You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth

I ran across this magazine while on a typical night of perusing Barnes & Noble. Those nights are ones for me that I want and need to feel inspired and that all things are possible. Book stores are my favorite for that. The night I spotted AFAR was typical visit for me. I intend on walking in and picking up the latest business book or novel but then my body instinctually turns; The magazine or book travel section. I’m not sure why I try to deny my biggest passion or why in my head I say to myself “Dammnit Diane- can’t you be normal and just go get some other book?!” Perhaps it’s because I always end up finding myself standing there with a magazine open like AFAR and feeling completely alive and excited in a way that nothing else feels to me and then a bit peeved at myself for not yet figuring out a way to make a living in the travel world. Hmmm. Guess it’s time to put it all out there and stop denying myself.

Watch this video. Every single word these guys say I agree with, have thought about and preached a million times over. Yes, I have just contacted them asking them if I can scrub their toilets, or be their coffee runner. Anything I can do to get my foot in that door. I’m not afraid to do whatever it takes.

Dear Greg and Joe,

Someone once told me that a perfect way to find out what you’re really passionate about or would be great at for work is to listen to conversations around you at a cocktail party or outing. When you overhear someone talking about a certain subject from clear across the room that makes you not only want to leave the conversation you’re in, but knock over the hors d’ oeuvres table or an old lady, just to get in that conversation- perhaps that’s your “thing.” For me? Yep- my thing is travel. I literally got up from a business meeting (maybe this is a bad thing to tell you? Hey- I’m being honest) I was in last week that was completely boring me and lasting too long, because I heard the owners of the little coffee shop we were in- talking about their home country I spent a month in this year; Argentina. I couldn’t help myself. I just couldn’t wait to talk to them (Mom, Dad, grown daughter and her husband all working together) about chimichuri and Iguazu Falls among other incredible things I was lucky enough to experience in their country. 30 minutes later I had to force myself out the door to go back to my “real” work day. I could’ve stayed there and talked for hours with them, but promised a return visit soon. I can’t wait.

Since my return from the first big trip I took 16 years ago, my mother has always said; “You never came back the same.” She was right. How could I have? I haven’t stopped traveling since. 

So guys- I’m for hire and I get it like you do. That “place” where travel takes you and that everyone should be lucky enough to experience. I love promoting and spreading that message. How about giving someone just like you a chance? 

Thanks. Congrats on the magazine and your amazing company. I look forward to hearing from you 🙂