Dr. Carol McGowan shares her experience of immersing herself in local culture during an overseas trip. She emphasises the importance of openness, presence, and willingness to participate in creating meaningful connections. The post highlights how personal choices and attitudes shape our experiences, encouraging readers to reflect on their approach to new situations and connections.
Before embarking on my recent overseas holiday, I confided in my friend that I longed for an authentic experience, not the well-trodden path of city sights and bustling tourist hotspots, but a genuine taste of everyday life from a local’s perspective. I wanted to “mix in,” and my friend ensured I got exactly what I asked for.
Throughout my stay, every activity was deliberately chosen to reflect what locals genuinely do. I found myself:
Staying at my friend’s ranch, with a whole floor to myself.
Celebrating Canada Day at their lakeside cabin.
Enjoying a country music singer at a cozy, local venue mainly known to residents.
Attending a rodeo and meeting my friend’s circle of friends.
Mingling at the fortnightly community patio party.
Experiencing cowboy church.
Attending the Calgary Stampede with an all-access companion pass, thanks to my friend’s annual involvement as a volunteer.
And all these adventures have come before we even set off on our anticipated two-week road trip!
What stood out wasn’t the uniqueness of each activity, but the unwavering generosity and openness of the people I met. As an introvert, meeting new people can be daunting, but from the very first encounter, I was embraced with warmth and sincerity.
Conversations flowed easily, and the sense of inclusiveness was palpable. It reminded me that meaningful connections don’t require extroversion—just presence, openness, and a willingness to participate.
Although I’ve visited this country several times and always encountered kindness, this trip felt different. What changed? I believe it’s the way I chose to show up—permitting myself to be more open and present. By doing so, every moment became richer and every interaction more rewarding.
After several days, I expressed to my friend how much I was enjoying myself. She smiled and said, ‘That’s great.’ Reflecting on this, I realised that whether or not I enjoy my experiences is primarily up to me. My attitude, openness to new situations, and willingness to accept or decline invitations all shape my journey.
In these two weeks, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each new experience, each so different from anything I’ve known before. This adventure reinforced a lesson I often discuss with my clients—the power of choice.
Whether we flourish or feel left out is largely determined by the choices we make:
Do we say “yes” to new opportunities, or do we hesitate and retreat?
What mindset do we bring to unfamiliar situations?
How do we respond to the hand extended in welcome?
How well do you mix in when faced with something new?
What factors make it easier or harder for you to embrace new experiences?
When was the last time you chose openness over comfort, and how did it turn out for you?
How do your choices shape your connections with others?
I’d love to hear your stories and reflections on “mixing in” and the impact it’s had on your journey.
Contact me today to begin a conversation on how I can help you live a full and flourishing life
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