NextTribe | Jeannie's Monthly Journal

Hanging on to that “Oh My God” Feeling

At age 64, I feel like I’ve seen a lot. I bet you feel that way too—at least some of the time. The danger is that this attitude can lead to jadedness, and that’s the last thing I ever want in my life.

So, it was very refreshing this past weekend to know that I can still be blown away by something I had never experienced before—something I never even heard of.

I was out in Colorado with friends skiing and visiting my youngest son, when he told us about an event in Leadville, where he once lived. It’s called Skijoring—and only happens once a year there.

Here’s how it works: the town puts down snow on its main street, adds some jumps and obstacles. Then horses run at full gallop down the street, dragging a skier, who must make the jumps and clear the tests.

Both sides of the street were packed. My group—friends and son—found a place where we could climb up onto a window ledge and get a great view of the race.

As you can tell from the video below (watch with the sound on), I went crazy with excitement as I filmed one of the first runs of the day. One of my friends said she counted 12 “Oh my Gods.”

I hope to never lose the ability to be wowed; I want to nurture awe and wonder even as I grow older and have experienced even more. Life is more fun when you’re open to surprises and astonishment.

Nurture Your Sense of Awe

If you too want to keep relishing the marvels you encounter in the world, I invite you to an online “playshop” this coming Sunday, March 9th. The two women running it will show you how to nurture this part of yourself. They are the same two women who will be leading our fabulous trip to the Greek Island of Hydra in October, where wonder and awe is the theme of our adventure.

How Many “Hometowns” Do You Have?

I feel like I have many hometowns. By that I mean, cities I’ve lived in that still have my heart and I still feel completely at home in.

• Kingsport, TN (where I was born and raised)

• Austin, TX (where I spent almost 30 years of my life)

• San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (where I lived for 4 years when my kids were young)

• New York City (where I lived 10 years after college and 18 months after my divorce)

• Asheville, NC (my current base)

I’m very proud of all these cities, so I guess it’s natural for me to want to show them off. NextTribe trips to three of the five cities above still have openings—so I’d love to meet you in one of them and hear all about YOUR hometown(s).

Photo Fun

You may have heard that we’re hosting an online session for taking better travel photos. Here’s another reason—besides a more drool-worthy social feed: Later this year, we’ll be running a photo contest among those who have traveled with us. The winner will get a very nice prize, which we’ll share with you later.

BUT…you’ll want to step up your photo game, for sure. RSVP for the free photo session here.

Hope to see you down the road…

Jeannie Ralston, CEO and Co-Founder

P.S. Want to know what kind of women travel with us? Check out this video I made that explains it all.

Upcoming Trip Previews

Join us on the following dates to learn more about each of these trips we’ve carefully planned for you. You’ll be eligible to win a discount on each trip just for attending.

Tuesday, March 4th TOMORROW! Perfect Seattle Weekend RSVP here.

Sunday, March 9th: A Taste of Wonder in Hydra, Greece RSVP here.

Tuesday, March 11th: Olive Harvest and Truffle Hunting in Umbria RSVP here. 

Wednesday, March 12th: Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende RSVP here.

Tuesday, March 25th: Fall in Florence and Tuscany RSVP here.

Wednesday, March 26th: Paris Neighborhood Tour RSVP here.

Tuesday, April 8th: Santa Fe RSVP here.