Beautiful Baggage

Today we’re talking about role models — people who have overcome obstacles to make the world better and more beautiful.  They’re important because they can inspire us to do the same in our own lives, in ways large and small.

You can find role models anywhere, but I believe there’s something especially magical about discovering them while you’re on a trip. Personally, I’ve discovered (and rediscovered) many wonderful mentors and guides in art museums, historic homes, national and state parks . . . the list goes on!

As you listen to this episode, and the story of how I “met” one of my favorite role models, be thinking about where you’ve encountered people from the past who’ve changed your life for the better. And if this hasn’t happened to you yet, no worries! Simply start by exploring places in your own community for ideas and inspiration, or plan a journey farther afield to visit a specific site. As for me, I’m currently planning a local field trip here.

Further reading

If you’d like to learn more about Eleanor Roosevelt (mentioned in the episode audio), here are links to two of her homes, plus the FDR Library and Museum:

* Springwood (this was Hyde Park, NY home she shared with her husband)

* Val-Kill, (this was her beloved private cottage, just down the road from Springwood)

* Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

Also, here’s a link to some of her most most inspiring quotes (if you have a personal favorite, drop me a line and let me know!):

* https://www.goalcast.com/2017/04/25/top-eleanor-roosevelt-quotes-inspire-greatness/

Stay connected

This show is designed to support you as you collect your own “beautiful baggage”!  I’d love to hear what you’re thinking about, your questions, and your ideas for future shows. My contact email is [email protected].

And if you’re enjoying this podcast and think other people would too, please consider leaving me a 5-star review on iTunes. That’s the best way to make sure others can find it. Thanks again, and happy travels.

Today, we’re exploring another key element of my Beautiful Baggage mission, which is to help you enjoy the moment wherever your sense of adventure takes you. There are many tools and techniques for doing that (which we’ll talk about in future episodes), but let’s begin by asking this question: “What makes a great adventure?”

Having your own set of answers is important, because they serve as signposts to look for whenever you’re exploring something new. Those signposts help keep you in the present moment, maximize your enjoyment, and can ease some of the discomfort that often comes up when things don’t go as planned!

Spoiler alert!

In this episode, I talk about my very first vacation and share one of its greatest surprises (a random encounter with a very famous person!).

As promised, I’m sharing a few links about why he was in the area and what he and his family were up to:

* Here’s the horseback riding photo, courtesy of the National Archives!

* He also went fishing.

* Here are some detailed notes from the trip. Strangely, no mention of the little girl who waved at him from the road. Perhaps that info is still classified?!

* He still loves national parks, and the feeling seems to be mutual. 2016, he became an honorary national park ranger!

Stay connected

This show is designed to support you as you collect your own “beautiful baggage”!  I’d love to hear what you’re thinking about, your questions, and your ideas for future shows. Feel free to drop me a line at [email protected].

And if you’re enjoying this podcast and think other people would too, please consider leaving me a 5-star review on iTunes. That’s the best way to make sure others can find it. Many thanks, and happy travels.

In Episode 2, we looked back to our past adventures for inspiration. In this episode, we’re going to look forward — way forward for some of you! — and consider the value of traveling solo. I've been traveling alone since I was 19 years old, and while, yes, I definitely agree that there are risks involved (for women, especially), there are also countless rewards. Today, I talk about three of the major benefits I discovered when I began traveling "toute seule" in France!

Further readingWant more inspiration? Here are a few links to articles written especially for female solo travelers:

http://Ten one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine 10 question one, tell me about a study you've read that's relevant to the goals of beautiful package. So recently I read, um, a study that said, it's all about the power of anticipation. It was really interesting. It said that people who it's a study out of Cornell people who and who are, I think the gist of it is that people who anticipate a trip or who play, who are, who are in the process of planning a trip are happier than those who, um, and more optimistic than those who are, uh, than those who aren't in the process of planning. And that's true. Even if they never take the trip, which got really, really, um, [inaudible] so amazing. It really speaks to the power of anticipation. Um, I see this with all the time. Um, not only with myself but with my mom who is in her seventies and still to this day, she's always loved planning trips. And to this day I just see how it, it just gives her an extra spark. It gives her an extra, a lift to be planning for something in the future, even though it's sometimes uncertain because she's got some health issues and particularly like knee issues that, you know, they're, it's always uncertain these days, whether she will actually be able to follow through on the trips that she's taking. But, um, but she just loves the plan and, and so far, knock on wood, she's been able to do it, but, uh, she, it, I just see what it does for her mood and for her, um, state of mind to always be planning. She gets really into making itineraries even when she, these days, most of the time she's going on group trips, like packaged tours or you know, things with, uh, that are already planned out, but she goes even many steps further and she makes an itinerary, uh, to wrap around that itinerary and plans like little extra side excursions and, uh, it gets very detailed about where she wants to go, um, and, and, and does extra research around the trip. Um, so she's learning and, um, and almost like taking a graduate school course primed prior to taking the trips that she's, um, you know, it's just a very expansive frame of mind to be in. And I find it the same way for us. Like when, when, um, my husband and I, uh, come back from a trip, first thing we always want to do is plan where we want to go next. And it just helps to have something to look forward to, something to, um, to dream about and to anticipate. Um, and I think that's a pretty universal experience. So today I just want to challenge you with a few questions. Um, are you planning any kind of trip or adventure or excursion? And when I say that I say that very broadly, I don't mean, um, necessarily going overseas or even to another, another state or city, but are you planning any kind of, um, excursion, um, that that gets you out of your comfort zone? Um, if not, I want to challenge you to start thinking about it. Pick something. Um, it don't, you don't have to book the plane ticket or book the train ticket or whatever it is. You don't have to book anything. But I, um, I, I've challenged you number one to, to, uh, first of all, look at your budget, look what's possible. Um, that's always, and also your schedule. Um, and um, try to think about like, ways to overcome those obstacles. You know, where with what you've got. Could you go and, um, number two and when would be a good time? Um, even if it's more...

Grab a shovel!

Today, we're learning to excavate our past adventures.  Remember this quote (from Episode 1)?:

"Some of us have great runways already built for us. If you have one, take off. But if you don't have one, realize it is your responsibility to grab a shovel ...”

And now, we start digging! In the process, I'll bet you can uncover some valuable gems from your past adventures buried under the dust of time.

Further reading

If you've already listened to the "Learning to Excavate" episode, here is a link to an interesting article related to my upcoming "field trip"!

And, if you want to learn more about me and the Beautiful Baggage podcast, please explore my website: yourbeautifulbaggage.com.

Ways to stay connected

On my website, you can sign up for my weekly newsletter so that you never miss an episode. I also invite you to be part of my communities on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

In the meantime, thanks for joining me for this second episode of Beautiful Baggage. It's the first of what I expect to be many lessons about learning to excavate. Looking forward to seeing you on the next podcast. Happy digging!

Stephanie

Welcome to the Adventure! | Episode 1

Hello and welcome to my brand new podcast, all about the amazing benefits of travel and adventure!

In this brief introduction to the podcast, I talk about:

* Why I believe cultivating a sense of adventure is critical to our personal development

* My background as a traveler, journalist, and cultivator of new experiences

* How repeatedly pushing myself out of my comfort zone has changed my life for the better

* Why listening to this podcast can help you collect your own “beautiful baggage”, making you healthier, more emotionally resilient, more creative, and more joyful

So, if you’re along for the ride (and I hope you are!), please bookmark my website: yourbeautifulbaggage.com.

From there, you can sign up for my weekly newsletter so that you never miss an episode. I also invite you to be part of my communities on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Looking forward to exploring the benefits of travel adventure with you!

Stephanie

Welcome to Beautiful Baggage: Confidence, Wellness, and Wisdom through Travel and Everyday Adventure!

Practicing my selfie stick skills in Bangkok 

Hello beautiful travelers! This podcast is all about the amazing, often life-changing benefits of travel. It also explores the benefits of learning to live our everyday lives with a greater sense of wonder and adventure. These benefits include:

* Better health

* Greater confidence

* Enhanced creativity

* And so much more!

So first, a bit about me! My name is Stephanie Martin Taylor. I'm a seasoned traveler and a former radio and television news anchor and reporter. Now, I'm your guide on this new podcast journey!

Every Thursday, I'll share my stories, tips, and tools to inspire you collect your own "beautiful baggage".

Want to learn more about what that means?  Come explore my website: yourbeautifulbaggage.com!

While you're there, I invite you to stay connected by signing up for my weekly newsletter. You can also join me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates and resources.

As you'll learn, I believe travel is one of the best personal development tools out there. Lessons I've learned through travel (especially traveling solo in my late teens and early 20's) have helped me eat and exercise more mindfully, overcome shyness, and enhance my overall quality of life. Listen to my show to learn how!

I also believe you don't have to leave home to cultivate an adventurous spirit. For instance, in my many years working for local broadcast news outlets, I've learned that there are countless wonders to uncover right in your own backyard. The trick is to find the motivation to start digging. And good news — that's what this podcast is all about!

So, does that sound like fun? I hope so! I'm thrilled you're here and look forward to traveling this road with you.

Thank you, and I'll see you on the next episode of Beautiful Baggage!

Stephanie