By Ann Beck – Summer! Vacations, long weekends, sun and fun! This summer it seems as if everyone is finally “on the move” after the years of being unable to go and do. My husband and I are also taking a few trips, and I was thinking about all of the fellow travelers along the way.

Recently I came across a great chapter in a book by Karen Casey, 20 Things I Know for Sure: Principles for Cultivating a Peaceful Life. She describes her fellow travelers as everyone with whom she has had an encounter along her, now, long life. While some persons on her journey   caused great stress and consternation, many, including those frustrating folks, taught her life lessons that have enabled her to evolve and become the person she is today. That made me consider my own life journey and the travelers I have met along the way.

My first summer out of high school, I drove by myself to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to visit my grandfather. Quite the daring trip in the early 1970’s, but along the way I met the lovely and gracious gas station owner in Oklahoma who checked my car and assured me that all was well. I want you to know that I drove from Illinois on $20 for gas! (those were the days….). On my first trip around the world with my friends, I met so many helpful and genuinely nice people from different cultures. It was an eye-opener and opened doors to subsequent career and volunteer opportunities. Since then, even when not on a trip, I look at every person I encounter as a fellow life traveler. Interesting concept!

Some questions to ponder as you go and do this summer:

Who are the people in your life that have influenced you the most? Even if it was a negative experience, what did you learn about yourself? About them?

How did those experiences impact where you are today and what perspectives you embody?

Are you open to continue being aware of your fellow travelers in life? And not just on vacation!

How do you conduct yourself on your journey? Are you a positive traveler, ready to assist, open to new and exciting opportunities? Or are you fearful to take those first steps and get out of your comfort zone?

Be bold! Go on a trip, take a long weekend, jump in a pool or lake, enjoy the fresh strawberries. Everyone is ready to teach you more about yourself and more about your great adventure. Enjoy!