Always Be a Tourist

Just because your trip must eventually come to an end doesn’t mean your curiosity has to.  When you return home remember to protect your curiosity and "inner tourist." Constantly be on the look out for new things to see and do. 

I used to marvel at how people living in New York seldom took the time to glance up at some 100-year old building, or appreciate its elaborate architecture. Appreciating our surroundings also diminishes our ability to take things for granted. A skill very much worth honing.  

Pass on Your Passion

Last night, I accompanied a close friend to a dinner being held in her honor. The host was a kind, thoughtful, and very accomplished physician but I spent much of the evening speaking with her husband, a retired architect. 

He knew a lot about a lot, particularly on the topics of art, literature, and cooking. He was like a schoolboy as he elegantly danced between each topic. What inspired me most was his fierce love of creativity. "You HAVE to have passion," he told me.

He was tireless when speaking about architecture, food, and paintings and made me realize if you really love something you must do so completely and without apology. He protected and nourished his passion and in doing inspired me to do the same. 

It doesn't matter how old you are. What matters is finding something you enjoy and constantly building upon it.