The Gift of Travel

The genesis for The Gift of Travel originated during an overseas trip I took with my wife and daughter in 2016. Because of this journey, I learned to look at travel and daily living through the lenses of mindfulness, gratefulness, and compassion. These attributes added immense value to our experience. Throughout our Holiday, I reflected on many art forms and places visited. By mindfully immersing myself in these opportunities, I was deeply thankful for how noted artists, writers, scholars, and others from years past communed with me centuries later. Indeed, their works allowed me to explore many aspects of my life experiences, thereby, enriching my personal and spiritual development. I also learned that connecting with the past enables us to intensify our appreciation for the present. However, it's imperative not to enslave ourselves to life's adversities; otherwise, we won't flourish as individuals. Counterbalancing our trials and tribulations with special tender, loving moments of our lives is essential. In short, this book is part travel memoir and part autobiography. Perhaps it may be referred to as a "Travelagraphy." How's that for combining writing genres! When writing about my experiences, journaling became a close, dear friend, enabling me to contemplate discoveries about myself, while simultaneously integrating memories of the places we visited, people we met, and the love and laughter I shared with my wife and daughter. These memories continue to nourish our growth as a family and remind me that we're all members of one family. For this, I'm eternally grateful!