The Power of Reflection
The urge in January is to go forward. But to do so, I'm learning, it's important to look back too.
Words of Wisdom
“ Look for what is good and you will find it.”— Anne Perry
What a year it has been. Are you feeling it too? Like you’ve been running a sprint since January 2023 with no clear sign of where the finish line might appear? I only recently realized just how fast I’ve been moving due in large part to the outside forces that conspired to send me clues: My knees ( a story for another day) and my inbox.
I collect Aeroplan miles and about a week ago they sent me my stats for the year. I’ve travelled more than 70,000 miles with them this year which is only a part of my total flying time. Still, it’s a total, they say, that is equivalent to circling the globe three times. I feel like I did it on foot.
This year’s highlight reel is an impressive one. I’ve spent more time on the continent of Africa than ever before with emotionally powerful stops in new-to-me destinations that included Botswana, Senegal and The Gambia.
I completed my quest to visit every province and territory in Canada. (It was a dream my mom put in place when I was a kid and it stuck.) I went to places I hadn’t heard of before (Guana Island) and found new stories in places I’ve been many times (New York city, Maryland,Bermuda, New Orleans…). And the lessons learned in all of them are still rolling out through my stories and appearances.
Speaking of which: What an honour to share my stories in incredible publications like Conde Nast Traveler, Travel +Leisure, Afar, National Geographic, The Globe and Mail and The Toronto Star. And who would’ve ever thought I’d be a regular on television shows like The Social and CHCH Morning Live for so many years, or appear as a guest judge on HGTV’s hit show Renovation Resort (It’s available in a bunch of spots including Apple TV) ? What a year.
It is a tremendous privilege to do the job that I do. I don’t take it lightly. There are choices I have made in my life to make this travel fantasy possible. (Buh bye legal career.) But there are also aspects of my good fortune that have nothing to do with me. My parents chose the country of my birth. People fought long before I got here for freedoms I currently enjoy. No one is bombing my country. I don’t struggle to find clean water or good food. I try not to take that for granted.
My travels have taught me that the world is cruel and unfair and beautiful and kind. And we do ourselves (and each other) little favour when we fail to reflect on and learn from all of it.
That’s what I’ve been doing this week and below you’ll find some of the stories and appearances that taught me something this year, as well as some of the places I hope to bring you to in 2024.
In the meantime, I wish you a 2024 that brings joy, love, peace and moments that make you smile, even when things are hard. And I hope your 2023 taught you the lessons that help to make that happen.
Happy new year to you all,
Heather
Lessons I learned (and shared) in 2023:
What it feels like to love in transition: That family trip that ended with sending my firstborn off to university and the empty nester-moon that proved I’d learned my lesson by the time my second son left home.
That I’m willing to share everything I learn. Even if it puts you to sleep.
That you don’t have to stray far from home to find fantastic travel opportunities.
That there will always be opportunities to find some new spots for fantastic getaways.
Where you’ll find me in 2024!
2024 is already gearing up to be an incredible year of travel. You can be sure that this year I’ll be sharing stories that inspire, educate and entertain. Here are just a few of the spots already on my calendar.
[If you are an editor looking for new stories from any of these spots, ping me (all my contact info is below). I’ve got some great ideas and itineraries lined up!]
January: Minneapolis, Minnesota, New York City, NY
February: Antarctica
March: Portugal
May: Montana
June: Newfoundland
If you enjoyed this newsletter, don’t forget to share it on social media or forward it to a friend!
And we’d love to hear from you too. Message us on the social media platform of your choice and let us know what travel question we can answer for you!
Instagram: @byheathergd
Facebook: Heather Greenwood Davis
Twitter: @ByHeatherGD
TikTok: @byheathergd
LinkedIn: Heather Greenwood Davis
Website: www.heathergreenwooddavis.com
Blog: GlobetrottingMama
What a life you lead, Heather! ✨️ Sending you my very best for a safe & successful 2024 .
Wishing you the same! Determined to make the most of life. Happy new year!