Photo: Jasmine Brett Stringer
As we move forward in the post-COVID-19 world, my travel schedule was the last thing to take off (yes, the pun is intended). After reacquainting myself with life on the road, I took some time to evaluate how it was going. I soon realized that something essential was missing: genuine connection.
While I certainly connected with audiences through my speaking engagements, I found myself missing the chance to strengthen relationships with friends, family and colleagues through personal interactions. At the close of 2023, I decided that in 2024, whenever I found myself in a city where I have connections, I would make a concerted effort to schedule time with them. This meant moving beyond the last-minute texts or calls of, “I’m in your city tomorrow. Let me know if you can grab dinner or breakfast.” Now I am planful and intentional with reaching out before a trip.
This shift toward intentional connection while traveling has been transformative. It has allowed me to reconnect with people I haven’t seen in over four years, filled with moments of laughter—which I firmly believe is good for the soul and keeps one young at heart. Surprisingly, it has also allowed me to revisit and celebrate the progress of shared hopes, aspirations and plans with those I’ve dreamed alongside over the years.
For your next trip, I encourage you to be intentional about connecting in person with a friend, family member or colleague. It could profoundly enrich your travels.
Jasmine Brett Stringer is the founder of Carpe Diem with Jasmine. Find her on Instagram at @carpediemjbs.
