Travel imparts new vigor...

 

Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.

--- Seneca ---

EXTRA EDITION!  I couldn't resist posting another quote this week because... exactly one year ago today, I, along with some of the most important people in my life as well as 100s of students and other new friends, set sail from Nassau to embark upon a journey that brought more life-changing experiences than I ever could have imagined were possible in one voyage. (here's a glimpse of the spirit of the voyage).  One of the things I love most about travel in general is the anticipation -- the knowing that my mind is about to be stretched, my heart about to be touched, my will about to be tested, and my body about to be physically in a new place with different sights, sounds, and smells.  A year ago today I felt that anticipation, and looking back and reflecting still is an exhilarating experience.  I feel like I am still processing and learning from the trips, stories, experiences, and the people that I met.  Having friends (new and old) and loved ones to share that journey with and to re-live those amazing moments was an added bonus for which I am SO thankful.  

I originally saw this quote in a travel magazine years ago - and it has always stuck with me.  I actually cut it out and put it on a collage that I made.  It's been a blessing to be able to have such incredible experiences in life, but it's even more of a blessing to remember that wherever we go - whether near or far - we always have the ability to learn and see things differently.

To IMAGINE is everything...

To know is nothing at all, to imagine is everything.

--- Anatole France Thibault ---

This was the first SPOP quote that I encountered as a staffer at UCI (forest green year).  It set the tone for our spring training and subsequent work in the summer.  Seeing the quote printed on every piece of material, wearing t-shirts with the quote on the back, and hearing it spoken by the coordinators of the program became a tradition to me that ingrained the power of words and understanding.  I particularly enjoyed the emphasis on imagination as a creativity-lover and one who practices 'dreaming' up new ideas.  Coming back to this quote, with a number of years more experience :), and a different understanding of how things work in the world, it is wonderful to see how some of the pieces of our lives in the past fit perfectly together.  I love this quote for what it meant to me back then, and what it now reminds me to see as an educator and life-long learner.

Dreams and.. Imagination

Our dreams are only limited by our lack of ability to imagine.

--- unknown ---

On the flipside of this quote - only what we can imagine, and only what we can dream up can possibly come true.  It's a reminder that some of the best things that have been created are the result of an unlimited imagination.  In some instances, events and circumstances surpass our greatest hopes and dreams, but this quote emphasizes the power of imagination.  Sky's the limit...

Minds are like parachutes...

Minds are like parachutes, they only function when open. 
--- Thomas R. Dewar

I first saw this quote at the Student Parent Orientation Program (SPOP) at UC Irvine that I attended as a freshman, it was the theme for that year.  At the time, I had no idea what I was doing and just signed up for orientation because I thought I might learn something about the college.  Little did I know that participation in this orientation program would be a driving force throughout my college experience and have a huge influence on my later career decisions.  The quote itself reminds me to keep an open mind at all times and know that some of the best things we learn in life often come from unexpected places.  The only way to get to those unexpected places is with an open mind.  Be open to new possibilities today!