Perspective

How many times have I counseled team members about the value of changing your perspective to see things in a new light? Couldn't begin to count them. It's one of the reasons I travel. Every time I come back from a new place I see "home" differently, notice things I didn't before or hadn't thought about in a long time. So I'm not really surprised to be realizing that right now, but I'm noticing it and learning it all over again.

There's the obvious new perspective on this magical place. I've been to San Francisco a dozen times before. I'm not at all surprised that living here has helped me to see it / know it differently. I've always been intrigued by the "slow travel" concept. Inspired by the Slow Food movement, slow travelers believe in longer vacations where you stay put and experience the place like a local, savor it like a good meal. No "if it's Tuesday this must be Belgium" tours for this crowd. Most Americans don't have the luxury and/or don't prioritize vacations like that. If you're intrigued, check out their website at www.slowtrav.com. But I digress.

How different this city is up close. No less charming or beautiful. In a short time I feel like I'm really getting to know the neighborhoods, and their unique character (and characters). I'm finding hidden nooks and crannies, parks & lanes & beaches completely empty of tourists. The Golden Gate Bridge is stunning from the viewpoint on the north side - it's a hell of a photo opp if you can photoshop out all the tourists. But the view of that bridge from my window, with a hawk hanging in an an air current about 30 feet away - now that's something special to behold. The "squiggly" block of Lombard is cute, but it's even more entertaining to sit on the hill leading up to it and watch the tourists burn out their brakes & clutches.

The much more enlightening change of perspective is more personal. The way we've lived since we hit the road is so different than our lives have been for a long time. Not better or worse, but different. Camping out in the spare room of a friend or relative, or even living in a 1-bedroom apartment, really makes you look differently at what stuff is required in your life. Hanging out with our niece the recent college graduate in her first job reminded me what it was like when there was nothing but possibility and adventure ahead, and 10% of what I now earn seemed like a fortune. Living in a place that takes my breath away and makes me smile every day is a constant reminder not to settle for someplace that doesn't.