SNAPSHOTS: Detroit
WHAT ARE SNAPSHOTS?
10 years ago I attended the World Domination Summit hosted by Chris Guillbeau in Portland, OR. This conference definitely sparked something in me had me asking myself - if I could truly create ANYTHING I wanted for my life and my career, what would I want it to look like? It was there I was first introduced to trailblazers like Danielle LaPorte, Neil Pasricha, and Niall Doherty - entrepreneur, avid traveler and author of the awesome eBiz Facts newsletter.
After signing up for Niall’s email list, I began reading the “momentos” he also sent out - short clips, diary entry style that were a snapshot into his life on the road, his musings, his thoughts and his discoveries. I loved reading these momentos, and I still do 10 years later. Niall - if you ever read this - thanks for inspiring me to write my own “snapshots” for this trip!!
So here’s the first edition of SNAPSHOTS. Diary-entry style blurbs that capture snapshots of my experience of this year on the road.
7/3/21: Had a going away picnic with a collection of new and old friends from my last 8 years in Baltimore. We circled up, shared insights from the last year, ran from the rain, ate, danced and laughed. At the end of the night I looked around the living room and thought - wow - that sense of community I’ve craved for the past 34 years - this is it.
7/10/21: First day on the road!! Christyn and Genevieve were there to see me off. I didn’t notice the ribbons they’d tied around my side view mirror until I left. After I drove around the corner I pulled off to the side of the road and prayed. Blue! (my car’s name) it’s gonna be you and me this year. I promise to take care of you and be present when I drive. Thank you for your support in getting me to my destinations safely.
7/11/21: After staying in Ohio at an AirBNB for the night I got stuck pulling out of their driveway in the back of the house. I thought I could make a 3 point turn and drive out headfirst and I couldn’t. I sat in the car, anxiety building as I had a yoga class in 15 min, screamed F*CKKKKKKK and thought - breathe Gina. Go knock on the door and ask for help.
7/12/21: So good to see Kate!! We went to Ima, a delicious ramen place in Detroit and I saw a stock photo of a succulent on the front door. The same exact photo I’ve used in branding images on my website for the past 2 years. Thanks for the sign universe. I know I’m right where I need to be!
7/13/21: Had taco dinner tonight with my hosts Emily & Stefan. Feeling so grateful to have landed in their house, for how crazy welcoming they are, for their friendly greyhounds, deliciously comfortable bed and gorgeous garden in the back. Only thing I could have done without is the pepper Emily gave me today and said - oh it’s not that spicy, take a bite. My face melted. LOL.
7/15/21: Woke up feeling funky today. Didn’t sleep well. Feeling scattered and ungrounded. Took the day writing up new affirmations to tape on the wall, put up my vision board, and surround myself with things that felt like HOME. Spent much of the day reflecting on what my intentions really are for this year. It’s hard to do things that don’t feel “productive” but it’s so necessary.
7/16/21: Liana called yesterday and sent a ridiculously adorable video of Luci walking around naked, singing a song and playing a banjo. I got teary eyed thinking I’m not there to see it. Excited to squeeze everyone when I come home for Halloween.
7/17/21: Went to the Flowers for Dreams event yesterday by myself. Walked in, got a beer, wandered around, and thought - well, what the hell do I do now? Felt awkward being there by myself. Eventually just hung out at the outskirts and two girls struck up a conversation with me. Heard all about their experience in Detroit, ventures into real estate investing, and plans for the future. If I had been there with a friend I probably never would have heard their stories. If awkwardness is the price to pay for that, I’ll gladly pay it.
7/18/21: Stefan took me kayaking this morning near the University. It had been raining for the past few days so the current was going a little faster than expected. After hauling the kayaks and cramping my fingers we got to the river that was racing a little faster than expected. We almost got swept away and ended our outing a little early. Pulled a “conversation starter” card this morning that said: “What are the things you want to remember? What are the things you want to forget?” Which one is this?? LOL.
7/22/21: Went for a bike ride with Emily and some of her friends and neighbors. On the bike I borrowed, no matter how hard I pedaled, I felt like it was hard to catch up. Had that old subconscious thought pop up of - you don’t belong here… no one wants you around… no one would miss you if left. Took a deep breath and watched it melt away. Grabbed custard on the way home and had a great time.
7/24/21: Spent all day with Kate at the Gaelic Irish Festival and Gaelic league later that night. Met all her brothers and sisters. Talked about the importance of traditions, connections to history and ancestors, and community. Everyone at the Gaelic league had known each other for decades. The Gaelic League felt like a place you’d stop in for warm stew on a cold night when traveling across the country in the 1900s.
7/27/21: Recorded my first podcast interview with Kate today!!!!! Her mom & brother knocked on the window when we were in the middle of it, guess I’ll get to practice editing LOL! Feeling crazy grateful for the friendships that are continuing to blossom in my life.
7/30/21: My back, neck and shoulders have been frozen for a week now. It’s been frustrating to feel fine health wise and be so immobile. When Stefan got home from work he saw me and was like… I guess this calls for more Twilight! Guess if I’m going to be couch bound, it’s nice to be able to watch some guilty pleasure TV with good company.
Thanks Detroit fam!
Next stops… Madison, WI & St. Paul, MN