This is my first attempt to write about my experiences from the lens of world traveler and curious citizen of the world. It is so interesting to see the world through awake eyes. I think often it is easy to set life on autopilot and just “call it in.” When you commit to being fully alive, the world transforms at your glance. The sights and sounds and tastes and experiences are all somehow richer and more vibrant. Don’t get me wrong, its less easy than it sounds. You don’t just flip the switch and then master the art of being alive. When you are vulnerable and open yourself up to the full experience, you don’t get to be selective. You are really opening yourself up to both sides of the coin – pleasure and pain – joy and sorrow – love and rejection. Turning on the aliveness switch mean you invite the full experience in. I am here to tell you, its so worth it!
I have been in Key West the last few days. I came down solo to celebrate my birthday. It occurred to me that while its not a far-flung global destination – the fact that I came here by myself to a place that is arguably all about couples and groups and parties – was a great test trip for how I will travel regularly. I am not unfamiliar with Key West, having been here several times. But this was my first time alone – and I am not gonna lie, I was a bit nervous.
I wrote a while back in my coaching blog about the whole concept of “you are what you consume.” This is the idea that not only the things we eat, but the things we see and hear, the people we surround ourselves with, even the things we allow our minds to say to ourselves all affect how we show up in the world, how high our vibe is and what kind of mindset we have. What I noticed really quickly on this trip is that when you pay attention to what you are consuming and develop a higher vibe, that energy not only benefits you, but reflects back onto those you encounter as well. I immediately noticed how easy it was to get a smile out of someone, to strike up a conversation and make a friend out of a stranger. I found I was randomly and magically included in adventures and fun activities that I could never have actually planned for in a million years. People will naturally respond to the energy you put out there. If you want a positive experience, be a positive person.
I felt magnetic and powerful. It was a heady experience to walk down the street literally feeling like I was throwing a megawatt smile out there – and people were noticing. And not for nothing, but as a 52 year old woman, I relished the positive attention I was getting. That feeling of magnetism and charm and sexiness just kept circulating from me and to me, just building on itself more and more. Pretty amazing! And when that happened, its like I immediately forgot I was even there by myself. I was actually among hundreds of new friends.
I drank shots and posed for Instagram with a 25 year old who shares my birthday. I was a music groupie with two outstanding humans who are Key West regulars – brothers who make time to rendezvous with each other whenever they can. I was clearly sprinkled with miracle dust by a VERY fun man (who is almost half my age) because he got me out on the dance floor where he made me look like a pro (I do NOT dance lol). I shared drinks and stories with a group of four 75-year-old women who have known each other since elementary school. They travel together every year, and I am so grateful their destination was Key West this time – they shared fabulous stories. While at dinner, I met a fascinating couple from South Africa (he is a famous big game hunter) who invited me for a sail. I walked confidently down the middle of Duval Street with a group of new friends wearing nothing more than a set of pasties (there *IS* a large festival here this weekend, its not like I was the only one lol). And it appears I took a selfie with a man dressed as a huge taco. My life is now complete!
This trial run of “living out loud” was a huge success in my mind. I am now positive I can go anywhere in the world and have similar magical experiences. I cannot wait!
My list of faves this trip:
Chef’s tasting menu at Little Pearl – if this place isn’t on the fast track to a Michelin Star then I don’t know what is!
Breakfast and people watching on the veranda at La Grignote
Live music at Smokin Tuna – especially Caffeine Carl and the Buzz
Cuban Coffee and the Key Wester breakfast sandwich (go for the mojo pork version!) at Cuban Coffee Queen
Nick Walker – wherever you can catch him play! (He is based in Nashville, but is in KW often)
Casa 325 is a great little boutique hotel if you want to be right in the middle of the action – but not necessarily feel like you are when you want to sleep!
The house band at Durty Harrys. They were KICKIN it!