January 7, 2022

A very Happy New Year to you!

I genuinely hope that 2022 is already off to a fantastic start. On New Year’s Day, I wrote a social media post that seemed to resonate with many followers and thought I would share it here. 

“I am wishing you a gloriously happy new year. Put all the 2021 s#%* that didn’t work, frustrated you, madden and sadden you in the rearview mirror. Never mind it. It’s done. The past is just that. Live today and look forward to tomorrow. Be grateful for all your blessings. You have more than you think if you take a moment to count them. Each of us is blessed uniquely – embrace it. It has been a tough year for most of us. Though I am sure, there were many shining moments too. Focus on those moments when you reflect and use them as inspiration to charge forward in the coming twelve months. Every day is a gift and an opportunity to begin anew. From my heart to yours, may this year’s dreams and aspirations come true.”

I look forward to spending the following year with you.

P.S. Please share 8 Good Things with your family, friends, and colleagues. 

Resolutions For a Life Worth Living: Attainable Aspirations Inspired by Great Humans of the Past

James Baldwin: have tenderness for how hard it is to be human. Leo Tolstoy: choose kindness. Viktor Frankl: have more music and nature in your life. Walt Whitman: live with absolute aliveness. Toni Morrison: cherish your body. Seneca: vanquish your anxiety. Bertrand Russell: broaden your life as it grows shorter. Well, and enough said, right here. You can read more in this THE MARGINALIAN article.

10 Resolutions for Your Mind, Soul, and Spirit

As we look forward to this coming year, one of the most important things you can do is consciously and consistently feed your mind, body, and soul in ways that positively serve you and others. Some ideas: learn something new, volunteer or help out somewhere needed, commit to personal growth, spend more time with friends, and conversely learn to be alone. For more inspiration, check out this article in DARLING MAGAZINE.

Where People in 17 Countries Find
Meaning in Life

A recent study asked people worldwide what has given meaning to their lives during the pandemic. While the replies varied from country to country, there were some universals. Stay connected to family and friends. Each day, do something meaningful – volunteering, working, exercising. When challenged, lean into something, a source that is greater than yourself. It could be getting out into nature or deepening one’s spirituality. The real takeaway in this GREATER GOOD MAGAZINE article is to find what gives YOU meaning. It is different for everyone. This year, set the intention to find and cultivate your “meaningfully” happy place.

21 Things That Made the World a Better Place in 2021

Despite COVID-19 continuing to dominate the news and our lives, there were bright and monumental moments last year. Renewable energy had a record year. The Oscars had its most diverse year ever. Virtual queues revolutionized waiting. NASA made oxygen on Mars. To name a few, and there are more inspiring 2021 moments in this WIRED article.

10 Greenest Places on Earth — From Jungle Hikes to Waterfall Dips

Green is the color that soothes. It is universally associated with nature, representing growth and renewal. So as you think about traveling this year, consider places that will nourish, perhaps even renew your spirit. Think the rice terraces of Bali, the wine trail in Tuscany, or, if you are truly adventurous, the Congo Basin in Central Africa. Check out this TRAVEL AND LEISURE article for more “green places” to experience in 2022.

7 Ways to Make Traveling More Meaningful in 2022 and Beyond

As an intentional travel designer and guide, I am all about creating meaningful travel experiences. In the wake of the pandemic, travelers are looking to infuse greater purpose and consciousness in the way they travel. Here are a few intentional travel tips on how to do just that. First, slow down, spend more time in one spot. Second, go remote and travel to more secluded places. Think safaris, walking pilgrimages, island getaways. Third, commit to supporting responsible tourism. Fourth, consider your impact on the places you visit. Look for travel providers who take care of their communities, wildlife, and environment. Find out more in this NET-A-PORTER article.

Hopeful Images from 2021

We did, indeed, have some magical moments this past year. This photo of a violin-shaped boat floating in one of Venice’s canals is a favorite of mine. It works for me on so many levels. Its unexpectedness brought on an ear-to-ear smile. I love all the other boats with people watching the musicians play. The happiness and peacefulness that I imagine everyone was feeling at that moment. There are more “happy” images in this article from THE ATLANTIC. Enjoy smiling and feeling light-hearted as you scroll through the pictures.

70 New Year’s Quotes That Will Inspire a Fresh Start for 2022

Well, every new year has to include quotes to motivate and uplift one’s spirit. I consider it encouragement to forge ahead with a hopeful and upbeat mindset. This quote in particular touched me: “Be so busy loving your life that you have no time for hate, regret, or fear.” Wise words from an unknown sage. Get inspired by other pearls of wisdom in this GOOD HOUSEKEEPING article.

Sojourn Getaways

After taking pilgrims three times along the French Way, I am very excited about doing the Camino de Santiago, the Portuguese Way. It is a beautiful alternative, lesser-traveled route to the glorious UNESCO Cathedral in Santiago. We will be following the coast for a good portion of our journey. Our accommodations have been thoughtfully selected, staying in the best hotels and guest houses. Space is limited to ten pilgrims. Four are already booked!

Like a true adventurer, you will experience the wilds of Zambia and Malawi from different perspectives. Mindful bush walks, tranquil canoe outings, exhilarating game drives, all designed to tap into your inner and outer explorer.
 
Special Guest Invitation
Early bird special: $12,450 pp, double occupancy, save $950 until May 31st, 2022 

Photo Op

Happy NEW Year!

This photo reflects the joy and hopes I feel for the coming year.
May you be happy, healthy, and abundant.

Thoughtful

“No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.”
~ Buddha

Stay safe. Stay well.

ABOUT

Every three weeks, we bring you eight big ideas to help you live better.

Each edition selects topics that reflect The Sojourn Experience’s desire to serve the greater good, both inwardly and outwardly. We are a conscious-centered company with three portfolio brands. The first is Picture Happiness, which focuses on the art and science of happiness and mindfulness. The second is Sojourn Explorers, which curates transformational travel experiences to extraordinary places around the globe. Part of the money for each trip goes to nonprofit organizations we support. Sojourn Media looks to create partnerships with writers, producers, and directors to sell their projects to production companies and various platforms.

Special thanks to Astrid Martin, article and video content research, and Michael Tobias, editorial review and formatting, for their ongoing contributions to
8 Good Things.

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