Here we are, 10 days in 2014, and I finally decided to share my word for this year.
FOCUS
This word came to me one night in December as I thought of what I wanted my word to be. In the past I’ve forced a word just to have one, and my success rate with sticking to that word wasn’t really that good. But this one just appeared and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
My kids are growing fast. It’s absolutely crazy. My oldest is three, my youngest is a just over one.
The first year of each of their lives was utter chaos to me. Adjusting to a new normal, then readjusting, while living abroad, and trying to figure out exactly how “I” actually fit into this all was, and continues to be, a challenge. Coming out of this haze in late 2013 means really focusing on thriving in 2014.
So in the spirit of some blogging friends who have made their intentions public, here are some areas I’m going to focus on more and how I’m going to do it.
Focus on Travel…
… focus on Germany: Even before starting this blog I’ve loved traveling to new places, new countries, and other countries. But, this year I want to embrace Germany. There’s a reason we live here. I studied both the language and history in college and I feel like it’s always been an important part of my life. We will still travel outside of this country (it’s just too easy) in 2014, but I want to see a lot more within the ‘schland.
…focus on microadventures: I had the idea before I knew what it was called, so I’m glad I read about it today. For our family this is all about exploration. I want to get more in tune with nature, something we tend to do when on vacation, but don’t do enough when we’re closer to home.
… focus on nature: Whether in or out of Germany, close to home or far away, I want to spend less of our vacation time in big cities and crowded destinations. Yes, we’ll probably take in some big cities because I love them and they exhilarate me, but I’m going to actively seek a slower pace.
… focus on UNESCO: This is something I just thought of before our recent trip to Amsterdam. Before any trip, I want to research the UNESCO World Heritage sites in the area. I’ll learn more about the area and, possibly, add some sites to our list. I’ve always been interested in these things, but I rarely seek it out. While I don’t plan to go out of my way just to check a place off our list, I am more than willing to make a detour for a place that simply interests me.
… focus on transportation: Two things I’m really looking forward to this year involves the journey. I’ve always believed in “the journey is the destination,” but with two little kids the journey is not always fun. This year, though, we have a longer road trip in the works and a long distance train ride. Wish us luck!
… focus on family: All of these ideas, actually, stem from family and connecting. One of the biggest reasons I absolutely love traveling with my family is that I feel like we learn so much about each other. It’s addicting. Kids grow fast – too fast. By shifting our focus in the types of travel we will have this year, I think I can really focus on the family experience. This is what it is all about.
Focus on the website’s three E’s…
… focus on ENCOURAGEMENT: I’m very excited to get to the meat of why I started this blog. Families I know who don’t travel are often discouraged by the logistics of it all. It can be overwhelming to think about. As a former travel agent, I get it. I feel like helping with logistics clears one the biggest hurdles for those families, so you will start to see more practical information and tips around these parts. Also, I really love logistics.
… focus on EXPLORATION: This is something leftover from my travel agent days, too and something I feel can be an obstacle for families. Exploration, when I think about it in terms of microadventures, can happen anywhere. I think microadventures can easily be adjusted to fit anyone’s locale. Along with the anywhere microadventures, I plan to offer specific destination tips for things to consider from the family travel perspective.
… focus on ENGAGEMENT: There’s a lot going on with this word. My favorite travel stories have always been when the traveler connected with other people on their journeys. There are so many interesting people out there, and there is something magical about meeting someone while on a trip who offers insight when needed. I am very shy, so this is hard for me to do, but I try. Additionally, as a mom, I cherish the moments when my kids are engaged in the places we travel to. Whether it’s the people, the sites, the paintings, the scenery, the food, whatever. That’s what makes travel so important. Breaking out of shells and engaging with the place.
… focus on MEMORIES: While not one of my three E’s, memory keeping is one of the main reasons I started this blog. One thing I tend to be really good at, have professional and personal experience in, and can talk about all day long is the logistics, methods, and experiences in travel. And I can not wait to start doing more of that on this website. We’re going to go on several trips this year, and it is so important for me to collect these memories and stories for my kids. For myself. However, memory keeping is hard for me. I’m not a great photographer or storyteller. I don’t have a lot of time. But, I want to do it. I need to do it. I want to inspire other families who travel to do something with their photos and stories, outside of a blog or email or online journal. Make something tangible for their family to hold. I’m going to get pretty crafty in 2014, and I hope you’ll join me.
Along with all those things specified above, I’m bringing more focus into other areas of my life. Here’s to 2014! Have a great weekend.
