, it’s worth the flight)! 🇺🇸 Namaste 🙏
To see more photos and videos from my adventures, follow me on social media. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Pinterest, or connect with me on LinkedIn.
My “fortune” from a Chinese meal a few days ago. I feel like this is more of an encouragement cookie than a fortune cookie…but it’s still what I needed to hear.
Huzzah! I'm filled with anticipation to know where you are off to next!
Whatever you do or wherever you go I wish you ‘Happy Trails’.