VACATIONS TEACH LIFE AND BUSINESS LESSONS TOO, RIGHT?!

My Great Grandma (on my Dad’s side), Ellen Maria Harkness, was a first-generation immigrant to the US from Ireland. Thanks to my Grandma Benson (my Dad’s Mom), we grew up with lots of stories, food, traditions, and slang from our Irish heritage. My DNA test places my ethnicity as 51% Irish/Scottish (the Harkness’ immigrated to Ireland from Scotland in the 1600’s). Interestingly enough, the highest of all of my siblings, by a long shot. Visiting Ireland and connecting with those roots has always been on my bucket list.?2023 was the year thanks to my friend Chris Patch from Suite Experiences , and what better time to visit than St. Patrick’s Day?!

The experience did not disappoint! Ireland and its warm-hearted people strangely, and instantly felt like home to me! Ireland easily goes down in my top 3 all-time international destinations!?

There is so much more to see and do in Ireland. I will go back, without a doubt. Only next time, I’ll return as an Irish Citizen!?You see…?I found out something super cool while there.?If you have documented Irish heritage, Ireland will grant you citizenship, regardless of your place of birth.?Their museums even have family history centers where experts will help you trace your Irish heritage and apply for citizenship on the spot!?Honestly, I never imagined I’d hold some sort of dual citizenship in my lifetime, but I am super excited for it!

Okay, so what are my key takeaways from this little walkabout?

1.????Invest in relationships! - In the end, relationship capital is the most fulfilling form of currency available. Every time I travel with a group, I walk away a better person by getting to know other leaders on a deeper level. Shout out to all my new homies and homegirls that went on this Ireland trip with us! Lane Critchfield , Matthew Mitton , Cynthia DeJong , Amy Mayberry !

2.????Invest in yourself! – Time to disconnect from the grind is an absolute must. Your body, mind, and spirit need a break, a change in routine, and new adventures to recharge and refocus!

3.????Get out and explore the world! – Every time I explore an international destination, my worldview and admiration for the human race is expanded, my faith in human kind is bolstered, my appreciate for the human condition and empathy towards others develops further, my paradigms are further dispelled with more constructive ideas, and I grow as a person.

4.????Challenge yourself! – Growth only comes when we get outside of our comfort zone. International travels present never-ending opportunities for stretching ourselves. Like me driving for 4 days on the left side of the road for the first time in my life! NGL, it was challenging at first, but I got the hang of it and am so glad I braved the process and forced myself to grow.

5.????Connect to your roots! – The experience can be life-altering and empowering!

6.????Don’t travel internationally and go lock yourself up in an all-inclusive resort or stick to your same patterns/behaviors. You can do that here in the US.?Go explore, have adventures, meet new people, go to new places, do new things. You’ll be a better human for the experiences and growth that you have!

In my experience, there are few things in life that can simultaneously provide so much fulfillment and growth opportunity in a short time frame as can international travel. So… get out and do something new, preferably with some new people!

#travel #personaldevelopment #leadershipdevelopment