do you have a soul place?
I discovered mine when I was 9 years old, and it changed the trajectory of my life.
Happy Thursday!
Coming to you right now from a Coach USA Bus. If you’ve followed me over the past week, you know I’ve been using public transport as my workspace. (Who knew planes, trains, and buses could spark so much inspiration?)
Currently, I’m heading home from the airport after 8 days in Spain. As always, the return trip is bittersweet. Yes, I’m very excited to see my husband, family, and friends… but I’m also sad to say adios to Spain.
Because as many of you know, I’ve got a thing for Spain.
It started when I was nine and traveled to Spain with my parents to visit my brother who was studying in Madrid.
Two things happened on that trip:
I fell in love with Madrid, somewhere along Gran Vía or maybe it was Retiro Park. I loved everything I saw, and decided then and there that I’d be back when I was in college to study just like my brother.
I also fell in love with… shoes. This happened when my dad and I strolled down a Granada street that was absolutely full of shoe stores. Window after window of shoes… heaven. I ended up getting a pair of cowboy boots. 🤠
From my first trip at age 9 to my 19th trip a few days ago, I’m more convinced than ever that Spain is my Soul Place.
Simply put, a Soul Place is where your soul feels most at home.
Maybe you know your way around a new city, even though you’ve never been before.
Maybe you return to the same village in Mexico year after year.
Maybe you’ve got a bucket list destination like London or Paris or Montreal… that you can’t stop thinking about.
Could be your Soul Place.
And… maybe you’re even living in your Soul Place now!
Click here to learn the telltale signs that show you’ve found your Soul Place.
And, if you’re so inclined, share your Soul Place in the comments!
At any rate, it turns out that the notion of a Soul Place is What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week.
The concept of a Soul Place is kind of deep, I get it.
But, it’s an interesting one for sure…
because it reminds us of
the importance of pursuing the places, people,
and experiences
that resonate with us
on a soul level.
The problem is…
we sometimes get so caught up in the crazy of everyday life
that we put those pursuits on hold.
But the truth is,
following the pull - towards places, people, and things that resonate with us - can actually change everything.
Your assignment this week is to think about what’s calling you.
And go after it.
Deal?
With that, let’s get to this week’s links - travel tips, pics from Spain, great recipes, wellness info, podcasts, a movie that brought me to tears, and a few surprises that I think you’ll particuarly dig.
Smart Packing. You guys. When will I learn? I think I hit rock bottom this last trip, which was a short one, yet I still took my passenger-on-the-Titanic sized chest. You have my word that next trip will be different, and I’ll provide a packing video for you all for accountability. Stay tuned. In the meantime, I’m watching packing videos like this one, advice from TV traveler Samantha Brown, and I’m even resorting to a PDF checklist.
Presenting my travel companion,“The Green Beast.”
Tapas & other delicious food memories: Including…paella from paella’s birthplace (Valencia), calamari (anywhere, anytime), so many tomatoes, Spanish salads, patatas bravas, artichoke tapas, croquetas, and my favorite candy, Lacasitas.
My love for Spanish food is unapologetic. In case you’re thinking of moving abroad: (I’ve heard a few people talking about this idea lately…) From tax information to practical moving advice to the best easiest places to move in Europe for expats, there’s tons of info on the topic.
Preventing colds: Because somehow I got seated next to every sneezing traveler on the planet. Planning to make one of these immunity boosting soups or this smoothie bowl.
Novel concept: Being green for the sake of being green - not for marketing purposes. (As in, an authentic desire to help the planet and not just being green because it’s trendy.) This is how the Parador El Saler described their sustainability plan for their golf course and parador. They are sincere in their efforts and it shows. If you’re looking for a unique golf & spa experience in Valencia, check Parador El Saler out!
Recycled golf balls? Genius!
