Several times over the past few weeks, I have been asked if recent world events have made me hesitant to travel. The U.S. State Department issued a warning last week through STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) urging caution in response to increased terrorist threats. It is something that I think about every time I go to work and unfortunately for all of us, something that crosses our minds whenever we go into a movie theater, step into a school, shop in the mall, board a plane, enter the highway, see a football game or concert - the list goes on. As far as I know, we only get one pass through this world and I want to soak in as much as I can. Among you, my friends, are adventurers with a shared wanderlust. I'm jealous of your travels while at the same time grateful for my own. Also among you, my friends, are home-bodies and parents of young children who feel safer closer to home. I understand you, too. Whatever camp you belong to - and trust me, I have a foot planted firmly in both - I hope that we are motivated more by our personal choices and less by fear. Personally, I believe that when it is our time, it is our time. We don't know what is around the next corner. It's part of the thrill of living an authentic life. For my part, I would rather meet my destiny toasting the sun as it sinks into the Aegean than cowering in my basement panic room with a false sense of security as the asteroid hits my house. I just had an amazing trip through Switzerland and I can't imagine being bullied into staying at home. With so many bullets flying through the air, it may seem like the safest place to be is with our heads in the sand. That can only leave us exposed and vulnerable. Instead, be cautious, be aware and be informed. So to answer the question: Yes, I do hesitate and I do give it more thought. But with so much to experience "out there" I have to weigh the risks with the rewards. I will continue to travel. And I will always be relieved to return to the safety of my home.
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