When you travel, or when you’re in a new place, you are 100% responsible for your day. You determine if you’re going to get up and explore or sit in your room for the day. It’s exciting and empowering. You have the same control in your normal day but you feel the intensity a lot more. I love the excitement of being somewhere new. A new challenge every day… a new opportunity. Each person you meet has the possibility of being a new friend or business connection. It feels way more exciting than at home and that is what I’m trying to change!

I got home and settled into the idea that I would stay put. I had to put my travels on hold and build my life here – for now.  I challenged myself to wake up every day with this idea of tackling the day as if it were a new city.  Okay, so I will miss the bus, plane, train or rental car – but I believe I can explore my city in a new way!

It can be simple. Going to a local market. Going to a new restaurant. Even walking down the street and looking at it with new eyes! One of my first outings after I settled in was a walk to CVS. It’s funny because never in a million years would I ever walk to CVS here. We don’t walk… we drive EVERYWHERE.  It’s about a 4 mile walk round trip. Not a big deal, except for the fact that it’s an uncommon thing to do.

I actually loved it. The idea is keeping active. Being outside. Walking to places that are not terribly far. Taking another look at the things you pass every day.   I saw the most magnificent trees. There were this majestic shade of green. Some may say there is nothing special about them, but when I was traveling, the beauty of nature was something I admired in most places. Why can’t we see our home, our country, the same way?

I challenge you to see your city with new eyes!

Here are some ideas:

• Saturday Morning Market in St. Pete
• Gulfport Art Walk
• Stroll on the Tampa River Walk
• Check out our local Brewery’s
• Downtown St. Pete – Beach Drive or Central Avenue
• Fort de Soto Beach
• Thai Temple (Wat Mongkolratanaram)
• Ybor City – Whisky tastings, Cigar Rolling, delicious food and plenty of libations!
• Cheese Please!