Here I sit on the 9th deck of the floating city known as the Carnival Valor, still somewhat in awe of the Caribbean sunset to my right and thankful for the opportunity to have experienced this week. I’ve seen the unforgettable intense beauty of Isla Roatan, snorkeled above thriving barrier reefs on the Cayman coast, kayaked through the luscious rainforests of Belize, navigated the jungles of Cozumel Island on an ATV, and now I have begun my journey home to a city just as beautiful. (More than one of my fellow travelers has commented that I don’t have to travel far to enjoy another vacation, and they are right. How we forget the wonders in our own backyard because they are so familiar.)
Aside from the adventures and amazing sights, I also love to travel because it provokes me to think. The alternating periods of intense experiences and quiet downtimes provide me with an overload of inputs to process and then the time to digest them all. Add in a book or two, and I have a unique stew brewing in my mind.
Several months ago, I stumbled upon Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing, on Twitter and began following him because of his insights on faith, leadership, and business. He wrote frequently about a recently released book, The Noticer, and I eagerly read it a few weeks ago. Enjoying it, I recalled another book by the same author as I hurriedly purchased a few books on my Kindle in the cruise terminal in Miami before departing. Tonight I read The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success by Andy Andrews.
As the story of David Ponder’s life begins, I quickly realize that his journey is not about traveling in the traditional sense, but about traveling through time to meet with history’s most effective leaders – often at a critical moment in their lives. Each leader shares their insights, inspirations, and a written “gift” for Ponder to accept. The real treasure is that each of us can accept these gifts as well.
If you’re looking for some motivation or inspiration, discover The Traveler’s Gift. Woven into this creative story are seven powerful principles that will challenge you to reach your fullest potential on your life’s journey.
(Photo notes: Taken on July 23 in the rainforests of Bacab Eco Park just north of Belize City, Belize, from my kayak)
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