In the past year, I’ve been traveling in search of a tribe, looking to see where my interests and passions fit best, looking for people who get me and trying to find a common idea/goal that has a safe place to grow. Hoping to find all of me fits in one place.  I’ve met some amazing folks along the way  – the travel bloggers at TBEX from around the world, the tweeters in the various twitter chats, the points guys that I can geek out with, the family/lifestyle bloggers and the unbelievable supportive happy people at WDS (World Domination Summit).  There is a whole new world opened to me outside of my hometown and it’s been fun trying to see where my interests lie and whether or not I fully belong in this or that community. A puzzle piece in search of all connections.

Last week, I boarded a plane to Houston on my way to Galveston to attend the Blog Elevated conference (motto of Be Inspired, Be Professional, Be You) of lifestyle and family bloggers.  I met the group on the weekly Tuesday night Twitter chat and they have been so supportive and friendly, I made a last minute decision to go.  For two days, I would attend keynote presentations and breakout sessions to learn more about the blogging world – from a lifestyle/family blogger view.  One keynote speaker, Dayna Steele, of Your Daily Success Tip, told us that we were not “just bloggers” or “just moms” or “just x, y or z” that we needed to get rid of the word “just” and embrace all that we are – don’t diminish yourself and your role.  Last week, I was a traveler, enjoying the journey and meeting new people in new worlds.  I had a talkative (nervous flyer) seatmate on the flight to Houston, I listened for 3 1/2 hours and had this pretty interesting conversation.  My shuttle driver to Galveston told tales of his interesting life and for more than an hour I listened. I thought I was “just a stranger to talk to” but realized that we each have an interesting story to tell whether we travel or not – everyone matters, everyone has a storied history and everyone needs to be seen and heard.

A story to tell…I tell stories of my travels, my dessert obsessions, my encounters, my life’s journey to people I meet on the road, I tell stories to family and friends when I return and I tell stories on this blog to share with you.  We all have stories to tell, we all matter and we all need to listen. How many times are we present to listen, to tell, to be seen and heard?  I’m trying to be better with this – each day trying to get out of my bubble and be present with the world (pity parties serve no purpose).

This past weekend, I had to ignore the advice of last weekend (just this once though as I do believe we are so much more than “just”) and just be “the sister”.  People were coming up to me and saying “you’re the sister”, not “you’re the traveler”.  This weekend, I was able to turn my event planning skills and cupcake obsession into good as I helped plan my sister’s wedding and we celebrated here in Philadelphia.  Happy to be in the background, I was just the sister who suggested a secret gem of a venue, a cool hotel, a Philly LOVE theme, a great restaurant and yummy cupcakes.  None of this mattered though as it was my sister’s day and once the rain cleared, the sun shone just in time for the garden ceremony. A wonderful story to tell and a day to reflect on those not with us.  Happy stories often have tales of sadness interwoven, it makes us reflect on what matters.

Every time I get on a plane, I’m excited for the journey that waits for me – I am a traveler.  When my trip has ended, I’m sad to board the plane home but then as we land I’m excited to be home. This is why the PHL Airport is one of my favorite places – yes, an airport!  Excited for the stories to share and to see my niece (no matter her age) who forgets to say “Welcome Home” but leads with “Where are my presents….sorry, (hugs me) Welcome Home, can I have my gifts now?”  I’ve traveled the world and maybe it’s a bit cliche but my most important tribe is here at home – they may not always get this blogging thing, my need to travel or my points obsession but they are one connection on my puzzle piece – the strongest connection that fits to form a nice picture.