When did you last travel? On a train, bus, plane, maybe by car… and you had the opportunity to talk to strangers, learn something new, have some experiences ‘off the tourist track’? Maybe you have some travel – for work or holidays – coming up soon?
One of the recurring themes I notice as I connect with people from many different cultures is the confidence to connect is often greater when traveling. People cite many reasons for this, such as ‘you learn more’ and it’s easier to talk to strangers because you’ll probably never see them again. We might be ok with making mistakes if no-one at home will know :)
I’ve also discovered that you’re in a different mindset when you travel. At home you’re in routine, and your brain is more in autopilot mode, conserving energy to do what you need to do. When you’re in a new environment, you’re more switched on to what’s going on around you. If you’re looking forward to things, anticpating, you’re on alert and will see friendly faces, opportunities to connect and ask questions, you’ll be more curious about the world around you. It’s not so ‘taken for granted’ as your everyday environment.
However if you travel a lot for work, you can fall into habits again, keeping your headphones on, looking down at your phone, and missing the world of possibilities around you. So I’ve been thinking about sharing more encouragement to Talk To Strangers – and this new book was born. Quite suddenly. I realised that I could get this book out of my head and into reality in time for the HR Summit in Singapore where I was speaking 3 weeks later, so it was all on! A very focused few weeks and a reminder to myself of how I ‘make good things happen’.
What are the good things you want to make happen? Does it involve traveling? Kindness, Connection, Encouragement? I’m sure whatever your goals and dreams are, they’re worthwhile, and they’re do-able!
If you think a signed copy of DO Talk To Strangers Travel Toolkit might cheer you and others on – get your copies here!
I hope to see you somewhere soon for a chat! In the meantime, please feel free to message here on the site, or on social media!
Have an awesome week, and Do Talk To Strangers :) You could unlock a world of possibilities!
Cheering you on,
Kerrie
