Beautiful Baggage

Today, we're talking about sound, and its power to transform so many of our experiences. This is a favorite subject of mine because, as some of you know, I spent many years as a https://www.kqed.org/author/smartin (radio reporter and news anchor.) To develop my craft, I had learn use sound to bring life and texture to my stories. In the context of this podcast, which is all about how to bring more life and texture to our lives, I think paying attention to sound can be a tremendously useful tool. In this episode, we discuss how scary or startling sounds, in particular, offer us unique opportunities to connect and grow.      

How do you dress when you fly? For comfort, style, a bit of both . . . or maybe none of the above? There's no right answer to the question, but there are, most certainly, plenty of opinions on the subject. In this episode, we explore the idea that dressing up, just a bit, can transform your experience for the better. Thanks for listening!

Whenever we embark on a new adventure, we often set a number of goals for ourselves. For example, on my next trip to Paris, my goals might include visiting the Louvre, enjoying a jazz club on the Left Bank, and eating at https://maxims-de-paris.com/en/restaurant (Maxim's) (mainly because http://www.criticalcommons.org/Members/kfortmueller/clips/gigi-1958-gigi-dines-at-maxines/view (Gigi )was one of my favorite movies growing up). But what if the https://www.npr.org/2019/05/28/727592823/the-louvre-is-suffocating-museum-closed-as-workers-strike-citing-overcrowding (Louvre staff goes on strike), the jazz performance is sold out, or I forget that, like many French businesses, Maxim's is closed for https://www.frenchaffair.com.au/explore-france/august-holidays (almost the entire month of August)? That's where it helps to have also set a few intentions for the trip. Goals vs. intentionsThere is a lot to say about the difference between goals and intentions, and there are many, many https://wanderlust.com/journal/how-to-set-your-new-year-intentions/ (articles) and https://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Power-Deliberate-Intent-Allowing/dp/1401906966 (books) that explore these concepts further. But succinctly put, goals define what you want to do, whereas intentions define how you want to feel and who you want to be during any given experience. In today's podcast episode, I'll share some of my own examples of setting an intention prior to a trip. For me, the practice enhances the experience in a myriad of ways, from the way I enjoy the local cuisine, to how I handle travel glitches and disappointments. It helps me stay in touch with my true self and my deepest desires (plus it usually helps me lighten up and have a lot more fun). Share your intentions!If you're planning a trip or new adventure, let me and other Beautiful Baggage listeners know what your intentions are by posting to the comment section or dropping me a line on https://www.facebook.com/yourbeautifulbaggage/?modal=admin_todo_tour (Facebook). I'd love to hear from you! [spp-ctabuttons] 

Dining is one of life's great pleasures, but what do you do when you don't have a buddy (or three) available to enjoy the experience with you? Today, we talk about overcoming the fear of dining alone. Cheers!

Don't your friends' Instagram feeds fool you. Every journey we take has less-than-picture-perfect moments, and — sometimes — the truth is, we just want to go home. It may help you to know that even the most seasoned travelers among us get homesick, tired, and even ready to throw in the towel when the road we're traveling gets too bumpy. More about that in https://yourbeautifulbaggage.com/?p=2210&preview=true (today's episode). Further Listeninghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSAoEf1Ib58 (Here) is the "official video" the Beach Boys created for their version of Sloop John B. Worth watching to listen to the song. Sadly, this early attempt at a music video did not include a reenactment of the corn-stealing scene. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmxZ94SLdac (Another version) by the Kingston Trio. And https://thelifecoachschool.com/podcast/107/ (here) is the podcast episode I mentioned. Brooke Castillo, from the Life Coach School Podcast offers advice and suggestions for processing tough times on the road of life. Are You Still Offering Free Coaching Sessions?If you're reading this in the fall of 2019, yes! For a limited time I'm offering free 45-minute coaching sessions to help me meet my certification requirements with the Life Coach School. If you or someone you know would be interested in working with me, please reach out! My email: [email protected] The sessions (via phone) will be available on a limited first-come first-serve basis between September 15 and December 15, 2019. 

What are your favorite travel destinations? I don't know about you, but I find those questions really difficult — if not impossible — to answer in any definitive way. Every place has its charms (and difficulties). And my perspective on all of it changes all the time! But, ok, just for fun — in this podcast, I'm listing the first five countries that came to mind for me today as favorites. Ask me tomorrow, and the list will be completely different. But it's still an interesting exercise, so what the heck! Stay connected through the Beautiful Baggage NewsletterMake sure you never miss an episode by signing up for my weekly newsletter! What's this about free coaching?If you listened to today's episode, you heard my exciting news! I'm in the process of becoming a certified coach so that I can offer one-on-one guidance to people looking for new ways to break out of their comfort zone and live healthier, more vibrant lives. If you or someone you know could use some extra guidance in their quest to step beyond the familiar, gain motivation to exercise/eat well, boost their creativity, etc., please contact me. My email: [email protected] Free coaching sessions (via phone) will be available on a limited first-come first-serve basis between September 15 and December 15, 2019.

We know it intuitively, but sometimes it bears repeating: we feel better when we have something to look forward to. In this episode, I offer a couple of examples from my own life, plus a "homework assignment" designed to get you dreaming and scheming! Further readingMuch has been written about the power of positive anticipation. If you'd like to learn more, here are few links to get you started. https://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/2016/01/19/how-anticipation-can-be-beneficial (This article) explains how learning to delay gratification can help us mentally, physically, and emotionally. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/want-to-stay-strong-as-you-age-find-a-purpose/2017/09/22/afcc6152-9d7b-11e7-8ea1-ed975285475e_story.html?noredirect=on (Here) is a fascinating look at how creating small goals and things to look forward to can protect our minds and bodies as we age. And https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-make-the-most-of-vacation_n_5755b42ae4b0eb20fa0e906d (here's) more evidence that simply planning something fun can make us healthier and happier. Stay connectedI love to hear from listeners and what inspires them to create their own "beautiful baggage"! Please feel free to share with me your questions, comments, and ideas for future shows. You can reach me at [email protected]. And if you're enjoying this podcast, please consider leaving me a 5-star review on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beautiful-baggage/id1474430697 (iTunes). That's the best way to make sure others can find it, too. Thank you!

Ahh, the package tour holiday. There are many upsides and downsides to this popular form of travel (click https://www.tripsavvy.com/tour-group-pros-and-cons-2972999 (here) for a list of both). Over the years, I've taken a number of all-inclusive tours, and, generally speaking, I endorse them for their ease and efficiency. And, as I explain in this episode, traveling with tour groups has helped me better understand the importance of staying fit and healthy — no matter what stage of life you're in. Further readingOnce you've listened, you might want to know more about climbing the Great Wall of China (something I highly recommend doing — or at least trying!). http://www.wildgreatwall.com/14-things-you-should-know-before-visiting-great-wall-china/ (Here) is an article with some useful information about the wall's many wonders and challenges! 

It's normal to crave the comforts of home when we're traveling somewhere for the first time (or the umpteenth time, for that matter!). But should we indulge those desires? Today, I explain why caving into our desire for the familiar can be a good thing, especially if it keeps us on track to keep learning and growing. Mead, music, and merrimentAre you curious about the palace outside of London referenced in this episode? It's called http://www.hatfield-house.co.uk/ (Hatfield House), and you might recognize it from a number of feature films (most recently https://www.movie-locations.com/movies/f/Favourite-2018.php (The Favourite)). The medieval-style banquet I attended many years ago was in the banqueting hall of the https://www.elizabethi.org/contents/palaces/hatfieldpalace.html (Old Palace of Hatfield). From what I can tell, the hall is (sadly) no longer hosting touristy banquets on a regular basis, I'm guessing because there's a lot more money to be made from hosting https://vimeo.com/201722950 (weddings) and corporate functions there. But if you want to experience something similar to what I describe, there are plenty of other opportunities throughout the U.K, such as https://www.wintoncastle.co.uk/corporate-events/scottish-castle-experience/ (this), https://www.cardiffcastle.com/welsh-banquets/ (this), and (holy tourist trap, Batman!) https://www.medievalbanquet.com (this). Let's connect!I'm slowly building a community of https://www.facebook.com/yourbeautifulbaggage/?modal=admin_todo_tour (Facebook), https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemartintaylor/?hl=en (Instagram), and https://twitter.com/SMartinTaylor (Twitter) followers so that we can connect and share our "beautiful baggage"! Come "like", join, or get the conversation going with a question for this small, but growing tribe! And don't forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter (find the link on the homepage). That way, you never miss an episode. Thank you, and happy travels!

Today we're talking about role models — people who have overcome obstacles to make the world better and more beautiful. They're important because they can inspire us to do the same in our own lives, in ways large and small. You can find role models anywhere, but I believe there's something especially magical about discovering them while you're on a trip. Personally, I've discovered (and rediscovered) many wonderful mentors and guides in art museums, historic homes, national and state parks . . . the list goes on! As you listen to this episode, and the story of how I "met" one of my favorite role models, be thinking about where you've encountered people from the past who've changed your life for the better. And if this hasn't happened to you yet, no worries! Simply start by exploring places in your own community for ideas and inspiration, or plan a journey farther afield to visit a specific site. As for me, I'm currently planning a local field trip https://www.nps.gov/rori/index.htm (here.)Further readingIf you'd like to learn more about Eleanor Roosevelt (mentioned in the episode audio), here are links to two of her homes, plus the FDR Library and Museum: https://www.nps.gov/hofr/index.htm (Springwood) (this was Hyde Park, NY home she shared with her husband) https://www.nps.gov/elro/index.htm (Val-Kill,) (this was her beloved private cottage, just down the road from Springwood) https://www.fdrlibrary.org/hours (Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum) Also, here's a link to some of her most most inspiring quotes (if you have a personal favorite, drop me a line and let me know!): https://www.goalcast.com/2017/04/25/top-eleanor-roosevelt-quotes-inspire-greatness/ (https://www.goalcast.com/2017/04/25/top-eleanor-roosevelt-quotes-inspire-greatness/) Stay connectedThis show is designed to support you as you collect your own "beautiful baggage"! I'd love to hear what you're thinking about, your questions, and your ideas for future shows. My contact email is [email protected]. And if you're enjoying this podcast and think other people would too, please consider leaving me a 5-star review on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beautiful-baggage/id1474430697 (iTunes). That's the best way to make sure others can find it. Thanks again, and happy travels. [spp-tweet tweet=""]