The speaker at a recent monthly Arizona Yacht Club meeting was a young man who told his story of trying to sail around the world. Bradley Cladianos is a club member who joined about five years ago. He started his saga by sharing a tale from his first club meeting, where he met another new member. At 90, the older newcomer shared his regret for never achieving his goal to sail around the world. That brief conversation inspired young Bradley to achieve, not regret, his goal.
In the past five years he learned to sail then headed out … with not much more than a goal … to circumnavigate the globe on a boat. His stories were compelling. He isn’t done, yet, but he still has that goal in mind. He is determined to see it to the end. His enthusiasm is contagious.
His animated tales reminded me why I started my plan to see the world from A to Z. When I started my plan, I, too, had little more than a goal. In fact, my nearly empty wallet came close to putting an end to my dream … but I found a way to keep going. Covid proved to be insurmountable and I had to push my annual “alphabet trip” back twice, but this year I’m back with a vengeance. I’m doubling up, going back to get to “S” and “T” with one epic trip.
Next year, I’ll double up again so I can get back on schedule. The original plan was 26 letters/countries in 26 years and I am more determined than ever to make it happen. I’m too close to the end to quit now.
Bradley’s presentation reinvigorated my wanderlust, for which I am truly grateful. It reminded me to embrace enthusiasm and relish the joy of the daredevil goals of the young. Travel makes me feel young and curious and alive and I am thrilled for the reminder.
There’s a whole world out there just waiting to be explored. Keep reminding yourself why you set out to see it!
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The World A to Z 